Punter had them and still lost the ashes, because he did not have the balls or sight to go for win. He captained out of fear. He also said that he did not want to be known as the captain that lost the ashes and that it was the team that lost it with there input, that in it self shows how weak minded he is. If you are the Boss the blame is always on you and you alone, every time no matter what.
Ah yes, another who subscribes to the "when the side wins it is because of the players, when the side loses it is because of Ponting" theory.
Even if you have gun players in the side, they still have to perform. In 2005, the experienced batsmen let the side down badly.
Gilchrist and Hayden in particular batted like donkeys (Hayden saved some face with an all too late hundred in the final test). Martyn was no better (aided by some rough decisions). Only Langer of the senior batsmen under Ponting could boast any sort of solid performance.
Only a handful of the players could hold their heads up after that tour, Warne of course being the standout, with McGrath not far behind. Even Lee's 20 odd wickets cost a fortune (over 40 per wicket from memory).
So, despite what you think of the captain, the players in the side still have to live up to their potential.
But, in the world of Ponting hate, none of that matters..........
