Ricky Ponting

Profile

One of the finest batsmen produced by the highly rated Australian domestic circuit, Ricky Ponting is also regarded as one of the best thinkers in the game. A resume which consists of two World Cup triumphs as skipper and the honour of being captain of the longest reigning number one Test team, ‘Punter’ is already in the pantheon of Aussie greats.

 

At a very young age, Ponting exhibited flair and a will for perfection which separated him from his peers. He debuted for Tasmania at the age of 17 and made an immediate impact. Back-to-back centuries against Western Australia at the WACA - which many regard as the fastest pitch in the world - were a testament to his budding genius. After a few consistent performances, he made his ODI debut for Australia in 1995 against South Africa, where he showed glimpses of his genius. A freak accident to mainstay Mark Waugh enabled Ponting to make his Test debut against Sri Lanka where he fell four short of a maiden Test ton. Despite a great head start, his attitude and temperament were questioned and he was dropped for the same, but each time he staged a successful comeback. Quick feet and an ability to pick the line of the ball early is what makes him special. He is not only a brilliant fielder but has the added knack of affecting run outs. He is also regarded as one of the best players of the hook shot in the modern game. Still, good spinners caused him problems, an area where he still exhibits hiccups.

 

The diminutive Tasmanian was a part of Steve Waugh’s ‘’golden era’’ that changed the face of Test cricket. After the sacking of Steve Waugh as ODI captain in 2002, Ponting was called on to lead the team in an away series against South Africa. Australia won comprehensively and he was consequently made captain of the 2003 World Cup. It proved to be a masterstroke as he led Australia to cup honours playing a massive hand in thrashing India in the finals. He repeated the feat in 2007, but was rather unsuccessful in 2011. Ponting then stepped down from the post he held for a long time, paving way for a younger generation to assume the leadership role.
 

Fast Facts

• Ricky Ponting became the first Australian to surpass 12,000 runs in Test and ODI cricket, and is Australia’s highest run-getter in both formats.
• He has the most number of half centuries and centuries for Australia in ODIs as well as Tests.
• With over 40 wins in Tests and more than 150 ODI wins Ponting is the most successful captain in history.
• He holds the record for the highest score of for a captain in a WC final (140).
• Ponting has the most number of consecutive Test wins as captain, a record of 16 shared with Steve Waugh.
• He was a part of the ICC World XI in Tests and ODIs combined a record 8 times.
• Ponting is one of only two captains to have led their countries to consecutive World Cup wins.
• He was adjudged Australia’s best Test player in 2003, 2004 and 2007 and Australia's best ODI player in 2002 and 2007.
• He was conferred with the Wisden ‘‘Australian Cricketer of the Year’’ honour for 2003-04.
• Ponting was named as the ICC ‘‘Player of the Year’’ in 2006 and 2007.

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Career

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