It was a bitter sweet moment for me when Ricky Ponting declared his exit from International cricket last week. The South Africans made sure that the great player was treated well in his last test; the crowd too roared as he made his way to the crease. It was unfortunate that Australia lost the test; even more disappointing that the last hurrah didn't come...though a lot of people expected it.
There are three distinct incidents that I clearly remember about Ponting:
1. His match winning ton in the 2003 World cup Final against India. He was treating Zaheer and company like a bunch of school kids. Hitting the ball to all parts of the park..the match was over before India batted. I clearly remember a front foot hook that he played for a six of a fast Agarkar delivery. Kudos!!!
2. Second instance was when India was visiting Australia in late 2000s(maybe 2006-07)..In this one particular test match, Ponting was fielding in the slips and God nicked one that went straight to him..No one except Ponting was sure that the ball had carried and he made a big scene when the umpire referred this to the third umpire. Eventually the slo-mo showed that the ball hadnt carried and Ponting was pissed..Cheater saala...
3. After the second incident, I was never a Ponting fan and always waited to see him in distress on the field. But Australia was in terrific form and the opportunity took longer than expected.. in the 2010 world cup match, it was a do or die between Australia and India.. the loser would be knocked out... and guess what India won that match and eventually the world cup...however in the Australia match...when the winning run was scored by India, the camera zoomed into Ponting...The look on his face.....humiliated...defeated..angry..!!!
Man, the wait was worth it!!!!!
However, I shall always be a fan of his batting, if not his character...the famous lean in his stance!!! Never seen such a lean in any batsman..It shows the fearlessness of the batsman..!!
Cricket will miss you Mr.Ricky Ponting!! Adieu!!
There are three distinct incidents that I clearly remember about Ponting:
1. His match winning ton in the 2003 World cup Final against India. He was treating Zaheer and company like a bunch of school kids. Hitting the ball to all parts of the park..the match was over before India batted. I clearly remember a front foot hook that he played for a six of a fast Agarkar delivery. Kudos!!!
2. Second instance was when India was visiting Australia in late 2000s(maybe 2006-07)..In this one particular test match, Ponting was fielding in the slips and God nicked one that went straight to him..No one except Ponting was sure that the ball had carried and he made a big scene when the umpire referred this to the third umpire. Eventually the slo-mo showed that the ball hadnt carried and Ponting was pissed..Cheater saala...
3. After the second incident, I was never a Ponting fan and always waited to see him in distress on the field. But Australia was in terrific form and the opportunity took longer than expected.. in the 2010 world cup match, it was a do or die between Australia and India.. the loser would be knocked out... and guess what India won that match and eventually the world cup...however in the Australia match...when the winning run was scored by India, the camera zoomed into Ponting...The look on his face.....humiliated...defeated..angry..!!!
Man, the wait was worth it!!!!!
However, I shall always be a fan of his batting, if not his character...the famous lean in his stance!!! Never seen such a lean in any batsman..It shows the fearlessness of the batsman..!!
Cricket will miss you Mr.Ricky Ponting!! Adieu!!
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