New Delhi, Nov 29 - After Australian cricketing legend Ricky Ponting announced he would retire after the Perth Test against South Africa commencing Friday, the cricketing world started congratulating the former captain for his brilliant 17-year-old career.
During this period Ponting, who turns 38 Dec 19, scored 13,366 runs at an average of 52.21 in the 167 Tests he has played with a highest score of 257, also scoring 41 centuries and 62 half-centuries.
He has also played 375 One-Day Internationals, scoring 13,704 runs at an average of 42.03, including 30 centuries and a highest score of 164.
Compatriots and former teammates Glenn McGrath and Matthew Hayden congratulated their "Punter" and asked him for a final century in his 168th Test.
"Well done Punter on an incredible career. It would be great to see you finish with a ton. It was an honour to play alongside of you. #legend," tweeted McGrath, who won three World Cups in 1999, 2003 and 2007 with Ponting.
Former left-handed opener Hayden said: "Punter, congratulations on a fantastic career. Your departure will be a massive hole in the Australian Cricket team #RickyPonting #Legend"
Among his cricketing rivals England's Kevin Pietersen and West Indian great Courtney Walsh also complimented the Australian great.
"Ricky Ponting RETIRES.... ONE OF THE GREATS! I always got excited playing AUS, so I could watch him bat up close. Well done Punter! #legend," said Pietersen on Twitter.
Walsh wished the 37-year-old Ponting for his life after cricket.
"Well played Ricky ponting on a great career hope you end it on a very high mate good luck as there is plenty life after cricket well played."
Former England skipper Michael Vaughan called him the best batsman he has ever played against.
"The best batsman I had the privilege to play against ... Ricky Ponting... #Punter Australia cricket will not be the same without him...," said Vaughan.
Among the Indian cricketers Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, Sanjay Manjrekar and Murali Kartik also wished him the best on Twitter.
"Ricky ponting what an absolute legend. Iam glad I had the honour of playing against him. Take a bow #legend #respect," said Kohli, who is currently playing in the ongoing Test series against England in India.
Rahane, currently in the India squad playing against England, said: "A legend announced retirement. The cricket world will miss Ricky Ponting on the field."
Cricketer-turned-commentator Sanjay Manjrekar said that Ponting enriched the game by his achievements.
"Ponting announces retirement. Ricky Ponting - a great driver & a great puller! Thats one thing that really stood out for me. Enriched the game by his feats. Ponting retires - And, from this moment on, there will be only nice things said about Ponting :) Ricky Ponting came out of that very typical Australian mould of batsmen. He was the quintessential Aussie batsman in style and approach," said Manjrekar.
Left-arm spinner Murali Kartik hailed Ponting as one of the greatest modern day batsman.
"A very sad day for world cricket, Ricky-1 of the Greatest modern day bats, a former teammate&the consummate professional. go well mate #legend. Cherish the greats till they are playing, watching interntl ckt will never be the same without these champions of the game #showsomerespect," tweeted Kartik. (IANS)
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