My top two uncapped stars: Ponting

When Ricky Ponting talks, Australian cricket listens.

The former Test skipper was put under the microscope by Network TEN presenter Roz Kelly during the Thunder-Stars KFC Big Bash clash on Wednesday night and gave some revealing answers regarding some Australian players (young and old) as well as his thoughts about possibly being a national selector.

Below are the best bits from a revealing interview with a three-time World Cup winner, a 168-Test veteran and one of the smartest minds in Australian cricket.

1) Hypothetically, would you rather be Australia's head coach or chairman of selectors?

"I actually think selection is a pretty thankless job. You pick a team and it loses then you're the worst in the world, but if you pick a team like they have recently and they win, you don't get a lot of credit. If I could choose any of those jobs, hypothetically, I think I'd rather be a head coach."

2) What's your advice for recently axed batsman Nic Maddinson?

"I've got pretty good advice for him because I was dropped a number of times myself. What I'd tell him now is to go back to the Big Bash, really enjoy that and free yourself up. But then when you get a chance back in Shield cricket, be patient. When I first got dropped ... I said 'I'm going to get myself straight back into the Test team', but it doesn't work like that."

3) What's impressed you most about Steve Smith's captaincy?

"The way the team has been able to bounce back and respond from what's been a pretty difficult first few weeks (of the summer). The first two Tests against South Africa couldn't have gone any worse than they did, but what he's done is be ultra-positive, lead from the front with the bat and really take control. He's stood up and led from the front."

4) Did David Warner's century at the SCG change your opinion, and that of the MCC Cricket Committee, about big bats?

"I'm part of a committee that wants to even up the contest between bat and ball, and some would say yesterday that the balance is still out. If someone can come out and do that on day one of a Test match – I know David Warner is an exceptional player – it doesn't change mine or the committee’s mind on the size of bats."

5) Is Brad Hogg too old to play for Australia?

"If he's the best spinner in the Big Bash, maybe he's not (too old). It'd be interesting to know what the mantra of the T20 selectors is going to be. I don't think I'll have a say (Ponting is an assistant coach for the series against Sri Lanka in February). If there was a World Cup around the corner and he's the best spinner, then why not pick him regardless of his age?"

6) Who are the best uncapped players in Australia?

"Billy Stanlake and Mitchell Swepson, I really like the look of them. I thought (Brisbane Heat leg-spinner) Swepson was outstanding last night (against Sydney Sixers) at a difficult time to bowl, and (Adelaide Strikers quick) Billy Stanlake has got absolutely everything it takes. He's nearly seven foot tall, bowls mid-140s and can swing the ball. I think both of those guys are going to have an opportunity to play for Australia and I'm sure they'll make the most of it when they do."