Tom Moody Recounts Ricky Ponting's Teenage Days At the Australian Academy
Published - 28 Jun 2020, 05:53 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 12:31 AM
Former Australian cricketer Tom Moody has opened up on Ricky Ponting’s early years in cricket. Having debuted in 1995, Ricky Ponting is arguably the greatest Australian batsman and one of the best in the history of the game. The Tasmanian has amassed over 20000 runs in international cricket and is the highest run-getter for the nation in Tests and ODIs.
Tom Moody recalled the teenage days when Ricky Ponting was a part of the Australian academy while former national chief selector Rod Marsh was its head. Rod Marsh opined that he had never witnessed a batsman pick the length as rapidly as Ponting did. The former keeper-batsman knew that the right-handed batsman is going to be a massive name in Australian cricket.
“When Ponting was part of the Australian academy even before he played a first-class game – Rod Marsh was head of the academy – and he told me that he had never seen anyone pick length as quickly as Ponting did. This was when Ponting was a 16-year-old kid and Marsh had said this kid is going to be a superstar.” the 54-year old said as quoted by Hindustan Times.
“Ricky Ponting was a rough diamond when he first arrived” : Tom Moody
The former all-rounder added that the 45-year old had his fair share of controversies when he first arrived. At the same time, Moody admitted that he evolved from it and turned as a match-winner. Tom Moody mentioned he became one of the most respected batsmen, captain, commentator, and now a coach.
“Ponting was a rough diamond when he first arrived. He made mistakes like we all have but he has learnt from them and evolved into a match-winner. He became one of the most respected Australian batsmen, captain, commentator and now a coach.” the South Australian added.
While Ricky Ponting’s name is already etched as the run-machine, his status as captain isn’t anywhere behind. The Tasmanian guided Australia to two World Cups and two Champions Trophy titles aside from being one of the most successful Test skippers as well. He featured in 168 Tests, 375 ODIs, and 17 T20Is from 1995 to 2012. Ponting has served as a coach in the IPL and for the national team.
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