I grew up watching Lara, Ponting, Kallis. These are the legends of the game. After Steve Waugh, Ponting took the Aussie team to a whole different level.
Shame to see such a great batsman go but he made the right decision in the end and also perfect timing after a very important series. Now the next batsman to come in will play an easier series against Sri Lanka.
Definitely one of the all time great batsmen who was very tough and arrogant but had records to back himself up. Gave it his all for the green and gold and the man deserves every inch of respect. Best of luck to Ponting and hope to see him being a commentator some day.
Originally Posted by Dilscoop
Funny how everyone is saying "the last one" "era is over"... helloooo? Kallis? Boy do people overlook him!
People are talking about end of an era, in the sense that Ponting is the last man standing from that great Aussie team that dominated cricket in early 2000's. Everyone else from that team retired, him and lee were the last ones to hang on for as long as they possibly could.
Every time I think of Ponting the first thing that pops in my head is his glorious hook shot. I love the way he pushes his body just a little to the front, and gets in the position to play his favorite shot. I don't think current Aus team will miss him much, considering he hasn't been able to contribute recently. But nonetheless a huge loss for Aus cricket in general.
__________________
"I was the happiest man in the world, happier than Bill Gates"- Tamim Iqbal
^Phil Hughes will most likely come in for Ponting. Despite struggling in Tests initially, he still does have 3 Test hundreds and 20 FC hundreds at the age of 23. I'm a big fan of him and think he'll be the next big thing in Australian cricket. Khawaja is a very good prospect as well.
The era is not over. Kallis and Sachin (FFS) is still there.
Also stop mentioning that one close BD vs AUS match. It makes you guys sound like you guys dont follow cricket. And that's the only one inning of RP you can recall...
hughes or khawaja should come in....a good move i think. ponting is a great of the game but it's a shame his record doesn't show it, he was at one time averaging just a touch under 60. had he retired a few years ago his stats would still stack up well, and although they're not bad i reckon he will be overlooked a bit when people look back at the greats because his record isn't quite there, but boy was he a ridiculously great batsman at his peak.
__________________
All Time Test XI: 1 Hobbs 2 B.Richards 3 Bradman 4 Kohli 5 V.Richards 6 Sobers 7 Gilchrist 8 Miller 9 Procter 10 Marshall 11 Warne
Sad ending to a phenom's phenomenal career. Thanks for the memories Sir.
__________________
"And do not curse those who call on other than GOD, lest they blaspheme and curse GOD, out of ignorance. We have adorned the works of every group in their eyes. Ultimately, they return to their Lord, then He informs them of everything they had done." (Qur'an 6:108)
Soft-core, sissies, Darvid-Sachin minmin marka fans never liked him, won't like him. But he is a powerful figure. It was more fun and exciting watching Ricky go at everyone than Dravid Sachin be gentleman, put their head down like a coward. Yeah gentlemen's game, eff that. Sissies.
Originally Posted by Ajfar
People are talking about end of an era, in the sense that Ponting is the last man standing from that great Aussie team that dominated cricket in early 2000's. Everyone else from that team retired, him and lee were the last ones to hang on for as long as they possibly could.
Every time I think of Ponting the first thing that pops in my head is his glorious hook shot. I love the way he pushes his body just a little to the front, and gets in the position to play his favorite shot. I don't think current Aus team will miss him much, considering he hasn't been able to contribute recently. But nonetheless a huge loss for Aus cricket in general.
Clark and Hussy still remains from that era although they were late entries of that era
Punter's announcement of retirement took me back in time to those childhood days. He was my childhood hero. Only Sachin and Kallis remain. The near end of a wonderful era of cricketers who were many of our childhood heroes.
__________________
"And be true to every promise- for, verily you will be called to account for every promise which you have made." - [Al Qur'an - 17:34]
One of the best batsmen ever to walk this world, one of the best captain (probably is the best- just look at what he has achieved) and a strong character's era comes to an end.
One of the greats. He'll be missed. It was a shame he departed when his form was poor. I would've liked for him to stay a little longer and retire after one last Ashes.