India, March 4 -- Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting made a risky proposition to incumbent leader Steve Smith for the all-important semifinal against Australia in the 2025 Champions Trophy in Dubai amid the team's selection headache over filling a spot at the top of the order. Earlier, opener Matthew Short was ruled out of the tournament, citing a quadriceps injury.

During Australia's final group game against Afghanistan last week, Short picked up the injury. His absence left Australia to promote travelling reserve Cooper Connolly into the squad. Although the all-rounder would be raring to make the most of the opportunity and take on India on the spin-friendly Dubai track, Ponting, speaking to ICC, backed big-hitting youngster Jake F...