PERTH, Australia: Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting called timeĀ on his 17-year Test career, announcing that this week’s clash against South Africa in Perth will be his last.
“This Test will be my last,” he said at a hastily-called press conference on Thursday, 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 veteran ahead of Friday’s series decider in Perth.
Perth will be a fitting conclusion to a remarkable career.
It is where he debuted against Sri Lanka in 1995 and by playing Friday he will equal Steve Waugh’s mark of 168 Test matches — the most in the history of Australian cricket.
After being made Australian captain in 2004, the right-hander went onto become one of theĀ country’s greatest cricketers.
The Tasmanian, who has 13,366 Test runs to his name — including 41 centuries with only Indian legend Sachin Tendulkar scoring more — said he knew it was time to call it a day.
“Over the last couple of weeks my level of performance hasn’t been good enough,” said Ponting, who had already been dumped from the one-day and Twenty20 international squads.
“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.”
An emotional Michael Clarke, the current captain, said Ponting would be sorely missed and his announcement took him by surprise.
“I didn’t have a feeling it was coming,” he said of his friend and mentor. “Ricky spoke to me after Adelaide and obviously made his decision over the last few days.
“Over the last couple of weeks my level of performance hasn’t been good enough,” said Ponting, who had already been dumped from the one-day and Twenty20 international squads.
“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.”
An emotional Michael Clarke, the current captain, said Ponting would be sorely missed and his announcement took him by surprise.
“I didn’t have a feeling it was coming,” he said of his friend and mentor. “Ricky spoke to me after Adelaide and obviously made his decision over the last few days.
Dear TNT Reader,
At The News Tribe, our mission is to bring you free, independent, and unbiased news and content that keeps you informed and empowered. We are committed to upholding the highest standards of journalism, as we understand that we are a platform for truth.
Apart from independent global news coverage, we also commit our unique focus on the Muslim world. In an age marked by the troubling rise of Islamophobia and widespread misrepresentation of Muslims in Western media, we strive to provide accurate and fair coverage.
But to continue doing so, we need your support. Even a small donation of 1$ can make a big difference. Your contribution will help us maintain the quality of our news and counteract the negative narratives that are so prevalent.
Please consider donating today to ensure we can keep delivering the news that matters. Together, we can make a positive impact on the world, and work towards a more inclusive, informed global society.
Donate Monthly Subscription Annual Subscription