Ricky Ponting facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Ricky Ponting

Ponting in 2015
Personal information
Full name	Ricky Thomas Ponting
Born	(1974-12-19) 19 December 1974 (age 50) Launceston, Tasmania, Australia
Nickname	Punter
Height	175 cm (5 ft 9 in)
Batting	Right-handed
Bowling	Right-arm medium
Role	Top-order batter
Relations	Greg Campbell (uncle)
International information
National side	Australia (1995–2012)
Test debut (cap 366)	8 December 1995 v Sri Lanka
Last Test	3 December 2012 v South Africa
ODI debut (cap 123)	15 February 1995 v South Africa
Last ODI	19 February 2012 v India
ODI shirt no.	14
T20I debut (cap 10)	17 February 2005 v New Zealand
Last T20I	8 June 2009 v Sri Lanka
T20I shirt no.	14
Domestic team information
Years	Team
1992–2013	Tasmania
2004	Somerset
2008	Kolkata Knight Riders
2011–2013	Hobart Hurricanes
2013	Mumbai Indians (squad no. 14)
2013	Surrey
2013	Antigua Hawksbills
Head coaching information
Years	Team
2014–2016	Mumbai Indians
2017–2018	Australia
2018–2024	Delhi Capitals
2024–present	Washington Freedom
2025	Punjab Kings
Career statistics
Competition Test ODI FC LA Matches 168 375 289 456 Runs scored 13,378 13,704 24,150 16,363 Batting average 51.85 42.03 55.90 41.74 100s/50s 41/62 30/82 82/106 34/99 Top score 257 164 257 164 Balls bowled 587 150 1,506 349 Wickets 5 3 14 8 Bowling average 55.20 34.66 58.07 33.62 5 wickets in innings 0 0 0 0 10 wickets in match 0 0 0 0 Best bowling 1/0 1/12 2/10 3/34 Catches/stumpings 196/– 160/– 309/– 195/–
Medal record Men's cricket Representing  Australia ICC Cricket World Cup Runner-up 1996 India-Pakistan-Sri Lanka Winner 1999 British Isles & Netherlands Winner 2003 South Africa-Zimbabwe-Kenya Winner 2007 West Indies ICC Champions Trophy Winner 2006 India Winner 2009 South Africa Commonwealth Games Silver 1998 Kuala Lumpur
Source: ESPNcricinfo, 11 July 2013

Ricky Thomas Ponting (born 19 December 1974) is a famous Australian cricket coach, commentator, and former player. Many people consider him one of the greatest batsmen ever. He is also the most successful captain in international cricket history, winning 220 out of 324 matches.

Ponting has scored the third highest number of centuries in international cricket. Only Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli have scored more. He holds the record for winning the most ICC tournaments as a captain. This includes the 2003 and 2007 Cricket World Cups. He also led Australia to victory in the 2006 and 2009 Champions Trophies. He was also part of the Australian team that won the 1999 Cricket World Cup.

At home in Australia, Ponting played for his state team, Tasmania. He also played for Tasmania's Hobart Hurricanes in the Big Bash League, a Twenty20 competition. He was a skilled right-handed batsman and an excellent slip fielder. Sometimes, he would even bowl a little. He led Australia to a 5–0 Ashes win and two World Cup victories. He also helped Australia win the ICC Champions Trophy twice in a row. Ponting is one of the most successful Test captains, with 48 wins in 77 Tests. He is the only cricketer to be part of 100 Test victories. He also played in the most ODI victories, with 262 wins. He played over 160 Tests and 370 One Day Internationals (ODIs).

Ponting is Australia's top run-scorer in both Test and ODI cricket. He was named "Cricketer of the Decade 2000". In 2017, he was chosen for Australia's best Ashes team in a Cricket Australia poll. In July 2018, he was added to the ICC Hall of Fame. He is currently an assistant coach for the Australian men's cricket team.

Ponting announced he would retire from Test cricket in November 2012. His last Test match was against South Africa. This was his 168th Test, matching Steve Waugh's Australian record. He finished his Test career with a batting average of 51.85. He continued to play cricket around the world until 2013.

Early Life and Cricket Beginnings (1974–1995)

Birth and Family Life

Ponting with his wife Rianna in 2016.

Ricky Ponting was born in Launceston, Tasmania, on 19 December 1974. He is the oldest of Graeme and Lorraine Ponting's three children. His father, Graeme, was a good club cricketer. His mother, Lorraine, was a state vigoro champion. His uncle, Greg Campbell, played Test cricket for Australia. Ponting's family moved to Newnham, a working-class area in Launceston.

In June 2002, Ponting married Rianna Cantor, a law student. He has often said that she helped him become more mature. They have three children together.

Starting Cricket as a Youngster

Ricky Ponting began playing cricket at a young age. His father and uncle introduced him to the sport. He joined the Mowbray Under-13s team when he was just 11 years old. In January 1986, he played in a junior cricket competition in Northern Tasmania. He scored four centuries in one week! Because of this amazing performance, bat maker Kookaburra offered him a sponsorship contract.

Ponting also loved Australian Rules football. He played junior football for North Launceston. When he was 13, he broke his right arm playing football. The injury was so bad it needed to be pinned. He was told to rest for 14 weeks and never played competitive football again.

Ponting helped with the scoreboard during Sheffield Shield matches. This allowed him to be around international cricketers. After finishing school in 1990, he worked as a groundsman at Scotch Oakburn College. In 1991, he attended a training program at the Australian Cricket Academy in Adelaide. He impressed the coaches so much that he received a two-year sponsorship. Coach Rod Marsh called him the best 17-year-old batsman he had ever seen.

In 1992, Ponting played five games for Tasmania in the Under-19 carnival. He scored 350 runs. This earned him a spot in the national Under-19 development squad. They toured South Africa, which was the first official Australian cricket tour there since 1970.

Early Australian Domestic Career

Ponting made his first-class debut for Tasmania in November 1992. He was only 17 years and 337 days old. This made him the youngest Tasmanian to play in a Sheffield Shield match. He scored 56 runs in his first game.

He scored his first first-class century at 18 years and 40 days. This made him the youngest Tasmanian to achieve this. He even scored two centuries in one match against Western Australia. This was a rare feat in Shield history. He scored 781 runs that season.

In 1993, Ponting was considered for the Australian team touring England. However, he was selected for the academy squad that toured India and Sri Lanka. He continued to perform well, scoring 99 not out in a one-day game.

In the 1993–94 Sheffield Shield season, Ponting aimed to score 1000 runs. He scored 161 in a crucial match against South Australia. Tasmania won that game and reached the final. He finished the season with 965 runs.

In November 1994, Ponting scored 211 against Western Australia. This was his fifth century in a row against them. Only Sir Donald Bradman had done this before in Shield history.

International Debut and Early Years (1995–1999)

Making the Australian Team

Ponting's strong domestic performances led to his selection for the Australian ODI team. He debuted in February 1995 against South Africa in New Zealand. He scored 62 runs against India in his third match.

His Test debut came soon after, in December 1995 against Sri Lanka in Perth. He scored an impressive 96 runs in his first Test innings. He was disappointed not to reach 100. Australia won the match easily. In his second Test, he scored 71 runs.

Ponting played in the 1996 Cricket World Cup. He became the youngest batsman to score a World Cup century, with 102 runs against the West Indies. Australia reached the final but lost to Sri Lanka. He finished the tournament with 229 runs.

After the World Cup, Ponting was promoted to the number three batting position in Tests. He scored his first Test century in the 1997 Ashes tour of England. He made 127 runs, helping Australia win the match. He ended that series with 241 runs.

In the 1997–98 season, Ponting scored his first Test century on Australian soil. He made 105 against South Africa at the MCG. He had a very successful ODI season, scoring 462 runs. This included a century against New Zealand.

Challenges and Comeback

In 1998, Ponting toured India for a Test series. He struggled against the Indian bowlers. He was dismissed by Harbhajan Singh multiple times. Australia lost the series 2–1.

Despite a tough Test series, Ponting's ODI form remained strong. He scored 145 runs against Zimbabwe. He also scored 124 not out against Pakistan in a successful chase.

Ponting faced some disciplinary issues during this period. He was temporarily suspended from the national team. He worked hard to improve and focus on his cricket.

World Cup Success and Captaincy (1999–2004)

First World Cup Victory (1999)

Australia had a mixed start to the 1999 Cricket World Cup. They faced South Africa in a crucial Super Six match. Ponting scored 69 runs, helping Australia win and reach the semi-finals. In the semi-final against South Africa, Ponting scored 37. The match ended in a tie, but Australia advanced to the final because of their better Super Six record. Australia then comfortably won the final against Pakistan, securing their first World Cup title since 1987. Ponting scored 24 in the final.

After the World Cup, Ponting was named Man-of-the-Series in Sri Lanka. He scored 253 runs, including a century. He continued his strong form in the 1999–2000 season. He scored 197 against Pakistan and two centuries against India. He was the leading scorer in the India series.

Becoming ODI Captain

Ponting at a training session at the Adelaide Oval in 2009.

In early 2002, Steve Waugh was dropped from the One-Day International (ODI) team. Ponting was then chosen as the new ODI captain. He led the team to immediate success, winning their first series in South Africa.

Ponting continued to perform well with the bat. He scored 100 not out against South Africa in a Test match. He also scored 141 and 150 against Pakistan in neutral territory.

Ashes Victory and First World Cup as Captain (2003)

In the 2002–03 Ashes series against England, Ponting scored 123 and 154 in the first two Tests. Australia won the series easily. Ponting also had great success in the ODI series.

Australia faced some challenges before the 2003 Cricket World Cup. Key players were injured or suspended. However, Ponting strongly supported Andrew Symonds, who went on to have a fantastic tournament. Australia won all 11 of their matches, becoming undefeated champions.

In the final against India, Ponting scored an amazing 140 not out from 121 balls. Australia set a record score for a World Cup final and won by 125 runs. Ponting described lifting the World Cup as the best moment of his cricketing life.

After the World Cup, Ponting was named the long-term vice-captain of the Test team. He continued his excellent form in the West Indies, scoring 117, 206, and 113 in the Test series. He was named Man-of-the-Series.

Reaching 5,000 Test Runs

In 2003, Ponting scored 169 and 53 not out against Zimbabwe. During this series, he passed 5,000 Test runs. He also questioned whether Bangladesh and Zimbabwe should be playing Test cricket due to low public interest.

Ponting had an incredible year in 2003. He scored double-centuries in back-to-back Tests against India (242 and 257). His 257 was his highest career score. He became only the second player, after Sir Donald Bradman, to hit three double-centuries in a calendar year.

Becoming Test Captain (2004–2008)

After Steve Waugh's (pictured) retirement in early 2004, Ponting became the Test captain.

After Steve Waugh retired in early 2004, Ponting became the Test captain. He led Australia to a 3–0 series win in Sri Lanka. He was named captain of both the World Test XI and ODI XI by the ICC in 2004.

Ponting signing autographs in Sydney, 2005, before he scored his fourth career double century.

In the 2004–05 Australian season, Ponting led his team to win all five Tests. He scored 207 against Pakistan in Sydney, his first century as captain. He ended that series with 403 runs. He also scored 105 and 86 not out in New Zealand.

Losing the Ashes in 2005

Australia lost the Ashes series to England 2–1 in 2005. This was the first time an Australian captain had lost the Ashes since 1986–87. Ponting faced criticism but said Australia was simply outplayed.

In the third Test, Ponting scored 156 runs. This was Australia's first century of the series. In the fourth Test, he was run out by a substitute fielder. He reacted angrily and was later fined. Despite a strong fight, Australia lost the match and the Ashes. This loss motivated the Australian team to improve.

Twin Centuries in 100th Test

Ponting during his 124 against Sri Lanka on 12 February 2006 at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

Australia had a strong home season in 2005–06. They beat the West Indies 3–0 and South Africa 2–0. Ponting scored centuries in both innings of the first Test against the West Indies.

Against South Africa, Ponting scored 117, 120, and 143 not out. In his 100th Test match, he scored two centuries (120 and 143 not out). This was the first time anyone had done this. He was named man of the match and man of the series.

First Champions Trophy Win

Australia won the 2006 ICC Champions Trophy in India. This was the first time they had won this ODI tournament. After the final, Ponting faced some minor criticism for an incident during the trophy presentation. He later apologized.

Regaining the Ashes and 10,000 ODI Runs

The Australian cricket team with a replica of The Ashes urn

In November 2006, Australia played England in the Ashes series at home. Ponting scored 196 in the first Test and 142 in the second. Australia won the third Test to reclaim the Ashes. Ponting's team became the second Australian team to win an Ashes series 5–0. He was named Man of the Series for his 576 runs.

A large crowd of over 10,000 fans welcome the Australian team on completing the first World Cup hat-trick – Martin Place, Sydney.

Australia then went on to win the 2007 Cricket World Cup in the West Indies. Ponting scored 113 against Scotland and 91 against South Africa. During the match against South Africa, he became the seventh player to score 10,000 ODI runs. Australia won all their matches and secured their third consecutive World Cup title. Ponting was named captain of the 'Team of the Tournament'.

Sydney Test Controversy

Ponting at the toss for an ODI against India at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

The 2007–08 season began a new era for Australia, with key bowlers Glenn McGrath and Shane Warne retired. Australia won the first Test against Sri Lanka easily. Ponting scored 140 runs in the series.

The series against India was more challenging. Australia won the second Test, equaling the world record of 16 consecutive Test wins. However, the match was overshadowed by disagreements and penalties for slow play. Ponting faced criticism during this time.

Later Career and Retirement (2008–2012)

Reaching 10,000 Test Runs

In 2008, Ponting led Australia on a tour of the West Indies. He scored his 35th Test century (158 runs) in the first Test. In the second Test, he became the seventh player and third Australian to score 10,000 Test runs. Australia won the series 2–0.

Second Ashes Loss as Captain

Ponting fielding during First Test in Cardiff

In 2009, Australia played the Ashes series in England. Ponting scored 150 in the first Test. He also became the fourth man to score 11,000 runs in Test cricket. During the third Test, he became the highest Australian run-scorer in Test history, passing Allan Border.

Australia lost the series 2–1. Ponting became only the third Australian captain to lose the Ashes twice. In September 2009, he retired from Twenty20 international cricket to focus on his longer formats.

Australia then won the 2009 ICC Champions Trophy. Ponting scored 79 against the West Indies and 111 not out against England in the semi-final. He became the third batsman to score 12,000 ODI runs. Australia won the final, and Ponting was named Man of the Series.

2010–11 Ashes Defeat

Ponting scored the first ever double-century (209) at his home ground Bellerive Oval (pictured) in the Third Test against Pakistan.

Australia hoped to regain the Ashes at home in 2010–11. Ponting scored 55 in the first Test. However, he had a difficult series overall. Australia lost the series, making Ponting the first Australian captain to lose an Ashes series at home since 1987. He also faced a fine for an on-field argument with umpires.

2011 World Cup and Resignation

Ponting remained captain for the 2011 Cricket World Cup. Australia had won the previous three World Cups. Australia reached the quarter-finals, where they faced India. Ponting scored 104 runs in that match, his first international century in over a year. Australia lost the match and were knocked out.

After the tournament, Ponting resigned as captain of both the Test and ODI teams. He supported Michael Clarke as his successor. Ponting stated his intention to continue playing.

Post-Captaincy and Retirement (2011–2013)

In 2011, Ponting was recognized as one of the "Best of the Best" by the Australian Institute of Sport. He continued to play for Australia under Michael Clarke. He scored an important 62 runs against South Africa, helping Australia draw the series.

In the 2011–12 Australian summer, Ponting scored two half-centuries and two centuries against India. He made 134 in Sydney and 221 in Adelaide. His partnership of 386 runs with Clarke was the fourth highest in Australian Test cricket history. During this innings, he became the first Australian and third player overall to pass 13,000 career Test runs.

On Australia Day 2012, he was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia for his services to cricket and the community. He briefly captained Australia again in the 2011–12 Commonwealth Bank Series due to injuries. However, he was later dropped from the ODI team.

On 29 November 2012, Ponting announced his retirement from Test cricket. His final Test match was against South Africa at the WACA Ground.

Playing for Tasmania and Surrey (2013)

After retiring from Test cricket, Ponting played for Tasmania in the 2012–13 Sheffield Shield season. He was the top run-scorer in the competition, with 911 runs. He was named the Sheffield Shield Player of the Year.

He also played for the English County team Surrey in 2013. He scored 192 runs on his debut for Surrey, which was the highest score by a Surrey batsman on their first-class debut.

In January 2015, a new stand at Bellerive Oval was named the Ricky Ponting Stand in his honor. A bronze statue of him was also unveiled at the ground in December 2015.

Playing Style

Approach to Cricket

Ponting was known as a very competitive player. Former Australian captain Allan Border said Ponting was determined, courageous, and skilled. South African captain Graeme Smith called Ponting the toughest competitor he ever played against.

Batting Skills

Ponting was a strong right-handed batsman. He had many powerful shots, especially the pull and hook. He was good at playing shots both off the front foot and the back foot.

Some observers noted that he sometimes struggled against quality spin bowlers, especially Harbhajan Singh from India. Ponting often tried to hit spin deliveries hard, which sometimes led to him being caught.

Former West Indian captain Viv Richards said Ponting was his favorite current player to watch.

Bowling and Fielding Skills

Ponting was a right-arm medium bowler, but he rarely bowled in matches. He was, however, considered one of the best fielders in the world. He usually fielded in the slips or at cover. His excellent eyesight and accurate throws often resulted in run-outs.

Captaincy Style

Many players who played under Ponting said he was a great leader. Justin Langer, a former Australian opening batsman, called him "inspirational." He noted that young players listened carefully to Ponting's words. Ponting led Australia to two consecutive World Cup victories in 2003 and 2007.

Career Best Performances

Records and Achievements

Ponting has received many awards and holds several records:

• He was the Wisden Leading Cricketer in the World in 2003.
• He was one of the five Wisden Cricketers of the Year in 2006.
• He won the Allan Border Medal a record four times (2004, 2006, 2007, 2009).
• He was named Australia's best Test player in 2003, 2004, and 2007.
• He was named Australia's best One Day International player in 2002 and 2007.
• He was the first batsman to score centuries in ODI cricket against all Test playing nations.
• He holds the record for the highest partnership in the ICC Champions Trophy (252 not out with Shane Watson).
• His score of 242 against India is the highest individual Test innings in a losing cause.
• He won the ICC Men's Test Cricketer of the Year in 2006.
• He won the ICC Men’s Cricketer of the Year in 2006 and 2007.
• He was named captain of the ICC Men's Test Team of the Year multiple times (2004, 2005, 2007).
• He was named captain of the ICC Men's ODI Team of the Year multiple times (2004, 2007, 2008, 2010).
• He was the Sheffield Shield Player of the Year in 2012-13.
• He was named an Australia Post Legend of Cricket in 2021.

Coaching Career

Ponting during the 2017-18 Tri-Series

Early Coaching Roles (2014–2017)

Ponting started his coaching career with the Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League (IPL). He helped them win a championship in 2015. In 2017, he became an interim coach for Australia's T20I series against Sri Lanka. He also joined the Australian cricket coaching team as an assistant.

Delhi Capitals Head Coach (2018–2024)

In January 2018, Ponting was appointed head coach of the Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) in the IPL. In 2018, the team finished last. However, under Ponting's guidance, the team improved greatly. They finished third in 2019, second in 2020, and third in 2021. Delhi was the only team to reach the playoffs in 2019, 2020, and 2021. Ponting left the Delhi Capitals in 2024.

New Coaching Roles (2024–Present)

In February 2024, Ponting was named the new head coach of Washington Freedom for the second season of Major League Cricket. The team won the tournament under his coaching.

In 2025, Ricky Ponting will become the head coach of Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the IPL.

Personal Life

Ponting is a big fan of the North Melbourne Football Club, an Australian Rules football team. He would often call friends to listen to their games while touring. He has also helped raise money for childhood cancer support through cricket games. In 2024, his wine brand, Ponting Wines, became an official partner of the North Melbourne Football Club.

See also

In Spanish: Ricky Ponting para niños