Feb 10, 2007 06:32 PM
1976 Views
Ricky ponting started his career with Tasmania at 17 and Australia 20.In his test debut he was unluckily given out on 96, just 4 runs away from century.He was and remains archetypal modern cricketer.He is the Australian cricketer who has brought aggression in team for test cricket.He plays all sort of shots with attacking spirit, and his marvellous fielding is really a good force for his country as well McGrath like bowlers.He is adventerous, buccaneer and sometimes butcher for opposition at oneday cricket.
Australian cricket board kept faith in Ponting and selected him as Steve's successor as captain denying Shane Warn and Gilchhrist.First year as captain wasnt good for ponting but later on he improved.The way he slaughtered Indian attack in world cup final in his smashing inning of 140 notout is really unmemorable.His captaincy skill was first time questioned when Bangladesh defeated mighty Australians.to add fuel to this, Australia lost ashes first time in 18 years.But still board wasnt in a mood to show him the door.
And I think Australian board should get kudos for this decision.Within a year Ponting reglued to start an amazing strek of winning 16 tests in 17.In recent clean sweep against England earned him the man of the series.5-0 clean sweep against england was the best performance of Australia in 86 years against British.
If there is any player to match Sachin Tendulkar, i think of Ponting only.Even I give more marks to Ponting than Sachin as Ponting's inning were more match winner.There is no doubt that Ponting will be leading a chart of test centuries in the end of this year barring resistence from Brian Lara.For Australia he is like Tendulker to india.Forget of antediluvian Don Bradman.
