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Happy Birthday Ricky Ponting: Top 5 BGT Knocks Of Former Australian Captain

Soumyajit Dutta

Ricky Ponting turned 50 today [Source: @Cricketopiacom/X.com]Ricky Ponting turned 50 today [Source: @Cricketopiacom/X.com]

Born on December 19, 1974, the Australian legend Ricky Ponting, aka 'Punter', turned 50 today. It has been 12 long years since the Aussie legend left the bat and the helm as he left behind a legacy of his own.

Ricky Ponting, the former Aussie captain, made a name for himself with his aggressive batting and strong leadership. He wasn't just great for the national team; he also helped the Mumbai Indians snag an IPL title back in 2013.

Making his debut in 1995, Ricky Ponting quickly became a key player for Australia. His determination and tough mindset were huge in making Australia one of the top teams in cricket history. Over his 15-year career, he racked up an impressive 13,378 runs in Tests, including 41 centuries and six double tons. In ODIs, he scored 13,704 runs, bagging 30 centuries along the way.

With India and Australia fighting it out in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy currently tied 1-1 after the third Test, let's take a look and reminisce Ricky Ponting's most memorable knocks in BGT.

5) 140 In Adelaide Test 2007-08

Ricky Ponting played a memorable and crucial knock for his team to bring the match down to a stalemate. After India's gritty 526, Australia held the fort strong, and Ponting's 140, along with tons from Matthew Hayden and Michael Clarke, helped the Aussies put up a massive 563 in response. Though India came to bat in the second innings, the match resulted in a draw.

4) 141 In Sydney 1999-2000

In the third Test of the series, Australia was totally in control, and Ponting's 141* really sealed the deal for them. India struggled big time, posting just 150 runs in their first innings, while Australia came back with a giant score of 552. With Justin Langer contributing a double-century, Ponting led the team to a solid victory, winning the match by 141 runs and completing a clean sweep against India. 

3) 221 In Adelaide 2011-12

Ricky Ponting's partnership with Michael Clarke in the second Test against India at the SCG was a memorable turnaround for Ponting's lean patch. His 221-run knock stands as the second-best knock of his career in BGT.

In the final Test of the series at the Adelaide Oval, Clarke and Ponting broke their own record with a mammoth 386-run partnership. Ponting's contribution of 221 runs in this innings proved to be the final chapter of his illustrious Test career, leaving an enduring legacy for Australian cricket. 

2) 242 In Adelaide 2003-04

In the 2nd Test at Adelaide, Australia got totally crushed by India. But Ricky Ponting wasn't about to let his team go down without a fight. When Australia batted first, the lineup struggled big time, except for Simon Katich, who scored a solid 75, and Ponting, who went all out with a huge 242 runs off 352 balls. Thanks to them, Australia piled up an impressive 556 runs in their first innings. However, India came back strong in their second innings and ended up winning the match by four wickets.

1) 257 In Melbourne 2003-04

Ricky Ponting reached his career-best performances in this year scoring three double centuries in 2003, including two against India at home. The legend has the highest Test score of 257, achieved at the Melbourne Cricket Ground against India. This score also remains the fourth-highest score at the venue and this was instrumental in Australia's comeback victory against India, helping them level the series after trailing 0-1.