Giving up captaincy allows me to focus on batting, admits http://www.senore.com/Cricket/RT-Ponting-c2377 – Cricket News Update
Former Australian skipper, Ricky Ponting, has admitted that relinquishing leadership duties lets him give more time to his batting and fielding.
Enjoying his new role as a specialist batsman, Ponting has been performing excellently after quitting the hot seat following Australia’s dismal show in the http://www.senore.com/Cricket/ICC-World-Cup-2011-c100625 World Cup 2011.
Besides his century in the quarter-final clash against http://www.senore.com/Cricket/India-c750, the veteran batsman collected just 102 runs in six World Cup matches.
However, he has been showing an impressive performance after handing over the charge to the young http://www.senore.com/Cricket/MJ-Clarke-c1978.
In the ongoing series against http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Sri-Lanka-c758, , Ponting, after smashing a half-century in the first ODI, hit an unbeaten 90-run-knock and guided his side’s to an emphatic eight-wicket win in the second game,
played at Hambantota, on Sunday, August 14, 2011.
Delighted over his recent outstanding run with the bat, Ponting conceded the fact that his new batsman-only role has definitely allowed him to concentrate on his batting.
"There's no doubt that for me to just be able to turn up to training and focus on my batting and my fielding only has been nice. I've been able to be just that little bit fresher and I've felt in control
in the two games I've played here so far," said Ponting.
The Kangaroos are currently leading the series 2-0, courtesy to Ponting’s superb show in the previous two games.
Ponting accepted the reality that despite playing as a specialist batsman, a huge responsibility rests on his shoulders since he is the most senior fellow in the crew.
He, however, seemed satisfied over his recent performance, saying that he is happy for playing his new role reasonably well.
"Once I'd come to the conclusion that I wasn't the captain of the side anymore it was up to me to just be the best batsman that I could be for the side and another pair of ears for Michael if he ever wanted
it. As the No. 3 batsman in the side there's a big responsibility for me to score runs more often than not," added the 36-year-old batsman.
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