Former cricketer Ricky Ponting is the highest centurion for Australia. So far, no Australian has surpassed his record of 71 international century. On Tuesday, the former captain shared the picture of the bat with which he has scored the most number of international centuries.
Taking to Twitter, Ponting, who has played 168 Test matches and 375 ODIs, shared the picture of the bat, calling it a baby. After scoring five centuries with that bat, Ponting wrote that it is now ripped.
“Five international hundreds with this baby, four of them against South Africa. The 120 and 143* were made in my 100th Test at the SCG. And the 164 was made in the famous 434 v 438 ODI at the Wanderers. Used it for as long as I could and as you can see it’s pretty worn out.
Five international hundreds with this baby, four of them against South Africa. The 120 and 143* were made in my 100th Test at the SCG.
And the 164 was made in the famous 434 v 438 ODI at the Wanderers. Used it for as long as I could and as you can see it's pretty worn out. pic.twitter.com/Mn4PX4TTqj
— Ricky Ponting AO (@RickyPonting) May 19, 2020
Ricky Ponting has managed to play the most memorable knock with this bat against South Africa. In 2006, he scored 164 runs and led Australia to set a mammoth total of 434 runs in an ODI match. However, his effort went into vain as the Proteas chased down the total and scripted history.
Ponting has 41 Tests and 30 ODI centuries in his illustrious career. In Tests, he has 13378 runs at an average of 51.85. He is the second-highest run-getter in the history of the longest format of the game. He has also collected 13704 runs in ODIs at an average of 42.03.
The 45-year-old has been part of three World Cup triumphs of Australia, in which, he has led the team two World Cup victories in 2003 and 2007. He also led Australia to ICC Champions Trophy victory twice in a row, in 2006 and 2009.
After retiring from international cricket in 2012, he has been doing commentary occasionally. Currently, he is the head coach of the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Delhi Capitals.