http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Australia-c746 prepare for life after Ponting – Cricket News Update
As the Aussies prepare for the first Test against http://www.senore.com/Cricket/RT-Ponting-c2377. Punter’s decision to step aside will leave a significant gap in terms of a leading figure in the side, one whose off-field contributions were highly valued.
http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Tasmania-c854, knows the unexpected change that will be evident in the dressing room, but at the same time recognizes this as an opportunity for other players to step up and get counted.
It had become clear that Ponting’s days were numbered after a string of disappointing outings with the bat. The former skipper managed just 32 runs in five innings during the recently concluded Test series against http://www.senore.com/Cricket/South-Africa-c757, and though, many thought he could still carry on, he made up his mind to bid farewell to cricket.
However, his contributions towards grooming youngsters and being the guiding figure in the dressing room will be missed, feels Cowan.
"It's an odd situation in that one of the guys that has been inked into the top order, but more so inked into the culture of the change room, will be missing," Cowan told ESPNcricinfo.
However, every beginning has an end, and the opener was keen to look at the positives. With players like http://www.senore.com/Cricket/SR-Watson-c2558 still performing at their peak, it allows the Aussies to carry on and create a new environment.
Moreover, the injection of new faces will help build a team for the future and support http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Clarke-c51120 even more. Under his leadership, the team ended the first season unbeaten (in a series), and performed exceptionally well in the opening two games against the Proteas without getting the desired results.
"So there are two ways to look at it. One is to reminisce and think what a hole he's going to leave. The other side of the coin is that it's an opportunity for guys to step up, not only as players but as leaders around the change room, and that's an opportunity for a number of guys to combine together and try to fill the void of his presence.
"A massive loss off the field, but the identity of this team has been growing since Michael took over the captaincy, and that growth's been pretty evident in the results."
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