All hail the boy from Mowbrow: Ricky Ponting
In one sudden outpouring, Ricky Ponting sealed a legend, showed his soft side and respect for the game that some underestimated. He rejected a hometown farewell against a docile Sri Lankan attack in Hobart for a final clash against South Africa’s champion attack on a hostile Perth track. The 37-year-old would exit on the ground he debuted against Sri Lanka 17 years ago in a winner-takes-all showdown for the No 1 ranking.
Stepping out in Hobart would have seen Ponting eclipse predecessor Steve Waugh’s record for most Test appearances; instead, he will share that 168-Test achievement. Australian skipper Michael Clarke ranks “greatness with longevity”— Waugh from Sydney’s tough western suburbs and Ponting from working-class Mowbray fit the bill.
The overriding feature in Ponting’s make-up — besides an unflinching love for the contest — is his honesty. This was never more evident than in his retirement announcement where Ponting conceded there could be no regrets as he wasn’t good enough to flay the best in the world as he once did for fun. “In this series, so far my results have not been up to the level required of batsmen and players in the Australian team,” said Ponting.
0 comments:
Post a Comment