Ricky Ponting announces retirement from Test cricket
Perth, 29 Nov 2012 (AFP): Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting on Thursday called time on his Test career, announcing this week’s clash against South Africa in Perth will be his last.
"A few hours ago I let the team know that this upcoming Test will be my last," he said at a hastily-called press conference, adding that he will continue to play for Tasmania in the domestic competition this summer.
Ponting, who turns 38 next month, has failed in three innings against the Proteas during draws in Brisbane and Adelaide and pressure has been building on the 167-Test veteran ahead of Friday’s series decider in Perth.
He will equal Steve Waugh’s mark of 168 Tests in the upcoming match -- the most in the history of Australian cricket.
The Tasmanian, who has 13,336 Test runs to his name, including 41 centuries with only Indian legend Sachin Tendulkar scoring more, said it was time to call it a day.
"Over the last couple of weeks my level of performance hasn’t been good enough," he said.
"My passion and love for the game hasn’t changed but at the end of the day (the decision) was based on my results.
"In this series so far they have not been up to the level required of batsmen and players in the Australian team.
"I’m glad I have got the opportunity to finish on my terms."
Comments on this Article | |
Aditya, Udupi | Thu, November-29-2012, 5:50 |
Ponting is retiring respectfully. When our own SRT will retire? He is spoling lives of young cricketers who are waiting to get in to Indian side for years. Get lost SRT! | |
Francis J. Saldanha, Moodubelle / Bahrain | Thu, November-29-2012, 5:32 |
I knew it was coming but not in this series, Ponting is one of the greats of all time. The incredible knack of performing in most important matches with a stunning run rate of delivering wins for the team especially when he scores big. Ricky Ponting has taken Australian cricket to new heights. One of the greats of the 2000 - 10 era standing alongside Tendulkhar, Lara, Dravid, Kallis, Sangakarra and a few others. It was obvious to even his most ardent fans that his time was up, and to play his last test where it all began, will be a fitting end to a great career. |