Honourary Englishman: Ricky Ponting, Dinesh Karthik engage in hilarious commentary box banter in 5th Ashes Test

By India Today Sports Desk: Dinesh Karthik’s commentary stint in the UK ever since he made his debut behind the mic in 2021. The veteran India wicketkeeper’s inputs to the game and his knowledge of having played cricket recently have helped him in his job. Karthik has managed to add humor to his commentary, becoming a popular broadcaster in England.

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On Day 4 of the 5th Ashes Test, Dinesh Karthik went ahead and sledged Ricky Ponting, who was part of the broadcasting panel. A clip of Ricky Ponting’s run-out from the famous 5th Test of the 2009 Ashes series in England. A highlight reel of Ponting’s run-out from the 5th Test at The Oval was played. Ponting, who was batting on 66 and was involved in a 127-run partnership for the 3rd wicket with Michael Hussey, was run-out at the striker’s end by a young Stuart Broad. Michael Hussey’s quick call for a single proved detrimental as Ponting was well short of the crease at the striker’s end.

Stuart Broad’s effort changed the momentum in favour of England as Australia slipped from 217 for 2 to get bowled out for 348. Australia were set a steep target of 546 runs. It was Broad who set up England’s push toward a series-clinching victory as he had picked up 5 wickets in the first innings to bowl out Australia for 160.

After Stuart Broad announced his retirement from Test cricket at the end of action on Day 3 of the 5th Ashes 2023 Test, Karthik tried to tease Ponting with the famous run-out and the Australian legend, who had Mark Taylor for company in the commentary box, gave it back.

KARTHIK SLEDGES PONTING

“The two Australian commentators here are going gaga over how well Australia are going. Here is a moment though, that happened a few Ashes ago. Ricky Ponting and Michael Hussey had put on a partnership of 127 before this happened. What happened after that, I think it is best Ricky explains. They lost the Test and the Ashes post that,” Karthik said.

Karthik was referring to Australia’s strong start in their chase of 384 as Usman Khawaja and David Warner added 136 runs for the opening wicket and went to Stumps unbeaten on a rain-affected day in London.

PONTING GIVES IT BACK

Ponting hit back, saying Karthik has done enough to seal another year of contract with the official broadcasters of England cricket while Taylor also joined in the fun.

“Gee have a bit of that, there you go. Dinesh Karthik’s become an honorary Englishman overnight hasn’t he?” Taylor said.

“Just making sure he has a contract next year, isn’t he? Locking himself in the Sky box. Good work DK,” Ponting added as all the three commentators burst into laughter.

Despite the rain interruptions, Australia’s pursuit of the target in the 5th Ashes Test has been steady. If successful, it would require the eighth-highest successful fourth-innings chase in test history, the second-best from an Australian side, and the second-best in England. This would also mark Australia’s first outright win on English soil in 22 years.