Ricky Ponting Reveals How Difficult It Was To Step Down As Australia's Captain

Former Australian skipper, Ricky Ponting is widely known as one of the best skippers in the history of international cricket. Ponting used to lead one of the deadliest and dominant teams the world of cricket has ever witnessed.

Ponting led Australia in 77 Tests (48 wins) while he took charge in 228 ODIs (162 wins). He also led his team to two back-to-back World Cups in 2003 and 2007, taking his overall title tally to three.

Despite such feats, Ponting decided to step down as captain of the team after Australia were knocked out in the semi-final of ICC World Cup 2011.

Ricky Ponting Opens Up On Stepping Down From Captaincy

Ponting revealed giving up captaincy hurt but he knew it was the right time to step down from the position.

The veteran cricketer also stated that he decided to stay as a batsman in the team because a lot of new players were coming in and him being around would help them a lot.

“Did it hurt? Yes. Giving it up hurt. I think I realised it was the right time for Australian cricket,” Ponting told Sky Sports. “I want to give the next captain appropriate time to go into next couple of big tournaments. I wanted to ensure Michael (Clarke) had enough time to be the best captain he can be in the next big event,” Ponting said.

“It was really touch and go that would make it to the next Ashes. I thought it was right time to give it up and give Michael every opportunity,” he added.

Wanted To Help The Team Further: Ricky Ponting

“I made a hundred in the World Cup quarter-final and I was still playing well. There were a few eyebrows raised when I said I would like to play on,” Ponting said.

He added, “The major reason I played on is because there were a lot of young guys coming in at the time and I wanted to make sure I was around to help them. Believe me, there was nothing left for me to achieve in the game and I was only around for what I thought was best for Australian cricket.”

However, the decision proved fruitful as Michael Clarke led Australia to its fifth World Cup title in 2015 as the hosts beat arch-rivals New Zealand in the final by seven wickets at the historic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).

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