[Matt79]

That's just it - sentimentally and stylistically, I'd prefer Ponting - possibly it's a suspicion that I'm biased towards him that has stopped me rating him that highly.

In terms of what counts against him - he's never had to face the one consistently great attack that was around in world cricket, his record in India and against Bhajji isn't great, and he's generally been able to bat secure in the knowledge that he's got a team of guns around him.

As I mentioned before, I can't help but think that his rating is also boosted by the fact that he's probably just past the end of his peak period as a player. Given he'll likely play for another two-three years, his average will probably decrease as he inevitably wearies with age, dragging his rating down. It's just an unavoidable peril of comparing a guy whose career is complete, like Lara or Steve Waugh, with someone who's still in motion like Ponting or Pietersen.