Ricky Ponting
Ricky Ponting
Ricky Thomas Ponting, AO, nicknamed Punter, is an Australian former cricketer who was captain of the Australia national cricket team during its 'golden era'; between 2004 and 2011 in Test cricket and 2002 and 2011 in One Day International cricket. He is a specialist right-handed batsman, slips and close catching fielder, as well as a very occasional bowler. Ponting holds the incredible record of being the only cricketer in the history of Test cricket to be a part of 100...
NationalityAustralian
ProfessionCricket Player
Date of Birth19 December 1974
CityLaunceston, Australia
CountryAustralia
It was a game dominated by the ball and mostly by our bowlers.
All I can say is that we handled conditions a lot better than they did.
Although we lost it has been a great Test and one of the best I have ever played in. Hopefully the next one will be exactly the same.
If I had to last 20 years, I would probably be batting in a wheelchair.
It's always good to win a Test match and if you win it comfortably, it can leave a few psychological marks on opposition sides.
To have a week off in the middle of the season feels like a lot longer I think, so I feel really good. Hopefully I can go out there and get some runs.
I know when I've been playing a lot of golf it takes me a while to get back into cricket again. It's not so much the different shape of the swings, more the fact that you are stationary when you hit a golf ball. In cricket you have to move forward or back, which is an instinctive timing thing.
I want to be a dad, first and foremost. I want to be a good father. I've spent so much of my life on the move and travelling around the world that just to set up a home for my family and be a good dad is something that motivates me.
I think we've been a lot more disciplined with our bowling. Our batting at times has been more disciplined as well.
Not scoring one for the whole calendar year last year was a bit disappointing but I didn't really feel any pressure to get my first one as skipper,.
Ganguly is a very good leader. His return to the field brings a spring in the steps of the Indians. He is a great player.
I had big shoes to fill, but the way we have been playing has made the transition easy.
I have made my thoughts on it (sledging) well known over the last couple of years. We are more than happy to be talking to opposition players in the field so long as it is not personal or abusive.
I was always fiercely determined and driven to succeed.