Rod Marsh & Ponting

[PrincePeiterson]

After talking about Ponting in a couple of other topics recently I couldnt help but notice this article in the Observer by Rob Marsh.

Marsh wrote in the Observer the other day that Ponting was "Great and getting greater."

Rod Marsh has been Ponting's biggest advocate throughout his career since his statements that "Ponting was the best teenaged batsman he had ever seen." when he saw a 16 year old Ricky Ponting at a cricket academy.

Marsh also wrote that he was "dissapointed that Ponting only averages 60 in tests cricket, but believes he can continue to brutalise attacks for years to come and reach his true potential."

Marsh wrote that "He wished Ponting had relised how good he could have been ealier in his career when he was averaging well below 40."


What's with Rod Marsh and Ponting? Marsh seems to always have something to say about Ponting ( and KP as well ) but does he really know what he's talking about? Is Marsh really as good as his reputation leads us to believe in spotting and nurtuing young tallent?

[Goughy]

Originally Posted by PrincePeiterson

What's with Rod Marsh and Ponting? Marsh seems to always have something to say about Ponting ( and KP as well ) but does he really know what he's talking about? Is Marsh really as good as his reputation leads us to believe in spotting and nurtuing young tallent?

Didnt you just answer your own question? You say that Marsh predicted great things for Ponting as a 16yr old and he now nearly averages 60 in tests.

Seems he does ok

[Perm]

Rod Marsh does a pretty good job and I imagine that he is very supportive of Ricky Ponting because they are both Australian, and because Marsh predicted big things and Ponting has delivered.

[shortpitched713]

Originally Posted by PrincePeiterson

Marsh also wrote that he was "dissapointed that Ponting only averages 60 in tests cricket, but believes he can continue to brutalise attacks for years to come and reach his true potential."

Would have thought averaging around 60 would be something to write home about instead of considered "not reaching one's true potential", but apparently I'm wrong and Ponting could have been Bradman.

[FaaipDeOiad]

Originally Posted by shortpitched713

Would have thought averaging around 60 would be something to write home about instead of considered "not reaching one's true potential", but apparently I'm wrong and Ponting could have been Bradman.

He makes reference to Ponting's early career where he was pretty erratic in his off-field behaviour and was held back by reckless shot playing and so on when batting. Presumably he feels that Ponting in the last 5 or so years is how he should have been batting the whole time. You can say similar things about some other players as well though. Lara for instance.

[Jono]

Its a bit of an exaggerated statement, but still, fairplay to Marsh for picking out Ponting as a youngster.