While reading the chapter on SL-Aus infamous series of 94-95 series in “The One Who Will”, my brain hit the F5 key to Ponting’s debut. He entered the scene 5 years after Sachin did and has managed to catch upto 90% of Sachin’s batting performance in tests. He leads him on the catches front by a decent number 65+.
I do hate the guy from the bottom of my heart but looking at the statistics and his batting over the years I can’t but admire his prowess. It’s not often you can compete with a current player who has had a 5 year head-start.
Until Nov 2008, Punter was a mere 2 centuries behind Sachin but since then Sachin has raced ahead, increasing the difference to 9. I doubt Punter can make up that difference considering his form and the fact that if he loses the Ashes at home this year, he will most probably not make it to the test side again.
Inspite of the above and my hatred, I will continue to remain in a little awe of this man – for managing to almost catch up with GOD on-field.
Sehwag is the player in the current crop who might come close to these two; provided he lasts another 5-6 years and continues to play in the fashion he is playing today. By the very nature of his game, he looks good to make the most in tests than the shorter versions. The less we make a fuss about his careless attitude and not expect him to play the waiting game, the better it will be.
India finally managed to get SL all out this series. My belief that Bhajji has been an overrated bowler stands affirm.
There is nothing more exhilarating than watching Sehwag whack the ball out of the ground without moving his feet:-), there is nothing more enticing than watching GOD play his trademark drives and flicks and there is nothing more heart-wrenching than watching Dravid get out LBW in 2 consecutive matches on tracks where he should’ve devoured the bowling:-(
7 comments:
I don't rate Ponting very highly only because his sub-continent record is still very average. He is still suspect against good spin bowling and has scored a majority of runs against attacks that lack a good spin bowler.
well sachin has played 168 say 170 tests in almost 21 years... an avg of 8.1 tests a year while ponting has played 146 in 15 yrs... an avg of 9.75 tests a yr... so if u draw a statistical comparison ponting has the advantage of getting to play almost 35 tests more if he plays for 21 years.. considering both are supremely fit... and both have missed around the same no of matches thru injury... in that sense i do not find ponting to be statistically better as he makes a ton every 3.75 matches whereas sachin makes one every 3.5-3.6 matches or so... now u bring in other factors like pressure of billion ppl... lack of support from top order for a long time.. or having to field for ages thanks to toothless bowling and it becomes apparent the gap thr is between the two....
@Aditya/Shreyas: I think u guys missed the point and read too much between the lines. I have not compared the two-The subjective factors as Shreyas points out makes Sachin GOD and what u say about ponting's spin mastery is bang on as well. All that I was saying is he has managed to come close statistically and by no means appreciating his work belittle's sachin's achievements. And whether we consider/rate Ponting as great player or not, fact remains u can't be lucky for 15 years and come to being no2 in the world. Shreyas that .25 difference in ton per match is cause of Sachin's performance in last 2 years and Ponting's fall, he was running very close until 2008:-)
You guys are not seriously debating Ponting's greatness, are you? He is undoubtedly a great of the modern game, how he ranks with relation to SRT and BCL is debatable; his greatness, however is not!
@Saurabh: well to clarify my side I'm not else the post won't be up:-) neither am I comparing him to Sachin. All that I said is that one must appreciate how well he has done if u compare stats considering he joined the party late. So am fully in agreement with what u say:)
@Minal
If thats what u wr saying then I do agree. I m certain if test records are drawn for the past 20 odd years.. lara sachin and ponting wud b on the dias for most and maybe inzamam may get a peek in on some... in degrees and national flavors that they find dear.
I was only making a point that even though Ponting has played ard 5.5- 6 yrs less than Sachin; he was able to catch up primarily because his cricket board plays significantly more number of tests than ours..
Would love to see BCCI wake up to the fact that quality test cricket always has an audience and has atleast 8-10 tests regularly going forward...
About Dravid... I think we should pick Pujara as an understudy so he picks up some good tips from the Wall himself...
Keep writing. Like your articles from time to time
@shreyas: I hate ponting personally:-) And I cannot compare him to GOD:-) That would be blasphemy! Yes you are right about Aus playing more tests but even then we can't take away his credit:-)
That Dravid is beginning to kill me now:-( I cannot bear to see him like this in his final years!
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