In what could be his last world cup match, Ricky Ponting was magnificent. And finally, after years of dominating ODI cricket, Australia have been knocked out of the World cup. There will be a new champion this year.
After months of suffering from a bad patch, he produced a knock which can be compared with his 2003 WC final's innings. Only legends will be able to muster enough strength to silence out their critics. It would be unfair if he will be remembered as the captain who lost Ashes 3 times and crashed out of the WC in the quarter finals.
In the movie 'Dark Knight', the lead character Batman says 'You die as a hero, or you live long enough to be called a villain'. This is Ricky Ponting's sad state. People tend to forget what he has done and start questioning what he has not done. Jayasurya, Vaas, Shoaib Akthar, Steve Waugh, Kumble, Dravid, Ganguly suffered the same fate as well.
On a crumbling pitch, with a pumped up Indian bowling side, Ponting played what was required for his country. He scored singles, the occasional boundary and kept the score board ticking. The slog overs were utilized properly as well. The batsmen who followed scored at a healthy rate in the final overs. 260 was a good score on that pitch, but his bowlers let him down. As Ian chappel correctly pointed out, there were simply too many boundary balls bowled by the Aussie bowlers.
Yet another 100 by a legend in vain, the Australian media or public don't blame him for the defeat. Rather they admire him for his efforts. And that's how it should be. A national hero worth admiring!!! Salute, Ricky Ponting. You have entertained us well for so many years.
This result sets up an exciting match between India and Pakistan. The mother of all clashes. Pakistan are in awesome form and India is peeking at the right moment. There will be no lack in entertainment.
After months of suffering from a bad patch, he produced a knock which can be compared with his 2003 WC final's innings. Only legends will be able to muster enough strength to silence out their critics. It would be unfair if he will be remembered as the captain who lost Ashes 3 times and crashed out of the WC in the quarter finals.
In the movie 'Dark Knight', the lead character Batman says 'You die as a hero, or you live long enough to be called a villain'. This is Ricky Ponting's sad state. People tend to forget what he has done and start questioning what he has not done. Jayasurya, Vaas, Shoaib Akthar, Steve Waugh, Kumble, Dravid, Ganguly suffered the same fate as well.
On a crumbling pitch, with a pumped up Indian bowling side, Ponting played what was required for his country. He scored singles, the occasional boundary and kept the score board ticking. The slog overs were utilized properly as well. The batsmen who followed scored at a healthy rate in the final overs. 260 was a good score on that pitch, but his bowlers let him down. As Ian chappel correctly pointed out, there were simply too many boundary balls bowled by the Aussie bowlers.
Yet another 100 by a legend in vain, the Australian media or public don't blame him for the defeat. Rather they admire him for his efforts. And that's how it should be. A national hero worth admiring!!! Salute, Ricky Ponting. You have entertained us well for so many years.
This result sets up an exciting match between India and Pakistan. The mother of all clashes. Pakistan are in awesome form and India is peeking at the right moment. There will be no lack in entertainment.
