Ricky Ponting

The most successful Test captain in history with 48 wins — led Australia to three consecutive World Cup triumphs in 1999, 2003 and 2007. Scored 13,378 Test runs at 51.85 with 41 centuries, combining ferocious pull shots with classical technique. His captaincy era coincided with Australia's greatest period of dominance in the sport.

Ricky Thomas Ponting was born in Launceston, Tasmania in 1974. He made his Test debut in 1995 aged 20 and played 168 Tests — then an Australian record — scoring 13,378 runs at 51.85 with 41 centuries. He captained Australia in 77 Tests, winning 48. He led Australia to three consecutive World Cup victories (1999, 2003, 2007), the latter two as captain. His innings of 140 not out in the 2003 World Cup final against India in Johannesburg — made under pressure in the biggest match of his career — is considered one of the finest batting performances in a World Cup final. He was ICC Cricketer of the Year in 2006 and 2007. His captaincy record of 48 wins from 77 Tests was the best by an Australian captain at the time of his retirement. The Ashes losses of 2005 and 2010-11 remain the shadows across his legacy. His pull shot and square cut were technically among the most correct in modern batting. After retirement he became a commentator and was appointed Australia batting coach. He was inducted into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame in 2018. His career batting average of 51.85 over 168 Tests — combined with his captaincy record and World Cup victories — establishes him among the top five batsmen in the history of Test cricket.

• ICC Cricket World Cup 1999, 2003, 2007 (Australia – captain 2003, 2007)
• Ashes winner 4x as captain
• ICC Test Championship winner
• Wisden Cricketer of Year 2006
• Allan Border Medal 2004, 2006, 2007