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Ricky Thomas Ponting

Ponting pulls the ball Photo © Action Photographics 1998

Ricky Ponting is the most prodigious batting talent to emerge from Australia in the recent past. Making his international test debut at the age of twenty-one, Ponting made a gritty 96. Showing the fighting qualities that have come to typify Australian cricketers, Ponting has cemented his place in both the Test and One Day sides. Batting compactly, without the slightest hesitation, Ricky has shown the flashiest, quickest footwork of recent cricketers. Comfortable driving through the off-side with the full face of the bat, Ricky is at his best when he launches into the hook or pull shot. Playing the back foot strokes as well as anyone else, Ricky will comfortably hook or pull any fast bowler in the world with ease. This is an attribute that goes hand in hand with his approach to the game: Never let the opposition dominate.

Added to his considerable batting abilities is the fact that Ricky Ponting is one of the most sensational fielders in the world. Moving with lightning speed in the off-side, Ricky has a brilliant sense of anticipation and an absolutely safe pair of hands. Considering how much more often Ricky hits the stumps, a lot of experts the world over believe that he is a better fielder than even Jonty Rhodes.

Sensational. Nothing short of it. That's Ricky Ponting for you.