While Ponting has not played a lot of cricket in Canberra, he is a huge fan of the typically batsmen-friendly Manuka Oval pitch. He last played at the ground back in January, when he captained the Prime Minister’s XI side for the first time, against the West Indies. He said that with the recently upgraded facilities at the ground, it should be utilised more by Cricket Australia. “Academy teams used to come here when the Comets were in, and I played a few one dayers, and obviously I had the chance to captain the PM’s XI this year,” he said. “The wicket that we played on this year was very, very good, as were refelected by the scores that were made that night. The ground surface has always been terrific.”
Ricky talks straight
He is arguably the most successful Australian cricketer ever, and Canberra was lucky enough to host the former Australian captain for the second in 2013. By Joshua Matic. Twitter: @MaticJm Batting and captaincy legend Ricky Ponting made a one day whirlwind visit to the nation’s capital to promote his highly anticipated autobiography, At The Close Of Play, as part of his national tour with Harper Collins publishing.
While Ponting believes Michael Clarke is the right man to captain Australia for now, he criticised him for putting himself before the team from time to time.
Thousands of Canberra cricket fans lined up at Dymocks book stores in Tuggeranong and Belconnen to meet their hero, while he also attended a ticketed lunch in Narrubundah where he fielded questions from the limited fan and media numbers at the function.
“He’d have a big group of friends that he’s want to go out and see, but the closest friends that you have, or at least I’ve had anyway, are the guys inside the dressing room walls.”
While Ponting spoke mainly about his autobiography and his relationships with teammates and his family, what struck one most about him was just how humble and down-to-Earth he is. He will not hesitate to answer questions with the honest truth. He will say things as they are, but at the same time, comes across as the nicest man one could meet. Ponting discussed two of the most controversial issues he has seen Cricket Australia deal with, in the sacking of former coach Mickey Arthur and the appointment of Michael Clarke as captain. Ponting agreed with Arthur’s sacking. “You could even read in the papers there was a lot of disharmony around the team, and I don’t ever like to hear news like that coming out about a team.” “I don’t think we could have afforded to wait any longer. Some of the relationships weren’t in place and were broken down.” “As a coach, I would’ve thought that’s your first priority. You’ve got to have everyone on the same page working together.” “If you can’t do that as a coach, the you shouldn’t be a coach in the first place.” Issue #30 december 2013
“[Mark] Higgs [ACT Cricket head coach] is under the impression now that things are probably not as strong as they used to be in Canberra,” he said. “The smaller populations will always go strong and keep producing lots of highly talented players.” “But with a facility like what you’ve got, there’s no reason why more cricket can’t come back here.”
“That test match was Matthew Hayden’s last. I wouldn’t be rushing off anywhere for anything.” Ponting named his personal XI to start in the first Ashes test, at the ‘Gabba on November 21, and much preferred Phil Hughes over controversial opener David Warner. Ponting said Warner’s offfield misdemeanors and his inconsistent form at test level should be undermined by Hughes’ first class experience. “He’s obviously playing really well at the moment, but I still have some doubts about him at test level,” Ponting said. “The cold hard facts in there are that Phil Hughes has scored 20-odd first class centuries and he’s 23 or 24. The boy knows how to bat and how to score runs.”
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PLAY Canberra had the privilege of speaking to Australian crickets most successful captain and greatest run scorer on both test and one day international cricket.
“For me that’s something I can’t ever accept,” said Ponting.
He said that with the success of Australian cricket teams being not as high at the current time as what it has previously, smaller regions like the Australian Capital Territory could benefit from an increased chance in producing great young cricketers and filling smaller venues with fans.
For more information visit cit.edu.au/fitness or phone (02) 6207 3188. playcanberra.com.au
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