Ricky Ponting has announced his retirement, ending months of speculation about the 37 year-old’s future. For Punter’s fans it’s a sad day but it has quelled fears that the once in a generation batsman risked tainting his legacy by stubbornly refusing to retire.
At a press conference at the WACA, Ponting calmly explained his reason for the unexpected retirement. “At the end of the day it was based on my results and my output in this series so far,” Ponting said “I said all along I would continue to play as long as I’m contributing to wins. My immediate focus is what we’re presented with tomorrow and that’s an unbelievable opportunity.”
The Adelaide Test provided many contrasting moments for Ponting. The unfortunate recipient of the ball of the series, Ponting had his stumps ingloriously rattled by a Jacques Kallis beauty. Getting himself in such a tangle, he ended up face down on the Adelaide pitch. It may well have been the last straw and it was an awfully deflating thought – is this was how it ends for Punter? But he picked himself back up and with the vital second innings slips catch of Graham Smith, Ponting had all the spark of a fresh faced debutant as the the team embraced their former captain after the important wicket. It was a great moment and fitting enduring image for one of the world’s greatest batsmen.
As if the final Test didn’t have enough riding on it. Billed as their grand final by Michael Clark, the pressure will be on to to send Punter out a winner. “I’m hungrier than ever. I want this win more than any game I’ve been a part of.”
It’s going to be a big weekend in front of the TV.
When only a dramatic orchestral score will do…
Picture by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images
