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Tendulkar vs Ponting - who will win the battle of 100's?

so?

  • Ponting

    Votes: 49 68.1%
  • Tendulkar

    Votes: 23 31.9%

  • Total voters
    72

Ikki

Hall of Fame Member
As I say the period in consideration for me starts with his debut and ends at Trent Bridge in 2001. From Headingley 2001 onwards, the moment Ramprakash failed to get under that edge off Gough because he was standing a fraction too deep, Ponting has been the batsman we have seen for the last 6 years.

(A sidenote here - I'm not saying that if Ramprakash had been standing a bit closer and had taken that catch Ponting would never have become what he has, although it is interesting to look at a few possibilities, because I'm a big believer in the butterfly earthquake theorem, the consequences of just a tiny tweak can be massive if you consider things)

So, hence, he had batted three in the previous 3 Tests (and also 3 much earlier ones, when Michael Bevan was for some reason given David Boon's place) before being dropped for Justin Langer in 1996\97.

From that point onwards, he batted six (and seven when a nightwatchman was used, which is exactly the same position so a combined average is needed) and occasionally five when someone was injured until he was promoted to three again when Langer was dropped for Martyn at the start of that 2001 Ashes.

One thing that should be noted, for me, is that a batsman does not have a divine right to a constant start to his Test career. If he plays well and scores runs, he'll get a constant place in the side. If he doesn't, he'll get shifted around a bit.

Nonetheless, even if you were to knock out his innings at three, at five\six\seven he averages 45.29. Good, but nothing close to Tendulkar.
I don't know what you're knocking around about? It still holds sway. Ponting batted mostly at #6 as I showed you and his average only dropped when he was moved around. It really doesn't matter from when to when you think the period is. His debut to the start of 2002. That sounds more fair, considering leaving out those matches does sway the argument unfavourably.

Uptil then he had 52 tests

He batted 33 times at #6 and he averaged 50.
He batted 13 times at #3 and he averaged 41.
He batted 6 times at #5 and he averaged 37.

Ponting started off his career in 95/96 messing around in 3 test matches at #3 but then was moved to #6 where he played predominantly until 2001 where he was swapped back to #3. In between those years he was adjusted to #5 and back in those few test matches. So, again...

And if we want to be fair, let's compare Tendulkar's trough to Ponting's in the period after. If it's so much easier to score then it's even more damning to Sachin. As 'The Sean' has said, at least be respectful and compare all these guys consistently.
 
Last edited:

The Sean

Cricketer Of The Year
*nominates for Afridi* Gun post, bias aside, and it's great to have you back :)
Thanks mate, and thanks to Rich for the welcome back too. I can't promise I'll be on here as often as I would like to be, but I'll try to be here more often than I have over the past few months!
 

Manee

Cricketer Of The Year
Richard said:
One thing, though: has Ponting really enormously outperformed his peers? This is a question of which I'm honestly not totally sure of the answer to.
ALL IN TESTS BECAUSE I WILL DO ONE DAYERS AT A LATER DATE

I would not say he has outperformed them, but he has always been up at their standard and never dropped below. Look at this...never a poor season.

Code:
                     Mat    I  NO  Runs HS1  HS2  HS3     Ave 100  50   0
1995 (age: 20y 13d)    2    2   0   167  96   71    -   83.50   0   2   0
1996 (21y 13d)         4    8   0   163  88   20   14   20.37   0   1   0
1997 (22y 13d)         7   11   1   497 127  105   73*  49.70   2   1   0
1998 (23y 13d)         9   14   1   382  76*  62   60   29.38   0   3   0
1999 (24y 13d)        11   17   3   883 197  125  105*  63.07   4   3   3
2000 (25y 13d)         5    7   2   318 141*  92   26*  63.60   1   1   0
2001 (26y 13d)        14   24   4   772 157* 144   72   38.60   2   4   3
2002 (27y 13d)        11   16   1  1064 154  150  141   70.93   5   2   0
2003 (28y 13d)        11   18   3  1503 257  242  206  100.20   6   4   1
2004 (29y 13d)        10   19   2   697  98   92   68   41.00   0   5   0
2005 (30y 13d)        15   28   5  1544 207  156  149   67.13   6   6   1
2006 (31y 13d)        10   18   3  1333 196  143* 142   88.86   7   4   0
2007 (32y 13d)         1    1   0    45  45    -    -   45.00   0   0   0
However, let's compare him with Langer (who is certainly not the standard of Tendulkar), on a series by series basis, to see if he is consistant

Bottom is Langer, Top is Ponting,

Code:
                     Mat    I  NO  Runs HS1  HS2  HS3     Ave 100  50   0

overall              110  183  25  9368 257  242  207   59.29  33  36   8
                     105  182  12  7696 250  223  215   45.27  23  30  11

Pakistan in Australia, 1999/00 [Series]
  (won by Aus)         3    4   0   197 197    0    0   49.25   1   0   3
                       3    4   0   331 144  127   59   82.75   2   1   0
Australia in South Africa, 2005/06 [Series]
  (won by Aus)         3    6   0   348 116  103   74   58.00   2   1   0
                       3    5   1   122  37   35   34   30.50   0   0   0
Border-Gavaskar Trophy (Aus/Ind) in India, 2000/01 [Series]
  (won by Ind)         3    5   0    17  11    6    0    3.40   0   0   3
                       3    5   0   161  58   35   28   32.20   0   1   0
Southern Cross Trophy (Aus/Zim) in Zimbabwe, 1999/00 [Series]
  (won by Aus)         1    1   0    31  31    -    -   31.00   0   0   0
                       1    1   0    44  44    -    -   44.00   0   0   0
The Ashes (Aus/Eng) in England, 2005 [Series]
  (won by Eng)         5    9   0   359 156   61   48   39.88   1   1   1
                       5   10   1   394 105   82   61   43.77   1   2   0
Pakistan in Australia, 2004/05 [Series]
  (won by Aus)         3    6   2   403 207   98   62* 100.75   1   2   0
                       3    6   0   390 191   97   50   65.00   1   2   0
ICC Super Series Test Match (Aus/ICC) in Australia, 2005/06 [Series]
  (won by Aus)         1    2   0   100  54   46    -   50.00   0   1   0
                       1    2   0    22  22    0    -   11.00   0   0   1
South Africa in Australia, 2005/06 [Series]
  (won by Aus)         3    6   1   515 143* 120  117  103.00   3   2   0
                       2    4   0   129  47   37   25   32.25   0   0   0
Australia in South Africa, 2001/02 [Series]
  (won by Aus)         3    5   1   309 100*  89   47   77.25   1   1   0
                       3    5   0   152  58   37   28   30.40   0   1   0
Trans-Tasman Trophy (Aus/NZ) in New Zealand, 2004/05 [Series]
  (won by Aus)         3    5   2   293 105   86*  47*  97.66   1   1   0
                       3    5   2   206  72*  59*  46   68.66   0   2   0
The Frank Worrell Trophy (Aus/WI) in West Indies, 1998/99 [Series]
  (drawn)              2    4   1   168 104   22   21*  56.00   1   0   0
                       4    8   0   291 127   51   51   36.37   1   2   0
Southern Cross Trophy (Aus/Zim) in Australia, 2003/04 [Series]
  (won by Aus)         2    3   1   259 169   53*  37  129.50   1   1   0
                       2    3   0    36  26    8    2   12.00   0   0   0
The Ashes (Aus/Eng) in Australia, 2006/07 [Series]
  (won by Aus)         5    8   1   576 196  142   75   82.28   2   2   0
                       5    9   2   303 100*  82   37   43.28   1   1   1
Border-Gavaskar Trophy (Aus/Ind) in India, 2004/05 [Series]
  (won by Aus)         1    2   0    23  12   11    -   11.50   0   0   0
                       4    8   0   228  71   52   44   28.50   0   2   2
Australia in Sri Lanka, 2003/04 [Series]
  (won by Aus)         3    6   0   198  92   28   27   33.00   0   1   0
                       3    6   0   241 166   32   19   40.16   1   0   0
Trans-Tasman Trophy (Aus/NZ) in New Zealand, 1999/00 [Series]
  (won by Aus)         0    -   -     -   -    -    -     -     -   -   -
                       3    6   1   288 122*  57   47   57.60   1   1   0
Australia v Pakistan Test Series in Sri Lanka/U.A.E., 2002/03 [Series]
  (won by Aus)         3    4   0   342 150  141   44   85.50   2   0   0
                       3    4   0   138  72   37   25   34.50   0   1   0
The Frank Worrell Trophy (Aus/WI) in Australia, 1996/97 [Series]
  (won by Aus)         2    4   0   110  88    9    9   27.50   0   1   0
                       2    3   0    31  19   12    0   10.33   0   0   1
The Ashes (Aus/Eng) in Australia, 1998/99 [Series]
  (won by Aus)         3    4   0    47  21   11   10   11.75   0   0   0
                       5   10   1   436 179*  74   52   48.44   1   2   0
Border-Gavaskar Trophy (Aus/Ind) in Australia, 1999/00 [Series]
  (won by Aus)         3    5   2   375 141* 125   67  125.00   2   1   0
                       3    5   0   289 223   38   11   57.80   1   0   0
The Frank Worrell Trophy (Aus/WI) in Australia, 2000/01 [Series]
  (won by Aus)         5    8   2   242  92   51   26*  40.33   0   2   0
                       5    8   0   203  80   48   31   25.37   0   1   0
South Africa in Australia, 2001/02 [Series]
  (won by Aus)         3    5   1   115  54   25   22   28.75   0   1   0
                       3    6   1   365 126  116   85   73.00   2   1   0
The Ashes (Aus/Eng) in Australia, 2002/03 [Series]
  (won by Aus)         5    8   0   417 154  123   68   52.12   2   1   0
                       5    8   0   423 250   48   32   52.87   1   0   0
Border-Gavaskar Trophy (Aus/Ind) in Australia, 2003/04 [Series]
  (drawn)              4    8   1   706 257  242   54  100.85   2   2   1
                       4    8   0   369 121  117   58   46.12   2   1   1
The Frank Worrell Trophy (Aus/WI) in Australia, 1992/93 [Series]
  (won by WI)          0    -   -     -   -    -    -     -     -   -   -
                       2    4   0    85  54   20   10   21.25   0   1   0
Trans-Tasman Trophy (Aus/NZ) in Australia, 2004/05 [Series]
  (won by Aus)         2    3   1   145  68   51   26*  72.50   0   2   0
                       2    3   0   295 215   46   34   98.33   1   0   0
The Frank Worrell Trophy (Aus/WI) in Australia, 2005/06 [Series]
  (won by Aus)         3    6   2   329 149  104*  56   82.25   2   1   0
                       1    2   0   119  99   20    -   59.50   0   1   0
The Frank Worrell Trophy (Aus/WI) in West Indies, 2002/03 [Series]
  (won by Aus)         3    5   1   523 206  117  113  130.75   3   0   0
                       4    8   1   483 146  111   78*  69.00   2   2   1
Trans-Tasman Trophy (Aus/NZ) in New Zealand, 1992/93 [Series]
  (drawn)              0    -   -     -   -    -    -     -     -   -   -
                       3    4   0    87  63   24    0   21.75   0   1   2
Trans-Tasman Trophy (Aus/NZ) in Australia, 2001/02 [Series]
  (drawn)              3    5   2   251 157*  32*  31   83.66   1   0   0
                       3    5   1   320 123  104   75   80.00   2   1   1
Australia in Pakistan, 1994/95 [Series]
  (won by Pak)         0    -   -     -   -    -    -     -     -   -   -
                       1    1   0    69  69    -    -   69.00   0   1   0
Australia in Sri Lanka, 1999 [Series]
  (won by SL)          3    4   1   253 105*  96   51   84.33   1   2   0
                       3    4   0    51  32    7    7   12.75   0   0   0
Australia in Pakistan, 1998/99 [Series]
  (won by Aus)         1    2   1   119  76*  43    -  119.00   0   1   0
                       3    5   0   211 116   51   30   42.20   1   1   1
Sri Lanka in Australia, 2004 [Series]
  (won by Aus)         1    2   0    67  45   22    -   33.50   0   0   0
                       2    4   0   210 162   30   10   52.50   1   0   0
Bangladesh in Australia, 2003 [Series]
  (won by Aus)         2    2   0    69  59   10    -   34.50   0   1   0
                       2    2   0    72  71    1    -   36.00   0   1   0
The Ashes (Aus/Eng) in England, 2001 [Series]
  (won by Aus)         5    8   0   338 144   72   62   42.25   1   2   0
                       1    1   1   102 102*   -    -     -     1   0   0
Sri Lanka in Australia, 1995/96 [Series]
  (won by Aus)         3    4   0   193  96   71   20   48.25   0   2   0
                       0    -   -     -   -    -    -     -     -   -   -
Border-Gavaskar Trophy (Aus/Ind) in India, 1997/98 [Series]
  (won by Ind)         3    5   0   105  60   18   16   21.00   0   1   0
                       0    -   -     -   -    -    -     -     -   -   -
Trans-Tasman Trophy (Aus/NZ) in Australia, 1997/98 [Series]
  (won by Aus)         3    4   1   119  73*  26   16   39.66   0   1   0
                       0    -   -     -   -    -    -     -     -   -   -
South Africa in Australia, 1997/98 [Series]
  (won by Aus)         3    5   0   248 105   62   32   49.60   1   1   0
                       0    -   -     -   -    -    -     -     -   -   -
The Ashes (Aus/Eng) in England, 1997 [Series]
  (won by Aus)         3    5   0   241 127   45   40   48.20   1   0   0
                       0    -   -     -   -    -    -     -     -   -   -
Border-Gavaskar Trophy (Aus/Ind) in India, 1996/97 [Series]
  (won by Ind)         1    2   0    27  14   13    -   13.50   0   0   0
                       0    -   -     -   -    -    -     -     -   -   -
Australia in Bangladesh, 2005/06 [Series]
  (won by Aus)         2    3   1   191 118*  52   21   95.50   1   1   0
                       0    -   -     -   -    -    -     -     -   -   -
Judging by averages.

Langer outperformed Ponting in 10 series'
Ponting outperformed Langer in 20 series'

Outperforming someone in 2 out of 3 series is fantastic and shows consistancy. Not only this but several of Ponting's series' have averaged at over 80 runs per dismissal and this shows match winning ability, surely this points to greatness in all directions. Doing this for Tendulkar would be pointless obviously since he has no peers with the class of Langer, but distinguishably worse than him, it would not be a fair test.

Judging by pitches and quality of bowlers, let us compare them in the years they both played.

Code:
                     Mat    I  NO  Runs HS1  HS2  HS3     Ave 100  50   0
1994                   0    -   -     -   -    -    -     -     -   -   -
                       [COLOR="Red"]7   11   1   700 179  142   96   70.00   2   3   0[/COLOR]
1995                   2    2   0   167  96   71    -   83.50   0   2   0
                       [COLOR="red"]3    4   2    58  52*   4    2   29.00   0   1   0[/COLOR]
1996                   4    8   0   163  88   20   14   20.37   0   1   0
                       [COLOR="red"]8   15   0   623 177  122   74   41.53   2   2   1[/COLOR]
1997                   7   11   1   497 127  105   73*  49.70   2   1   0
                      [COLOR="red"]12   17   1  1000 169  148  143   62.50   4   3   0[/COLOR]
1998                   9   14   1   382  76*  62   60   29.38   0   3   0
                       [COLOR="red"]5    9   1   647 177  155* 113   80.87   3   1   0[/COLOR]
1999                  11   17   3   883 197  125  105*  63.07   4   3   3
                      [COLOR="red"]10   19   3  1088 217  136  126*  68.00   5   4   3[/COLOR]
2000                   5    7   2   318 141*  92   26*  63.60   1   1   0
                       [COLOR="red"]6   10   1   575 201* 122   97   63.88   2   1   0[/COLOR]
2001                  14   24   4   772 157* 144   72   38.60   2   4   3
                      [COLOR="red"]10   18   2  1003 155  126  103   62.68   3   6   0[/COLOR]
2002                  11   16   1  1064 154  150  141   70.93   5   2   0
                      [COLOR="red"]16   26   1  1392 193  176  176   55.68   4   5   3[/COLOR]
2003                  11   18   3  1503 257  242  206  100.20   6   4   1
                       [COLOR="red"]5    9   0   153  55   44   37   17.00   0   1   2[/COLOR]
2004                  10   19   2   697  98   92   68   41.00   0   5   0
                      [COLOR="red"]10   15   5   915 248* 241* 194*  91.50   3   2   0[/COLOR]
2005                  15   28   5  1544 207  156  149   67.13   6   6   1
                       [COLOR="red"]6   10   0   444 109   94   52   44.40   1   3   0[/COLOR]
2006                  10   18   3  1333 196  143* 142   88.86   7   4   0
                       [COLOR="red"]8   12   1   267  63   44   34   24.27   0   1   1[/COLOR]
2007                   1    1   0    45  45    -    -   45.00   0   0   0
                      [COLOR="red"] 3    5   1   332 122* 101   64   83.00   2   1   0[/COLOR]
Tendulkar outperformed him in 7 years and Ponting outperformed Sachin in 6 years. Obviously, the key point of arguement for Ponting being better is the period between 2000 and 2006 where he outperformed him in 5 out of 6 years. Clearly two batsman of seperate eras one before the other. However, Tendulkar's extends back to with averages since 1989 of 35, 41, 19, 41 and 91. You also must not call Tendulkar's form in 2000 and 2006 bad, his average in that period was a respectable. 47.49. People criticising Tendulkar compare him to his extended form early in his career and miss perfectly good cricket by him.

So who is better you ask...well, I think Tendulkar. He captivated crowds with his attacking style and Ponting has not. As mentioned earlier, his form has extended further than Ponting's too with his run tally dwarfing Ponting's (about 1500 more). That is the slightest difference in two players so similar in class in tests.
 
Last edited:

Richard

Cricket Web Staff Member
I don't know what you're knocking around about? It still holds sway. Ponting batted mostly at #6 as I showed you and his average only dropped when he was moved around. It really doesn't matter from when to when you think the period is. His debut to the start of 2002. That sounds more fair, considering leaving out those matches does sway the argument unfavourably.

Uptil then he had 52 tests

He batted 33 times at #6 and he averaged 50.
He batted 13 times at #3 and he averaged 41.
He batted 6 times at #5 and he averaged 37.

Ponting started off his career in 95/96 messing around in 3 test matches at #3 but then was moved to #6 where he played predominantly until 2001 where he was swapped back to #3. In between those years he was adjusted to #5 and back in those few test matches. So, again...
I think Headingley 2001 was the best period to start part-two and I've said why several times. I've said, also, that I think five, six and seven are one entity as the only reason he moved around was nightwatchman and injuries - in essence, the three positions are the exact same role.

As such, I think his average at five, six and seven between his debut and Trent Bridge 2001 is the best indicator of his ability to combat the bowling of that time. I suppose it's fair enough to make a case for excluding him being pushed up to three, but as I say - five, six and seven are one entity as far as I'm concerned.
And if we want to be fair, let's compare Tendulkar's trough to Ponting's in the period after. If it's so much easier to score then it's even more damning to Sachin. As 'The Sean' has said, at least be respectful and compare all these guys consistently.
As I say, however - Tendulkar's trough period is not really up for consideration. It's not anything worth consideration, really - it's not like he's gone from being good to being fairly good. The last 5 years are so poor they really mean pretty well nothing to the previous 12.

Ponting's, simply, is not a trough - it's a case of his runscoring altering because of a downgrading in the quality of the bowling. Tendulkar, it's a case of going from being incredibly good to being not particularly good. Incomparable cases.
 

Richard

Cricket Web Staff Member
ALL IN TESTS BECAUSE I WILL DO ONE DAYERS AT A LATER DATE

I would not say he has outperformed them, but he has always been up at their standard and never dropped below. Look at this...never a poor season.

Code:
                     Mat    I  NO  Runs HS1  HS2  HS3     Ave 100  50   0
1995 (age: 20y 13d)    2    2   0   167  96   71    -   83.50   0   2   0
1996 (21y 13d)         4    8   0   163  88   20   14   20.37   0   1   0
1997 (22y 13d)         7   11   1   497 127  105   73*  49.70   2   1   0
1998 (23y 13d)         9   14   1   382  76*  62   60   29.38   0   3   0
1999 (24y 13d)        11   17   3   883 197  125  105*  63.07   4   3   3
2000 (25y 13d)         5    7   2   318 141*  92   26*  63.60   1   1   0
2001 (26y 13d)        14   24   4   772 157* 144   72   38.60   2   4   3
2002 (27y 13d)        11   16   1  1064 154  150  141   70.93   5   2   0
2003 (28y 13d)        11   18   3  1503 257  242  206  100.20   6   4   1
2004 (29y 13d)        10   19   2   697  98   92   68   41.00   0   5   0
2005 (30y 13d)        15   28   5  1544 207  156  149   67.13   6   6   1
2006 (31y 13d)        10   18   3  1333 196  143* 142   88.86   7   4   0
2007 (32y 13d)         1    1   0    45  45    -    -   45.00   0   0   0
However, let's compare him with Langer (who is certainly not the standard of Tendulkar), on a series by series basis, to see if he is consistant

Bottom is Langer, Top is Ponting,

Code:
                     Mat    I  NO  Runs HS1  HS2  HS3     Ave 100  50   0

overall              110  183  25  9368 257  242  207   59.29  33  36   8
                     105  182  12  7696 250  223  215   45.27  23  30  11

Pakistan in Australia, 1999/00 [Series]
  (won by Aus)         3    4   0   197 197    0    0   49.25   1   0   3
                       3    4   0   331 144  127   59   82.75   2   1   0
Australia in South Africa, 2005/06 [Series]
  (won by Aus)         3    6   0   348 116  103   74   58.00   2   1   0
                       3    5   1   122  37   35   34   30.50   0   0   0
Border-Gavaskar Trophy (Aus/Ind) in India, 2000/01 [Series]
  (won by Ind)         3    5   0    17  11    6    0    3.40   0   0   3
                       3    5   0   161  58   35   28   32.20   0   1   0
Southern Cross Trophy (Aus/Zim) in Zimbabwe, 1999/00 [Series]
  (won by Aus)         1    1   0    31  31    -    -   31.00   0   0   0
                       1    1   0    44  44    -    -   44.00   0   0   0
The Ashes (Aus/Eng) in England, 2005 [Series]
  (won by Eng)         5    9   0   359 156   61   48   39.88   1   1   1
                       5   10   1   394 105   82   61   43.77   1   2   0
Pakistan in Australia, 2004/05 [Series]
  (won by Aus)         3    6   2   403 207   98   62* 100.75   1   2   0
                       3    6   0   390 191   97   50   65.00   1   2   0
ICC Super Series Test Match (Aus/ICC) in Australia, 2005/06 [Series]
  (won by Aus)         1    2   0   100  54   46    -   50.00   0   1   0
                       1    2   0    22  22    0    -   11.00   0   0   1
South Africa in Australia, 2005/06 [Series]
  (won by Aus)         3    6   1   515 143* 120  117  103.00   3   2   0
                       2    4   0   129  47   37   25   32.25   0   0   0
Australia in South Africa, 2001/02 [Series]
  (won by Aus)         3    5   1   309 100*  89   47   77.25   1   1   0
                       3    5   0   152  58   37   28   30.40   0   1   0
Trans-Tasman Trophy (Aus/NZ) in New Zealand, 2004/05 [Series]
  (won by Aus)         3    5   2   293 105   86*  47*  97.66   1   1   0
                       3    5   2   206  72*  59*  46   68.66   0   2   0
The Frank Worrell Trophy (Aus/WI) in West Indies, 1998/99 [Series]
  (drawn)              2    4   1   168 104   22   21*  56.00   1   0   0
                       4    8   0   291 127   51   51   36.37   1   2   0
Southern Cross Trophy (Aus/Zim) in Australia, 2003/04 [Series]
  (won by Aus)         2    3   1   259 169   53*  37  129.50   1   1   0
                       2    3   0    36  26    8    2   12.00   0   0   0
The Ashes (Aus/Eng) in Australia, 2006/07 [Series]
  (won by Aus)         5    8   1   576 196  142   75   82.28   2   2   0
                       5    9   2   303 100*  82   37   43.28   1   1   1
Border-Gavaskar Trophy (Aus/Ind) in India, 2004/05 [Series]
  (won by Aus)         1    2   0    23  12   11    -   11.50   0   0   0
                       4    8   0   228  71   52   44   28.50   0   2   2
Australia in Sri Lanka, 2003/04 [Series]
  (won by Aus)         3    6   0   198  92   28   27   33.00   0   1   0
                       3    6   0   241 166   32   19   40.16   1   0   0
Trans-Tasman Trophy (Aus/NZ) in New Zealand, 1999/00 [Series]
  (won by Aus)         0    -   -     -   -    -    -     -     -   -   -
                       3    6   1   288 122*  57   47   57.60   1   1   0
Australia v Pakistan Test Series in Sri Lanka/U.A.E., 2002/03 [Series]
  (won by Aus)         3    4   0   342 150  141   44   85.50   2   0   0
                       3    4   0   138  72   37   25   34.50   0   1   0
The Frank Worrell Trophy (Aus/WI) in Australia, 1996/97 [Series]
  (won by Aus)         2    4   0   110  88    9    9   27.50   0   1   0
                       2    3   0    31  19   12    0   10.33   0   0   1
The Ashes (Aus/Eng) in Australia, 1998/99 [Series]
  (won by Aus)         3    4   0    47  21   11   10   11.75   0   0   0
                       5   10   1   436 179*  74   52   48.44   1   2   0
Border-Gavaskar Trophy (Aus/Ind) in Australia, 1999/00 [Series]
  (won by Aus)         3    5   2   375 141* 125   67  125.00   2   1   0
                       3    5   0   289 223   38   11   57.80   1   0   0
The Frank Worrell Trophy (Aus/WI) in Australia, 2000/01 [Series]
  (won by Aus)         5    8   2   242  92   51   26*  40.33   0   2   0
                       5    8   0   203  80   48   31   25.37   0   1   0
South Africa in Australia, 2001/02 [Series]
  (won by Aus)         3    5   1   115  54   25   22   28.75   0   1   0
                       3    6   1   365 126  116   85   73.00   2   1   0
The Ashes (Aus/Eng) in Australia, 2002/03 [Series]
  (won by Aus)         5    8   0   417 154  123   68   52.12   2   1   0
                       5    8   0   423 250   48   32   52.87   1   0   0
Border-Gavaskar Trophy (Aus/Ind) in Australia, 2003/04 [Series]
  (drawn)              4    8   1   706 257  242   54  100.85   2   2   1
                       4    8   0   369 121  117   58   46.12   2   1   1
The Frank Worrell Trophy (Aus/WI) in Australia, 1992/93 [Series]
  (won by WI)          0    -   -     -   -    -    -     -     -   -   -
                       2    4   0    85  54   20   10   21.25   0   1   0
Trans-Tasman Trophy (Aus/NZ) in Australia, 2004/05 [Series]
  (won by Aus)         2    3   1   145  68   51   26*  72.50   0   2   0
                       2    3   0   295 215   46   34   98.33   1   0   0
The Frank Worrell Trophy (Aus/WI) in Australia, 2005/06 [Series]
  (won by Aus)         3    6   2   329 149  104*  56   82.25   2   1   0
                       1    2   0   119  99   20    -   59.50   0   1   0
The Frank Worrell Trophy (Aus/WI) in West Indies, 2002/03 [Series]
  (won by Aus)         3    5   1   523 206  117  113  130.75   3   0   0
                       4    8   1   483 146  111   78*  69.00   2   2   1
Trans-Tasman Trophy (Aus/NZ) in New Zealand, 1992/93 [Series]
  (drawn)              0    -   -     -   -    -    -     -     -   -   -
                       3    4   0    87  63   24    0   21.75   0   1   2
Trans-Tasman Trophy (Aus/NZ) in Australia, 2001/02 [Series]
  (drawn)              3    5   2   251 157*  32*  31   83.66   1   0   0
                       3    5   1   320 123  104   75   80.00   2   1   1
Australia in Pakistan, 1994/95 [Series]
  (won by Pak)         0    -   -     -   -    -    -     -     -   -   -
                       1    1   0    69  69    -    -   69.00   0   1   0
Australia in Sri Lanka, 1999 [Series]
  (won by SL)          3    4   1   253 105*  96   51   84.33   1   2   0
                       3    4   0    51  32    7    7   12.75   0   0   0
Australia in Pakistan, 1998/99 [Series]
  (won by Aus)         1    2   1   119  76*  43    -  119.00   0   1   0
                       3    5   0   211 116   51   30   42.20   1   1   1
Sri Lanka in Australia, 2004 [Series]
  (won by Aus)         1    2   0    67  45   22    -   33.50   0   0   0
                       2    4   0   210 162   30   10   52.50   1   0   0
Bangladesh in Australia, 2003 [Series]
  (won by Aus)         2    2   0    69  59   10    -   34.50   0   1   0
                       2    2   0    72  71    1    -   36.00   0   1   0
The Ashes (Aus/Eng) in England, 2001 [Series]
  (won by Aus)         5    8   0   338 144   72   62   42.25   1   2   0
                       1    1   1   102 102*   -    -     -     1   0   0
Sri Lanka in Australia, 1995/96 [Series]
  (won by Aus)         3    4   0   193  96   71   20   48.25   0   2   0
                       0    -   -     -   -    -    -     -     -   -   -
Border-Gavaskar Trophy (Aus/Ind) in India, 1997/98 [Series]
  (won by Ind)         3    5   0   105  60   18   16   21.00   0   1   0
                       0    -   -     -   -    -    -     -     -   -   -
Trans-Tasman Trophy (Aus/NZ) in Australia, 1997/98 [Series]
  (won by Aus)         3    4   1   119  73*  26   16   39.66   0   1   0
                       0    -   -     -   -    -    -     -     -   -   -
South Africa in Australia, 1997/98 [Series]
  (won by Aus)         3    5   0   248 105   62   32   49.60   1   1   0
                       0    -   -     -   -    -    -     -     -   -   -
The Ashes (Aus/Eng) in England, 1997 [Series]
  (won by Aus)         3    5   0   241 127   45   40   48.20   1   0   0
                       0    -   -     -   -    -    -     -     -   -   -
Border-Gavaskar Trophy (Aus/Ind) in India, 1996/97 [Series]
  (won by Ind)         1    2   0    27  14   13    -   13.50   0   0   0
                       0    -   -     -   -    -    -     -     -   -   -
Australia in Bangladesh, 2005/06 [Series]
  (won by Aus)         2    3   1   191 118*  52   21   95.50   1   1   0
                       0    -   -     -   -    -    -     -     -   -   -
Judging by averages.

Langer outperformed Ponting in 10 series'
Ponting outperformed Langer in 20 series'

Outperforming someone in 2 out of 3 series is fantastic and shows consistancy. Not only this but several of Ponting's series' have averaged at over 80 runs per dismissal and this shows match winning ability, surely this points to greatness in all directions. Doing this for Tendulkar would be pointless obviously since he has no peers with the class of Langer, but distinguishably worse than him, it would not be a fair test.

Judging by pitches and quality of bowlers, let us compare them in the years they both played.

Code:
                     Mat    I  NO  Runs HS1  HS2  HS3     Ave 100  50   0
1994                   0    -   -     -   -    -    -     -     -   -   -
                       [COLOR="Red"]7   11   1   700 179  142   96   70.00   2   3   0[/COLOR]
1995                   2    2   0   167  96   71    -   83.50   0   2   0
                       [COLOR="red"]3    4   2    58  52*   4    2   29.00   0   1   0[/COLOR]
1996                   4    8   0   163  88   20   14   20.37   0   1   0
                       [COLOR="red"]8   15   0   623 177  122   74   41.53   2   2   1[/COLOR]
1997                   7   11   1   497 127  105   73*  49.70   2   1   0
                      [COLOR="red"]12   17   1  1000 169  148  143   62.50   4   3   0[/COLOR]
1998                   9   14   1   382  76*  62   60   29.38   0   3   0
                       [COLOR="red"]5    9   1   647 177  155* 113   80.87   3   1   0[/COLOR]
1999                  11   17   3   883 197  125  105*  63.07   4   3   3
                      [COLOR="red"]10   19   3  1088 217  136  126*  68.00   5   4   3[/COLOR]
2000                   5    7   2   318 141*  92   26*  63.60   1   1   0
                       [COLOR="red"]6   10   1   575 201* 122   97   63.88   2   1   0[/COLOR]
2001                  14   24   4   772 157* 144   72   38.60   2   4   3
                      [COLOR="red"]10   18   2  1003 155  126  103   62.68   3   6   0[/COLOR]
2002                  11   16   1  1064 154  150  141   70.93   5   2   0
                      [COLOR="red"]16   26   1  1392 193  176  176   55.68   4   5   3[/COLOR]
2003                  11   18   3  1503 257  242  206  100.20   6   4   1
                       [COLOR="red"]5    9   0   153  55   44   37   17.00   0   1   2[/COLOR]
2004                  10   19   2   697  98   92   68   41.00   0   5   0
                      [COLOR="red"]10   15   5   915 248* 241* 194*  91.50   3   2   0[/COLOR]
2005                  15   28   5  1544 207  156  149   67.13   6   6   1
                       [COLOR="red"]6   10   0   444 109   94   52   44.40   1   3   0[/COLOR]
2006                  10   18   3  1333 196  143* 142   88.86   7   4   0
                       [COLOR="red"]8   12   1   267  63   44   34   24.27   0   1   1[/COLOR]
2007                   1    1   0    45  45    -    -   45.00   0   0   0
                      [COLOR="red"] 3    5   1   332 122* 101   64   83.00   2   1   0[/COLOR]
Tendulkar outperformed him in 7 years and Ponting outperformed Sachin in 6 years. Obviously, the key point of arguement for Ponting being better is the period between 2000 and 2006 where he outperformed him in 5 out of 6 years. Clearly two batsman of seperate eras one before the other. However, Tendulkar's extends back to with averages since 1989 of 35, 41, 19, 41 and 91. You also must not call Tendulkar's form in 2000 and 2006 bad, his average in that period was a respectable. 47.49. People criticising Tendulkar compare him to his extended form early in his career and miss perfectly good cricket by him.

So who is better you ask...well, I think Tendulkar. He captivated crowds with his attacking style and Ponting has not. As mentioned earlier, his form has extended further than Ponting's too with his run tally dwarfing Ponting's (about 1500 more). That is the slightest difference in two players so similar in class in tests.
Sorry to do this to you after what was presumably a fair bit of research mate but...

I was talking about Ponting, between Headingley 2001 and his most recent Test, in comparison to the others around that time. With all things being equal (ie with substandard sides removed, and with luck taken out of the equation).

So ie, compare Ponting in said time period to Dravid and Kallis in said time period.
 

sledger

Spanish_Vicente
much as i would like sach to win this race i just cant see it, ponting has age and form well on his side, and tendulkar really hasnt been anywhere near his best for a very long time now.
 

Ikki

Hall of Fame Member
Ponting's, simply, is not a trough - it's a case of his runscoring altering because of a downgrading in the quality of the bowling. Tendulkar, it's a case of going from being incredibly good to being not particularly good. Incomparable cases.
Regardless of everything else you said, the above is key and this is what I have a problem with. It's poor reasoning and a cop out. Whilst Tendulkar is now, not as good, Ponting is simply benefiting from lower bowling standards?

I think everyone in their right mind would agree that the Ponting of 2002 and beyond is different to the one that was before. He IS actually a better batsmen and it has little to do with the downgrade in bowling. Maybe the statistics are inflated a bit here and there but to deny he is great now, because he has improved and to cancel it because of the downgrade is preposterous.
 

Ikki

Hall of Fame Member
much as i would like sach to win this race i just cant see it, ponting has age and form well on his side, and tendulkar really hasnt been anywhere near his best for a very long time now.
They're of similar age.
 

sohummisra

U19 Debutant
Regardless of everything else you said, the above is key and this is what I have a problem with. It's poor reasoning and a cop out. Whilst Tendulkar is now, not as good, Ponting is simply benefiting from lower bowling standards?
Injury has no role to play in your analysis?
 

Richard

Cricket Web Staff Member
Regardless of everything else you said, the above is key and this is what I have a problem with. It's poor reasoning and a cop out. Whilst Tendulkar is now, not as good, Ponting is simply benefiting from lower bowling standards?

I think everyone in their right mind would agree that the Ponting of 2002 and beyond is different to the one that was before. He IS actually a better batsmen and it has little to do with the downgrade in bowling. Maybe the statistics are inflated a bit here and there but to deny he is great now, because he has improved and to cancel it because of the downgrade is preposterous.
I honestly am not willing to say he has definitively improved - it's too much of a coincidence that said "improvement" happened at the exact same time as the quality of worldwide bowling dropped off. It wasn't a gradual drop - it happened within 6-12 months.

Note one thing - I'm not saying Ponting definately hasn't improved, it's certainly possible that he has. I didn't see a great deal of him before it I have to admit but I've not seen any wholesale changes in his game - he always has been vulnerable to the moving ball, especially early on (like almost everyone, of course). That has been a somewhat rare commodity in the last 6 years, as I've already been over in the Hayden case. Yet, just as in the Hayden case, on the rare occasions we have seen it, the player in question has still had the same problems. Now as I've said, Ponting is vastly superior to Hayden, as he was already a high-class Test batsman before the bowling standards dropped. But I'm not willing to definitively say Ponting became a better player at the exact same time as bowling standards dropped-off unless there's very obvious reason to say so - and there isn't IMO.

Whereas the only thing that makes any sense in the Tendulkar case is that he has simply become a lesser player. There's absolutely no disputing that. No-one, so much as once that I've seen, has suggested he's been worked-out in any way shape or form.
 

Ikki

Hall of Fame Member
The thing is, it's not too much of a coincidence. Because better batsmen, like the one in question, have actually gone the other way. It's fine, what you say is your opinion. But a lot of people don't denigrate so much that from a 2001 a stiff breeze came and knocked all the good bowlers off their porch or that suddenly Ponting needs to average in the high 60s to compare to the batsmen of his OWN era.

Ponting in the same 'great' era, whilst batting in his most consistent position averaged 50 for 33 test matches. It's clear he was more than good. So this big thing about comparing Ricky's and Sachin's peak is irrelevant as altogether they're very close.

If you take that Sachin's peak came in a more difficult batting era, you also have to take into account that his trough comes from an, allegedly, weaker batting era. So, the good with the bad.

And I reiterate, the way Ponting is going it'll be hard to argue he isn't at least as good as Tendulkar, and if he does go breaking all those records in the same manner as he has been doing then it'll be even fair game to say he was better.
 

Ikki

Hall of Fame Member
Injury has no role to play in your analysis?
Sure, but that's an exaggerated reason IMO. He's been fit, he's been back for a while and it's more form than a physical incapability. I'd say the remedy needed is for the mental aspect of his game. He announced he was over it, so he's not making an excuse because he plays, why should I?

And, on this point, I'd have to give some credit to Ponting and the Aussie side for their fitness regiment. Ponting is of similar age and has played almost a similar amount of test matches, although his schedule has been more congested and has managed to look like he's going to go good for another few years.
 

Eclipse

International Debutant
I honestly am not willing to say he has definitively improved - it's too much of a coincidence that said "improvement" happened at the exact same time as the quality of worldwide bowling dropped off. It wasn't a gradual drop - it happened within 6-12 months.

Note one thing - I'm not saying Ponting definately hasn't improved, it's certainly possible that he has. I didn't see a great deal of him before it I have to admit but I've not seen any wholesale changes in his game - he always has been vulnerable to the moving ball, especially early on (like almost everyone, of course). That has been a somewhat rare commodity in the last 6 years, as I've already been over in the Hayden case. Yet, just as in the Hayden case, on the rare occasions we have seen it, the player in question has still had the same problems. Now as I've said, Ponting is vastly superior to Hayden, as he was already a high-class Test batsman before the bowling standards dropped. But I'm not willing to definitively say Ponting became a better player at the exact same time as bowling standards dropped-off unless there's very obvious reason to say so - and there isn't IMO.

Whereas the only thing that makes any sense in the Tendulkar case is that he has simply become a lesser player. There's absolutely no disputing that. No-one, so much as once that I've seen, has suggested he's been worked-out in any way shape or form.

No but importaint things like better shot selection and softer hands have made a very big diference.

Plus he is not the nervous starter he once was.
 

sohummisra

U19 Debutant
Sure, but that's an exaggerated reason IMO. He's been fit, he's been back for a while and it's more form than a physical incapability. I'd say the remedy needed is for the mental aspect of his game. He announced he was over it, so he's not making an excuse because he plays, why should I?
I think you take too much away from how much injury affects players. Sachin didn't exactly just miss a whole bunch of series and then come back--he played a few series, missed a few, played a few, missed a few. It's difficult to regain form when you get injured between series, and that in itself shows that he had not fully recovered from the injury, and was playing with it.

And, on this point, I'd have to give some credit to Ponting and the Aussie side for their fitness regiment. Ponting is of similar age and has played almost a similar amount of test matches, although his schedule has been more congested and has managed to look like he's going to go good for another few years.
Tendulkar has been playing for about 18 years, though, and that will take the toll on him if nothing else. Just keeping up that intensity for almost 2 decades affects mental and physical fitness to such levels that I think you and I cannot even fathom it. Besides, having a better fitness regime hardly makes you a better batsman, in the talent aspect of the evaluation.
 

Ikki

Hall of Fame Member
I think you take too much away from how much injury affects players. Sachin didn't exactly just miss a whole bunch of series and then come back--he played a few series, missed a few, played a few, missed a few. It's difficult to regain form when you get injured between series, and that in itself shows that he had not fully recovered from the injury, and was playing with it.
Well, Shane Warne has suffered worse injuries as a bowler and has still come out with great form following it. Should he get extra credit for it? Yeah, sure, injuries definitely effect batsmen, but there is a reason why I credited Ponting in the previous post. Either be really precautious and keep your fitness up or bounce back and learn to get past your injuries.

And as I said, and can be seen when you watch Sachin. It's all in his head, he is still, and can be, a great batsmen.


Tendulkar has been playing for about 18 years, though, and that will take the toll on him if nothing else. Just keeping up that intensity for almost 2 decades affects mental and physical fitness to such levels that I think you and I cannot even fathom it. Besides, having a better fitness regime hardly makes you a better batsman, in the talent aspect of the evaluation.
Yeah, but Sachin is still pretty young and when he started sliding down he was still in his 20s for pete's sake. And fathoming it is what all elite sportsmen do, or must do.

A better fitness regime means your body will last longer and will be less susceptible to injury and being fitter does make you play better. It doesn't make you more talented but more physically prepared to use your talent. No offense to the Indians, and many have said it themselves on this board, your squad hasn't ever been the fittest bunch.
 

aussie

Hall of Fame Member
No but importaint things like better shot selection and softer hands have made a very big diference.

Plus he is not the nervous starter he once was.
Word out, perfect example of these two points are his play againts the spinners since 2004 & how he came out to bat in the 1st ashes test never seen a man so confident in such a tense atmosphere you just knew he was going to score a big one in that innings.
 

sohummisra

U19 Debutant
Well, Shane Warne has suffered worse injuries as a bowler and has still come out with great form following it. Should he get extra credit for it? Yeah, sure, injuries definitely effect batsmen, but there is a reason why I credited Ponting in the previous post. Either be really precautious and keep your fitness up or bounce back and learn to get past your injuries.

And as I said, and can be seen when you watch Sachin. It's all in his head, he is still, and can be, a great batsmen.
It's definitely not all in his head, or at least has not been all the time. When you're playing with an injury (which Sachin did, which is why he missed in-between series because of his tennis elbow injury) it's not only in his head.

Yeah, but Sachin is still pretty young and when he started sliding down he was still in his 20s for pete's sake. And fathoming it is what all elite sportsmen do, or must do.

A better fitness regime means your body will last longer and will be less susceptible to injury and being fitter does make you play better. It doesn't make you more talented but more physically prepared to use your talent. No offense to the Indians, and many have said it themselves on this board, your squad hasn't ever been the fittest bunch.
Yes, he is still pretty young but he has also been playing for ages. He started playing cricket when his body had not developed completely. And I know the players themselves must fathom it, but the point I am making is that the toll that two decades of cricket takes on your physical and mental fitness is not something anyone on this forum is in the position to empathize with. And finally, if being more fit makes you more prepared to use your talent and Indians haven't ever been the fittest bunch, yet Tendulkar has still been one of the greatest batsmen we've seen, doesn't that make Tendulkar even better? Because if he was as fit as Ponting, by your theory, Ponting would be no where near him.
 

Ikki

Hall of Fame Member
It's definitely not all in his head, or at least has not been all the time. When you're playing with an injury (which Sachin did, which is why he missed in-between series because of his tennis elbow injury) it's not only in his head.
Of course it is not all in his head, but his drop in form is more his drop in form, rather than it being just his injury - to which he had declared to have overcome.


Yes, he is still pretty young but he has also been playing for ages. He started playing cricket when his body had not developed completely. And I know the players themselves must fathom it, but the point I am making is that the toll that two decades of cricket takes on your physical and mental fitness is not something anyone on this forum is in the position to empathize with. And finally, if being more fit makes you more prepared to use your talent and Indians haven't ever been the fittest bunch, yet Tendulkar has still been one of the greatest batsmen we've seen, doesn't that make Tendulkar even better? Because if he was as fit as Ponting, by your theory, Ponting would be no where near him.
I do empathize with the fact that he has played so much cricket, but as can be seen in articles and forum discussion alike, it isn't going to be pardoned just because he isn't as fit as he used to be.

And no, by saying Indians aren't fit and reasoning that Tendulkar must be fitter than the average Indian doesn't make him any better than anyone else, just better than his own teammates who share the same regiment. If he was fitter he might have overcome his injuries better, that is what I am saying. He is still fit to play the game of cricket - as was Inzamum. :ph34r:

The simple fact is that if injuries were barring him to be on form or that he had just played too much cricket then it would be upto him to retire. He is towards the end of his career and naturally, like all cricketers, they do slow down.
 

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