Why a power struggle over money means two of Aussie cricket's biggest names could be forced to MISS the first Test against India
Daily MailA power struggle that is set to unfold during Australia's opening Test against India next Friday could potentially see two Aussie cricketing greats miss some of the opening match of this summer's series. The pair were due to feature on Channel Seven's coverage of the opening Test match of the summer but doubts have arisen over whether they will be in the commentary box, with the IPL's mega auction set to take place approximately 10,000km away in Jeddah. Channel Seven is facing the prospect of potentially being without Ricky Ponting and Justin Langer for a part of Australia's opening Test against India The opening Test match comes during the IPL's mega auction with Langer and Ponting both head coaches at the Lucknow Super Giants and Punjab Kings respectively Channel Seven, though, has told The Sydney Morning Herald that Ponting and Langer will be in the commentary box for their coverage of the first test, despite the IPL auction being set to take place between November 24 and 25 - the third and fourth days of the opening test. Australia assistant coach and Sunrisers Hyderabad Dan Vettori will also have a calendar clash Langer joined up with Channel Seven's commentary team in July 2022 after turning down an opportunity to coach the Hobart Hurrianes in the BBL Ponting will have one of the biggest cash pools to play with in the auction, and could leave the opening test a couple of days early in order to make it to Jeddah for the Ponting will also have one of the largest pots of cash to play with at this summer's market, meaning it is an important time for the Punjab Kings head coach.