Ricky Ponting enters Australian Hall of Fame

The former Australian Captain and Coach of IPL Franchisee team Mumbai Indians Ricky Ponting was inducted into the Sports Australia hall of fame in Melbourne on Wednesday night. 

The moment also became special as Punter was inducted by none other than his former long-time teammate and his deputy during his captain-ship days Adam Gilchrist.

To be inducted in Sports Australia hall of fame, athlete must be retired for two years before being eligible and committee didn't miss any chance to include Ricky Ponting in this list at the first available opportunity. Before Ricky Ponting cricket legends like Sir Don Bradman, Steve Waugh and Shane Warne were also inducted into Sports Australia hall of fame.

Ponting is the highest run scorer for Australia in tests and One day Internationals scoring 13,378 runs in test matches at an average of 51.85 and 13,704 runs in One Day Internationals at an average of 42.03. He has also scored 71 centuries in both the formats.

When Ponting took charge from Steve Waugh it was a difficult challenge for him to maintain the legacy which team set under Waugh’s leadership. With his aggressive decision making skills and leading from the front nature Ponting lead Australia to win 48 test matches out of 77 test matches as skipper and also equaling the record of 16 consecutive test wins set by Steve Waugh team.

In a career spanning more than 17 years, he helped Australian cricket both as a player and a leader, winning host of titles, including back-to-back Cricket World Cup titles in 2003 and 2007. He was also a part of Steve Waugh's World Cup winning team in 1999.

Ponting played his last Test for Australia at Perth in December 2012 against South Africa and last ODI at Brisbane in February 19, 2012 against India. He retired from all forms of cricket in July 2013.

CA chief executive James Sutherland praised Ponting for his enormous contribution to Australian cricket and society more broadly. 

"Ricky may have been small in stature but he's a giant of the cricket world," Sutherland said.

"Such was Ricky's domination in the Test and one-day arena that his Australian records may never be broken. He was not only a phenomenal batsman but a selfless team man whose motives always centred around his team's success.

"Ricky was often the first player to training and the last to leave, working with his teammates to ensure they were happy with their game and ready to play.

"In retirement Ricky continues to make a positive contribution to the game through his insightful commentary as part of Channel Ten's Big Bash team.

"Off the field he and his wife Rianna continue to make a difference to people's lives through the millions they have raised to fight against childhood cancer.

"On behalf of Cricket Australia I congratulate Ricky for his induction into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame. He is a truly great Australian sportsman and this is a thoroughly deserved honour."

Besides Ponting, Ryan Bayley (two-time Olympic gold medalist cyclist), Helen Brownlee (first female president of Australian Canoeing), Priya Cooper (Nine-time Paralympic swimming gold medalist), Leisel Jones (Three-time Olympic swimming gold medalist), John O'Neill (former ARU and FFA chief) Norm Provan (10-time rugby league premiership winner with St George) and Casey Stoner (two-time MotoGP world champion) were also inducted.

By: Abhishek Shekhawat

GM–Franchise & Game Development

Photo Courtesy: www.cricket.com.au & foxsports