For the second time in a year, Ricky Ponting’s career is under threat after failing in the second innings of the second Test match. Ponting has only scored 20 runs this series, with most of his dismissals being tentative and a consequence of lack of footwork.
After Quiney’s pair, it looks almost certain that Ponting will be picked for the third and final Test which many are saying should be his last if he doesn’t score runs.
However the first Test match against Sri Lanka, which starts December 14th, will be held at Bellerive and if Ponting is picked for that match, it will mean he becomes Australia’s most-capped Test player in history.
It would be unreasonable not to give Phil Hughes or Usman Khawaja an early shot against a Sri Lankan attack that is nowhere near as strong and experienced as South Africa’s. But it would be fitting and understandable to give Ponting not only a farewell at his home state but a chance to score runs and get back into form.
Ponting came into this series in impeccable form, having scored 355 runs at 118 in the Sheffield Shield. It has only been two matches, but at the moment his feet are not moving and his judgement is contributing to his downfall.
Although the WACA is loved by fast bowlers, it is also a great place for batsman as the ball comes onto the bat harder, which can result in fast scoring. It is also where Ricky Ponting has scored more runs than any other player in world cricket.
If Adelaide was the perfect chance for Ponting to get runs, the WACA is just as good. All he has to do is get through the first 5-10 overs of his innings, or get through the new ball to give his feet a chance to start moving.
It would be the saddest end to what has been a stellar career from Australia’s most prolific batsman if he were to be dropped after Perth, or even before.
But it has to end sometime, and for Ponting a home farewell, as well as becoming Australia’s most capped Test player, would be a fitting reward for a modern champion.
lolly
Guest
Yes, I agree. I think he's in till the end of summer and only then will there be any chance that his position for the Ashes is reconsidered, but he won't have to do much to get on tour.
lolly
Guest
Aye, and bring DK back while we are at it.
Timmuh
Roar Guru
There are two series potentially put at risk by keeping Pontig until Hobart. He should not be playing in Perth, but given Quiney would go out and a replacement had to be found for Pattinson - and playing a spinner is no certainty - the selectors were always unlikely to make the harder; but still correct; call to drop an all-time great on exposed form. Winning games sould be a more important factor than any one player, no matter how good they have been. A "farewell" should only be available to a player who decides to go while they still deserve a place. Ponting hasn't made that decision, and like anybody else if he was to tear it up in the Shield ould be recalled (age shouldn't be a factor in selection either, just who can maximise the chances of winning the next Test).
Roxmyworld
Guest
Sorry but i seemed to accidentally post mid sentence, but what was going to say is that there is no chance that ponting will be dropped any time this summer.
Roxmyworld
Guest
i think the most concerning thing is the that despite ponting's form, every player that has gotten an opportunity to take his spot has failed and concequently dropped like a chelsea manager losing a champions league match. Rob Quiney is the latest, with 2 matches played and no innings with more than 10 runs, he looks like he will be gone for perth, Usman Quaga played a couple of good games, then his form left and seems like his gone. Last example is Phil Hughes who briefly showed some promise before he came across Dave warner and subsiquently being dumped like charlie sheen from 2 and half men. all this means is that
Red Kev
Guest
158 and 8 in a game is damn good. I seem to recall one MJ Clarke bottling the innings following his big scores too.
Cameron
Roar Guru
There is only one option to retaining Ponting in the test team, drop him to 5th or 6th in batting line up. He is woeful with the new ball. otherwise, drop him!
Cameron
Roar Guru
Ak, Good read, provided a view point I had not thought of. I think Ian Healey should come out of retirement, he's only 48, so he would still have another 2 good years.
The Kebab Connoisseur
Guest
Look up Hughes latest effort. An 8!
pope paul v11
Guest
Just reread Invers comments on Rod Marsh rabbitting on about Punter's energy at training and throwing left and right handed and that's what Hughes and Khawaja have to do. WhiskeyTangoFoxtrot? And a few runs maybe? The selection panel are in lala land.
Matt F
Roar Guru
I always thought that records had to be earned rather than handed out as a farewell gift? Ponting's been a magnificent player for Australia but I'm not comfortable with just giving away Steve Waugh's record just because it would make a feel-good moment. Given his form over the past 5 years it's not as if Ricky hasn't had opportunities to step aside and have a fitting farewell
Rhys
Guest
I'm pretty sure the post from 'ak' was in jest, and a good laugh at that.
Droppa
Guest
Yes ,back in 2010 ! ..Ponting should have walked then but he didn't so now he gets it in the neck,its just the way it is.noth'n personal.
Sean
Guest
That is absolute rubbish. It does not matter how well you hit them in the nets. They don't count how you get out in the nets, its only about how many runs you score in the middle. There were 2 dismissals in Adelaide, in the middle, where it counts that any batsman would look at and be embarrassed over, I accept you can over balance to a good ball as he did in the 1st innings, but the flat footed spar away from his body in the second innings, is not the mark of someone who has a great deal of form regardless of how they may be hitting them in the nets. To say that youngsters see him as a boost is pushing the point, youngsters respect performance, and they are also very realistic, therefore if they see you not performing in the middle where it counts, then they will not keep that respect. No one has ever scored runs in the nets
ak
Roar Guru
Ponting should be allowed to play as long as he loves the game and is batting well in the nets. Even if he turns 50 but is still loving the game then he should be picked in the team. He has done so much for the team. Even if he does not perform, his being there is such a boost for the youngsters. And at end of the day batting well in the nets is much more important than batting well in a match. Because that shows that a guy is working hard. Even if he doesn't perform in 10 outings, there is always the possibility that he will perform on the 11th chance. Can you say that about a guy who is not hitting well in the nets? No. Hence performance in the nets is all that matters.
Sean
Guest
Load of nonsense. Ian Healy didn't get a Gabba farewell and Pontings performance at Adelaide has been, frankly embarrassing. It was said yesterday that, when Ponting can no longer look himself in the mirror and honestly say he still has a hunger to bat he has to go. However I feel he is incapable and must be pushed. There is no room for sentiment, and the best XI must be selected.
Graeme Henderson
Guest
I am amazed at the logic that Ponting should be kept in the side until Bellerive so that he creates a record that it appears he dose not deserve to set. If he is not up to scratch then let his replacement start their charge for attaining that record of Australia’s most-capped Test player in history, and deserve it. Ponting really is past the point where he gets to choreograph his exit, that was his choice. Australia needs to be blooding new players not grandfathering old players. The game is bigger than the man. Ponting hasn't earnt the right to play in Perth.
Red Kev
Guest
I would be happy with this outcome if and only if he and the selectors have the conversation now and Ponting announces it. 1 - Hughes and Khawaja get put on notice. 2 - The crowds rock up in Perth and Hobart for one last look. If he won't announce it (after being told by selectors) though, drop him like Bingle before the Perth test.
Christo the Daddyo
Guest
Ricky Ponting doesn't 'deserve' anything of the sort. He is paid extraordinarily well to score runs. He should be treated like any other player and either picked or dropped on his form. With the exception of last year, Ponting's form has been declining for years and should be dropped. At the moment he is holding up the development of the next generation of Australian batsmen.