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Ricky Ponting, widely regarded as one of the greatest batters in cricket history, dominated the game with his aggressive stroke play and impeccable technique. The former Australian captain played a crucial role in his team’s dominance during the late 1990s and 2000s, leading Australia to multiple ICC titles. Across formats, Ponting amassed over 27,000 international runs and cemented his legacy as one of the finest to have ever played the game.
A career filled with battles against legendary bowlers
During his illustrious career spanning nearly two decades, Ponting faced some of the most fearsome bowlers in cricket history. From fiery fast bowlers to masterful spinners, the Australian legend encountered relentless challenges against bowlers from all around the world. Whether it was playing on fast and bouncy pitches in Australia or tackling turning tracks in the subcontinent, Ponting’s batting prowess was tested against the best.
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Ricky Ponting picks the toughest bowlers he faced
Speaking on the Howie Games Podcast, Ponting revealed the bowlers he found toughest to face in his career. He highlighted the challenge posed by legendary pacers like Wasim Akram, Curtly Ambrose, and Dale Steyn, acknowledging their skill, pace, and ability to trouble batters consistently. When it comes to spinners, Ponting went with the spin duo of Harbhajan Singh and Anil Kumble. He also reckoned that Sri Lankan great Muttiah Muralitharan troubled him a lot with his variations.
“Akram, Ambrose, yeah maybe Dale Steyn—fast bowlers. Spinners, you know Harbhajan has got me out more than anybody. Harbhajan, Kumble probably got me out more than anybody else. Murali was incredibly difficult to face, in Australia or in Sri Lanka, because of the variations that he had and the speed that he was able to bowl,” Ponting said.
The former Australian captain also named Mohammad Asif, the Pakistani seamer known for his impeccable control and ability to swing the ball both ways.
“Actually, I tell you who was a very good bowler—Mohammad Asif. He was a very good bowler. Seam, swing bowler, very good, very skillful bowler,” Ponting added.
