There is not much to say. He was brilliant as a captain, a batsman and a fielder. He led Australia to numerous wins as the best team in tests and ODIs for many years. He captained Australia in their 2003 and 2007 world cup victories. He was Australia's most successful captain, being the skipper in 48 victorious test and 164 one-day matches.
For me Ponting, Kallis and Tendulkar make up the Big Three in our age of cricket batsmen. In terms of lengthy and successful batting careers, they are the best. Of course Ponting had to retire one day, but it is still strange to think about what Australian cricket would be like without him.
I take my hat off to him. He served Australian cricket for so long and with such vigour. Well done Ricky Ponting. I hope he, his wife and two daughters can benefit from the time he has available after finishing with Tasmania in a few months.
Ricky Ponting (37 years old). Picture taken from http://www.bolegaindia.com |
Was he Australia's greatest ever cricketer? What do you think?