My thoughts on Ponting changed a great deal over time. Originally I thought him to be a bit of a Virat Kohli-style brat, back in the days of Steve Waugh's reign. However slowly I grew to like him, as he took charge of the side, made it his own and lead from the front.
There was still the odd ****-ish outburst, but that's par for the course with elite athletes, right?
But the thing was, no matter what I thought of him as a man at any point in time, I respected him and admired his skill as a batsman and fielder. Sure, his captaincy wasn't outstanding, but he got the job done. With bat in hand I have so many amazing memories of his pull shot and cover drive; of flaying strong attacks to all parts. He is the last link to my early childhood, the days when I discovered the game of cricket.
Sure, they're counterbalanced by the memories of him vs. Harbhajan in 2001, his post-Roach form and the solemn times that were the 2005 and 2009 and 2010/11 Ashes. But overall positive Ponting pulls well out in front.
His fielding was brilliant, bordering on superhuman in a way only Jonty Rhodes could compare. And who can forget those big, hooping outswingers he bowled on the odd occasion he was called upon.
He was ever the man for a fight, and he never backed down in big situations. There was nothing more we could ask from an Australian batsman. And while we're prone to hyperbole, romanticism and use of those lenses tinted rose when a great of the game leaves us, I don't think anyone can deny the incredible legacy he has left on Australian cricket, or the worth of the fantastic career he led.
Thank you, Punter.
