Ponting takes control

Slowly, one of the great anomalies in cricket is being corrected. Ricky Ponting's average in 14 Test innings in India before the first Test today was a pitiful 12.28, which compares very badly with his averages just about everywhere else. In Australia it is 63, South Africa 66, West Indies 78. In England it is a more human 43, but in Bangladesh and New Zealand it is almost 100. And although Ponting has traditionally done badly against India spinners on their home soil - 13 of the 14 dismissals were to spin - he averages 54 on the Sri Lanka turners against Muralitharan, so that isn't an excuse.

Call it just a statistical blip. Ponting has certainly gone about rectifying it in the right way this morning. Having come in during the first over of the day, when Hayden edged behind for a duck, Ponting has steadily made his way to the threshold of yet another Test hundred. As I type, he is on 94 and should he get to his 36th century, he will be only three behind Sachin Tendulkar's record. Ponting is also creeping his overall average closer to 60 (it's just below 59 now). Some player, some captain.

Sorry for the lack of posts this week but it's been a busy one. This week's Ashes Hero will be posted later on today.

Comments

[Peter McGuinness]

Yes, what a great day (of actual cricket).

Interesting to see the raucous appeal in response to Hayden missing by at least 4 inches. Good to see him get off the ground without so much as a look up. Also nice to see the home side become demonstrably abusive after a blatant bump ball return catch was correctly denied by the umps. Ahhhh...here we go again. 'It is what it is' I guess. Luckily, 'tis but a brief tour. No amount of marketing polish can shine up this heady, but thoroughly joyless contest. May time fly.

[Rusty]

Captain's knock, Patrick. What Ponting's all about, when he manages to rise above the pettiness.