Ricky...

agree with most of that.

fantastic player, but a limited captain, and as you say, he was far from unflappable. i was at the gaba when he flipped his lid over some appeal that shouldnt have been out anyway.

he did have the sense at least to wave at the barmy army. i think it was mitchell johnson who got about 3 hours abuse for not waving

For me Ponting got out too one of the best deliveries bowled by a fast bowler.

When he was out caught G Jones bowled Flintoff 0, 2nd Test in 2005.

As far as Ponting is concerned it was one of those deliveries where only a top batsman would of got his bat to the ball. Normally it would of been played and missed.

Great player. Might add more later.

As a batsman, I would put Ponting ahead of S Waugh and Allan Border. Greg Chappell a little before my time and Bradman well before my time, I can't comment on them two.

Border and Waugh had to probably consistently face better bowlers than Ponting, but Ponting in full flow was a force against any bowling attack, especially pace attacks.

Whilst he played so many wonderful test innings, the World Cup Final in 2003 was phenomenal, it was almost as if he was giving the crowd catching practice.

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Can someone give Ritchietyke a copy of the Knott appeal against India please....talk about rose coloured glasses....shish!!!

As a batsman, I would put Ponting ahead of S Waugh and Allan Border.
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In terms of talent, but if you were up against a wall i'd take waugh over any other test batsman bar none.

Waugh's captain was also outstanding.

So as a cricketer, I'd say waugh was some way out ahead, but i;d certainly rather watch ponting bat.

A mate of mine placed a bet on Ponting being top run scorer in the 1st innings.....I said ya bloody mad, half of OZ is probably having a sentimental bet and instead of getting a price of $14 you will get only $4.00 for your return...Time will tell I suppose..??

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Ponting got pretty emmotional yesterday in his after match comments....he made special mention of how Smith got his troops to form a line of honour when Ricky made his a last walk out to the middle....well done Smithy.. .