Ricky Ponting Not Sure About Future
The Test against England was probably Australian captain Ricky Ponting’s last, but he still hopeful to return for the Ashes. When http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Australia-c746 lost of England last September, Ponting was eager to return in 2013 for the Ashes, but now he isn’t too sure.
The Ashes, which will be held in England, has not been a good venue for Ponting, and Australia have only won 3 of their 12 Tests in England and Ponting has an average of 41.79 in 20 Tests in England, which is not very impressive. The the recent http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Pakistan-c755 win over Australia at Headingley, which earned Pakistan a win after 15 years, and denying Ponting the chance of a winning series in England as captain.
Ponting, who is 36 years old, will be 38 when the Australians return to England to try and win the Ashes. The only way Ponting will keep his place in the squad for the Ashes in England will be if he maintains his form. This has not gone too well for Ponting in recent matches, he’s said to be losing his sharp reflexes and ability, over the past year he’s averaged 39.81 in Tests.
His trademark hooks and power pulls have not been working in his favor, often costing him wickets. It has been suggested that he may be too old to change his style of play now and that it would not be wise by the Australians, if they still choose to take him the Ashes.
Earlier this month, Ponting admitted that if he failed to win against England he would probably not lead his country again. “I'd probably be looking for a new job if we lose again. It's as simple as that. I've got the biggest eight months of my career coming up.” He told reporters.
Ponting revealed that winning the Ashes was his first priority as the captain and said he would do everything to lead his team to victory, “It doesn't get any bigger than that and everything I do between now and April will be geared at getting the most out of myself and, most importantly, the group. If I'm able to do that I think there are some pretty special things on the horizon for this team.”
In January, he managed a 209, but that was partly because Muhammad Aamer managed to drop a sitter and Ponting went on. However, Ponting was contained at only 66 runs, and that too after a controversial decision by the umpire after the first ball by Aamer which was stump bound had Ponting not padded up the delivery. “I honestly don't know [if I'll play in England again],” Ponting said after the Leeds loss. “It's all going to be down to how well I play. I love playing for Australia. I cherish every moment that I have to captain the side and represent my country. If I get back here in a couple of years time then so be it, but if I'm not good enough then there's nothing I can do about that.”
Despite his recent poor form and bad luck in England, Ponting has good leadership qualities which he displayed against Pakistan at Headingley. While the rest of the team had resigned to a loss, Ponting fought back. He was well on his way to leading his team to a comeback but lost out when Aamer took his wicket. “I don't think I played any more defensively than normal. Over the years I've always had that fairly aggressive intent to go out there and put it back on the bowlers. I still felt I had that in the second innings but they bowled pretty well.” Ponting said. For now, Ponting will be focused on the Ashes at home ground and the upcoming World Cup in the subcontinent.
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