To a prolific run-scorer, and the man I detested

168 Test matches, over 13000 runs in the format, with an average in the higher 50s and a joint-record of 16 consecutive victories in Test matches (although he did lose three Ashes series, a dubious distinction that he’s the only Australian captain to be in possession of). 375 ODIs, yet another 13000+ runs, with an average in the lower 40s and three World Cups in his extensive CV. 17 T20 Internationals, 400 odd runs, with a SR of 132.78. A combined tally of 71 centuries in International cricket (2779 boundaries and 246 over-boundaries) in all formats, across continents and against varying opponents. Add to that his fantastic fielding (there really should be some sort of ICC-recognized system for calculating the runs saved by each player in the field; he would surely have been a frontrunner in that record book), especially in the slip cordon and at cover (364 catches in total), and there remains no doubt that the retiring almost 38-year-old Tasmania-born Ricky Thomas Ponting is no doubt an Australian cricket legend (he only sits below the great Donald George Bradman in his country’s overall ratings) and one of the most prolific and consistent run-scorers the world of cricket has ever seen.

 

Is that all that one defines a sportsperson, you wonder.. Will the fact that he assured the umpire that Sourav Ganguly was caught cleanly, when it was evident that the ball had been grassed and Michael Clarke – the fielder who took the catch – himself was unsure (Gavaskar said on air “Why is Mr. Benson asking a person who didn't walk off when he was caught behind at 14, and it couldn't be possible that you are lying when you are batting and true while you are fielding. That is nonsense! Utter nonsense! I am sorry Mr. Benson, you got it all wrong.”), be remembered by anyone?

 

Notwithstanding the many victories that his team achieved during his tenure at the top, Ponting’s achievements as the captain of the Australian national cricket team has also been questioned – a common belief is that he stood on the shoulders of giants such as McGrath, Warne, Lee, Hayden, Langer, Gilchrist, Symonds and only then could he reach for the stars.

 

I enjoyed thoroughly every time an Australian team led by him was defeated, more so on the biggest stages (T20 World Cup, ICC World Cup, the Ashes, the Border-Gavaskar trophy, etc.) anywhere, and by any team whatsoever. Punter’s definition of “The Spirit of the Game” was to do whatever it took to get a decision in his favour and then define it as the ‘Aussie competitive spirit’, and I admit it was marvelous to see him sledge, cheat and lose.

 

Your aggressive batting (the best shot of which was undoubtedly the perfectly-controlled pulls of both the front and back feet) will be missed, but your attitude won’t.