Can Ponting overtake Tendulkar?

[Sir Alex]

Well, not without reason, Ponting was rooted as sure to overtake Tendulkar both in terms of runs and test hundreds. The gap was at one point iirc three hundreds.

But in the last two seasons things have turned on it's head, Tendulkar enjoying his most productive phase in his career since the late 90s and Ponting slipping into a prolonged loss of form.

In the last two months alone, the gap was widened by four hundreds, and the overall gap is 8 hundreds. And with Tendulkar showing no real signs of decline, I feel Ponting looks very unlikely to taking it.

However nothing can be ruled out in test cricket. And for cricket's sake I wish Ponting gives Tendulkar a run because nothing spurs him more than genuine competition. What are your thoughts?

[wfdu_ben91]

Ponting scored a double hundred in the last Test Match he played in.

[Sir Alex]

Originally Posted by wfdu_ben91

Ponting scored a double hundred in the last Test Match he played in.

His summer returns despite having two bottom tier teams to face has not been as productive as it used to be.

[Dano.85]

I think he could, i will have a gamble and say yes.

[wfdu_ben91]

Not much seperates the two. Both are as good eachother. Sachin probably got his chance a bit earlier whilst the myth is that Punter was good enough to play International cricket at 15-16 aswell. Smashing 100's against Glenn McGrath in domestic cricket playing in a weak state like Tasmania as a 17 year old is no mean feat.

[Ikki]

Can he? Yes. Will he? Probably.

[jondavluc]

Maybe

[silentstriker]

Depends how long he plays, he has to play until at least the 2013 Ashes and Sachin has to retire or drop off in form quite quickly IMO.

I think he will.

[silentstriker]

End of 2006:
Sachin 35
Ponting 33

End of 2007:
Sachin 37
Ponting 33

End of 2008:
Sachin 41
Ponting 37

End of 2009
Sachin 43
Ponting 38

2010
Sachin 47
Ponting 39

Sachin so far has scored equal or more centuries every year since 2006. Ponting needs to start reversing this trend very quickly. As I said, I think he'll do it, but it has to start happening soon.

Sachin is about 13 years past his absolute peak (IMO 1998 was his absolute peak), Ponting about 3-4ish...Ponting is about year and a half younger and has much less mileage on his body. So yea, I think it'll happen.

My guess is Ponting might use the 2013 Ashes to retire, while Tendulkar may use next year's WC....unless he keeps scoring a century per Test or something...

[andyc]

Nah, don't reckon he will anymore.

[Pratters]

I have always maintained a no.

[Sanz]

It will be awesome if Ponting did Break Tendulkar's record, It will be even more awesome, if he didn't.

It is not easy but definitely possible considering how well Ponting has been playing. Also Australia are playing 8-9 more tests this year (I guess makes up for the two easy test Tendy played Vs. BD) , India are probably playing only 3-4.

[GuyFromLancs]

He has a chance in tests, but this depends on Ponting reversing the poor form he has been in for the past 2 or so years. 2-3 years ago I would have said definately, but now, in test, I would give Ponting 35% chance of overtaking Tendulkar because SRT is on such good form at the moment and is still 8 centuries ahead. Also, for better or worse, I believe SRT will try his level best to play until Ponting retires or is removed from the Aussie set up.

Funny because between 02-06ish, Pontings incline was unbelieveably steep, but his decline in the past 2-3 years has been very steep also.

ODIs, no chance, I don't think RTP can make anything like 46.

[Faisal1985]

Ponting doesn't have to prove anything with regards to his batting or his captinacy or as an overall cricketer...his stats and the way he has led his team, especially this summer is something that everyone should look up to....

Tendulkar abviously has his own place in the Cricketing world...

[GuyFromLancs]

Originally Posted by silentstriker

End of 2006:
Sachin 35
Ponting 33

End of 2007:
Sachin 37
Ponting 33

End of 2008:
Sachin 41
Ponting 37

End of 2009
Sachin 43
Ponting 38

2010
Sachin 47
Ponting 39

Sachin so far has scored equal or more centuries every year since 2006. Ponting needs to start reversing this trend very quickly. As I said, I think he'll do it, but it has to start happening soon.

Sachin is about 13 years past his absolute peak (IMO 1998 was his absolute peak), Ponting about 3-4ish...Ponting is about year and a half younger and has much less mileage on his body. So yea, I think it'll happen.

My guess is Ponting might use the 2013 Ashes to retire, while Tendulkar may use next year's WC....unless he keeps scoring a century per Test or something...

Although the bit I have made bold is true, Tendulkar is still playing better at the moment. Ponting is only 4 years past his best but he has declined very quickly in those 4 years, whereas Tendulka can bounce back, and has become a top class accumilator in recent years. More akin to a Jaques Kallis type batsman than a great stroke maker

Personally I hope SRT wins the battle, because despite Ponting's great talent and application, SRT is still, in my opinion, the greater player.