Why a power struggle over money means two of Aussie cricket’s biggest names could be forced to MISS the first Test against India

A 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.

Ricky Ponting and Justin Langer have found themselves at the heart of a clash of commitments, due to their roles with IPL sides the Punjab Kings and Lucknow Super Giants.

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.

Australia could also be without assistant coach Dan Vettori who is the head coach of the Sunrisers Hyderabad.

It means the broadcaster and Cricket Australia will have to win the tug of war between themselves and the IPL to retain their key talents for the entirety of the Test.

Channel Seven is facing the prospect of potentially being without Ricky Ponting (pictured) 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 (pictured) 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.

It comes as some big players will be up for grabs in this year’s auction.

Ex-England great Jimmy Anderson has recently made himself available for selection. India star Rishabh Pant and Josh Hazelwood are both likely to be playing in the Test series but could be snapped up at the auction. Meanwhile, David Warner, Mitchell Starc and Glenn Maxwell could also be available.

Both Ponting and Langer are held in high esteem as two of the best cricket pundits in Australia right now.

Channel Seven recently renewed the ex-Australia captain’s contract with the network. It is understood that he recently signed a new deal to extend his contract with the network.

Ponting, the new head coach of the Punjab Kings, last year departed on day three of the first Test in order to make it to the IPL auction.

Vettori had done the same, but waited until his obligations with Australia were completed before flying out.

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 (right) 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.

The situation is indicative of the current cricketing landscape right now, with franchise tournaments able to coax stars and even top coaches away from international teams and broadcasters.

The opening test at the Optus Stadium is set to be a fiery one too. India are looking to bounce back from a 3-0 defeat by New Zealand while Australia will also be wanting to undo the woes of their ODI series loss by Pakistan.

Ponting and India coach Gautam Gambhir have also shared jibes in recent days after the ex-Australia captain appeared to lash out at Virat Kohli for his indifferent run of form.