Ponting’s stand adds spice to SA decider
30 Nov 2012 8:11 AM IST
Former undisputed top dogs Australia are desperate to ensure Ricky Ponting ends his career in style by reclaiming the number one ranking from South Africa in the final Test starting tomorrow.
The Australians have not been at the summit of Test cricket since 2009 but draws in the first two Tests mean they can replace the Proteas as the number one team with a win in Perth. South Africa only need a draw to retain their crown.
Ponting’s announcement today that he would retire after the match, which will see him equal Steve Waugh’s Australian record of 168 Tests, has added spice to an already keenly anticipated clash.
Captain Michael Clarke said Australia, currently ranked number three in the world, were determined to see Ponting’s stellar international career end on a high note. ‘It will only give us more inspiration, there is no doubt about that,’ Clarke said of Ponting’s surprise retirement.
‘It is a grand final for us, it is why you play the game, to play this final Test match against the number one team in the world and know that if you win you will be the number one team in the world.
‘Ricky’s announcement will only give us more inspiration to do everything we can to win this game.’
Meanwhile Ponting noted that he would live to seal the oppurunity. ‘This is an unbelievable opportunity,’ said the 37-year-old. ‘I said to the boys I am hungrier than ever and I want this win more than probably any game I have ever played in. ‘I will do whatever I can to contribute to a great team performance and if that leads to a win for the team and we get back to the top of the tree and number one in the world, there is no better time for me to finish.’
South African skipper Graeme Smith said Ponting was the ‘most competitive man I have ever played against’ and conceded his retirement would fire up the Australians. However, he said the Proteas were ready for the challenge. ‘That is not for us to worry about,’ he said of Ponting’s decision and the impact it might have on the match. ‘Our job is getting ourselves ready and competing. From our perspective, nothing really changes. ‘There is a calmness and clarity in the group going into this Test.’
SA TO TAKE CALL ON KALLIS BEFORE PLAY
South Africa will give all-rounder Jacques Kallis until the last moment to prove his fitness for the crucial third and final Test against Australia starting Friday at the WACA Ground.
Proteas captain Graeme Smith said ‘We will wait to see how he (Kallis) comes through today and tomorrow morning.’To have him at number four for us brings a lot of batting strength for us and is crucial. Hopefully, when we wake up he will be ready to go but we won’t be making that decision lightly.’
The Australians have not been at the summit of Test cricket since 2009 but draws in the first two Tests mean they can replace the Proteas as the number one team with a win in Perth. South Africa only need a draw to retain their crown.
Ponting’s announcement today that he would retire after the match, which will see him equal Steve Waugh’s Australian record of 168 Tests, has added spice to an already keenly anticipated clash.
Captain Michael Clarke said Australia, currently ranked number three in the world, were determined to see Ponting’s stellar international career end on a high note. ‘It will only give us more inspiration, there is no doubt about that,’ Clarke said of Ponting’s surprise retirement.
‘It is a grand final for us, it is why you play the game, to play this final Test match against the number one team in the world and know that if you win you will be the number one team in the world.
‘Ricky’s announcement will only give us more inspiration to do everything we can to win this game.’
Meanwhile Ponting noted that he would live to seal the oppurunity. ‘This is an unbelievable opportunity,’ said the 37-year-old. ‘I said to the boys I am hungrier than ever and I want this win more than probably any game I have ever played in. ‘I will do whatever I can to contribute to a great team performance and if that leads to a win for the team and we get back to the top of the tree and number one in the world, there is no better time for me to finish.’
South African skipper Graeme Smith said Ponting was the ‘most competitive man I have ever played against’ and conceded his retirement would fire up the Australians. However, he said the Proteas were ready for the challenge. ‘That is not for us to worry about,’ he said of Ponting’s decision and the impact it might have on the match. ‘Our job is getting ourselves ready and competing. From our perspective, nothing really changes. ‘There is a calmness and clarity in the group going into this Test.’
SA TO TAKE CALL ON KALLIS BEFORE PLAY
South Africa will give all-rounder Jacques Kallis until the last moment to prove his fitness for the crucial third and final Test against Australia starting Friday at the WACA Ground.
Proteas captain Graeme Smith said ‘We will wait to see how he (Kallis) comes through today and tomorrow morning.’To have him at number four for us brings a lot of batting strength for us and is crucial. Hopefully, when we wake up he will be ready to go but we won’t be making that decision lightly.’
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