Ricky Ponting to retire after Perth Test

[Tazwegian]

Nah, history cares when the final few years knock 5-6 runs off your average. When people look back at this period, he's not going to get held above his peers (Kallis, Tendulkar, Dravid, etc).

Only a moron would rate Dravid over Ponting. Ponting destroyed them all from 2000-2009. Cricketer of the decade. As if having a crap period at the end of a career erases that. Ponting is a champion, he has so many accolades to his name that it isn't funny. A couple of runs difference on a career averages (or .10 in Dravid's case? lolol) is really the worst possible way to justify one batsmen being better than another.

 

[Pera]

Not that it means much but you could absolutely raffle Kallis, Dravid, Tendulkar, Ponting, Lara etc. They are all great and ranking them in order will only make a mindless debate with people roasting other peoples opinions.

He's an absolute champion and will be remembered for a very long time.

For what it's worth, I'd have him at #3 of the modern era behind Sachin and Kallis.

 

[damochandler]

he struggled in india but played brilliantly in sri lanka against murali and co

 

[Tazwegian]

he struggled in india but played brilliantly in sri lanka against murali and co

He did for his first few tests series there. Played like Shaun Marsh in one series. But since then, he has got a century there and averaged 49 for his last six games in India.

 

[FRUMPY]

Not sure its a sad day as a few have pointed out. Im actually glad he has 'decided' to retire. Hasnt been his best for a few years now and should hang them up. I also dare say he got a bit of a tap on the shoulder to say there's a fair chance he could be dropped if form continues.

Having said that, clearly the best Aussie batsmen over the last 30 years. One of the best around the world over the same period. Could absolutely dominate attacks and score freely. Was an integral part of the most dominate cricket side seen.

His ODI form was just as good and could tear a game apart. His fielding, especially early in his career was second to none. He made backward point his own (think that's the position). So many run outs/great catches its not funny, just unbelievable.

Great career but wont be missed as his performances the last few years have been below average.

Who takes his spot? Kawaja? Quiney? Hughes? Doolan?

 

[POBT]

Hung on for too long, but a fantastic career. In his prime, probably the best batsman since Bradman, but the last few years would knock his overall career down the rankings a bit.

From 1st Jan 2002 to the 1st of Jan 2008 (his prime), these were his stats:

61 tests, 6333 runs, 24 hundreds, average of 70.34.

Doubt anyone of his contemporaries gets close to that.

Great stat.

He is the best Australian batsman that I've seen (only caught the tail end of G. Chappell's career).

You would turn up at the Gabba for the first Test and simply know that Punter would put on runs. 4 hundreds and 10 fifties at an average of 63.5.

Congratulations on a brilliant career Punter.

 

[DeadlyAkkuret]

Sad to see a legend go, but he gave myself and obviously thousands of other Australians some of the best cricket memories. The great #1 side is slowly coming apart, but seems to be in good hands.

Hughes next in line you'd think, and he's in fine form.

 

[Hate]

Well done, Punter. Hope you can give us one last pack of highlights in the Perth test.

 

[Tazwegian]

Who takes his spot? Kawaja? Quiney? Hughes? Doolan?

Definitely not Quiney. Hughes would have to be next in line. Doolan's in good form, but he needs to do it for a few more years before you'd give him a call up.

 

[legend166]

Only a moron would rate Dravid over Ponting. Ponting destroyed them all from 2000-2009. Cricketer of the decade. As if having a crap period at the end of a career erases that. Ponting is a champion, he has so many accolades to his name that it isn't funny. A couple of runs difference on a career averages (or .10 in Dravid's case? lolol) is really the worst possible way to justify one batsmen being better than another.

I didn't say Dravid was better. I said that Ponting isn't going to be held above his peers. When people look back at this period, they'll group together Kallis, Ponting, Dravid and Lara (Tendulkar will probably be held in higher regard because of his longevity).

 

[Gray Day]

Holy f***

Had a feeling it was coming, but wow.

Congrats on a glittering career, Punter

 

[Outshined]

Just like the generations past with Bradman, then the Chappell brothers, Border etc. It's been a pleasure growing up watching Ricky Ponting's career. He ultimately did the right thing in giving it up before the Ashes, I'm sure it'll burn that he never get them back, but it's the best thing for the team. Cheers Rick, legend.

 

[raven echo]

Thanks for the memories, Punter

Hope he scores a big ton in Perth. Would a be a fantastic way for him to go out.

 

[TassieEagle]

Great career Punter, disappointed I won't get another chance to see him down in Tassie though (in National colours at least).

I guess Uzzy is gonna be the number 3.... SURELY not Quiney.

 

[The King!]

Best player i ever saw and its awesome to think he came from the same crappy town as me.

One of the all time greats, but its the right call. Hope he musters one last masterpiece.

 

[The Speaker]

Of all the modern day great batsmen, Ponting at his peak was the greatest.

 

[Inciting Violence]

Sad to see him go, but ultimately happy that he can go out on his own terms, champion.

 

[Blue and Gold Blood]

Feel blessed to be able to watch Ponting last test match here at the WACA. Ive got tickets to both days 1 and 2 so should see him bat. Imagine the roar if he gets a century.

Cant wait!

 

[BluesMan]

They call him 'Punter'. Champion who will be missed. His hunger for results as a player made him even more enjoyable to watch.

 

[mansize rooster]

So glad i got tickets to the Waca now
Hopefully he is batting on day choo

 

[Smartys Power]

What an absolutely amazing career. So sad that it's just about all over. It just won't be the same without him.

Congratulations on a magnificent career Punter, all the best in whatever you do in the future.

 

[damochandler]

i think they have to go same for same. uzzy or doolan should be considered first. don't bring in an opener to replace a middle order player

 

[Super Hans]

Watching Julia Gillard talk about Ponting in parliament made me sick.

 

[Taylor]

I'd like for him to be an extra fielder reserve for the Ashes in England, so he can catch or run out one of their key batsmen like their fielding coach did to him.

 

[JimDocker]

Watching Julia Gillard talk about Ponting in parliament made me sick.

Yeah - because it is totally unheard of for the PM to mention something like this.