Shane Warne has called Ricky Ponting’s choice to bowl first in the Edgbaston Test in the 2005 Ashes “the worst decision by any captain ever”.
England racked up 407 at over five runs an over on day one, setting the stage for one of the greatest Test matches of all time, which the hosts won by two runs. For Warne, one of the key contributing factors to the loss came before play started. “This was a road and the ball did nothing so Punter’s decision to bowl first was just the worst decision ever by any captain,” he said.
“Why didn’t you tell him?” asked Kevin Pietersen.
“You don’t think I did Kevin? On numerous occasions! And then McGrath went down and I said, ‘Is there any chance now?” replied Warne.