Peter Roebuck on Ponting
Ricky Ponting has been the captain of this tournament. If he maintains this form, he will be the man lifting the trophy on March 23. Tactically, he has been superior to any rival; his selections have been justified by events and his team is sustaining its effort through the hottest days. Pakistan lasted about as long as the Maginot line. Ponting has shown only one fault, an inability to convince his players that conduct counts.
Ponting showed his strengths in Johannesburg by leading a fightback after early wickets had fallen. He had much on his mind as he took guard, not least the loss of his friend, Shane Warne, whose departure weakened the attack. Michael Bevan and Darren Lehmann were also missing, which made the loss of early wickets even more alarming. Far from panicking, the Tasmanian played his own game, regaining the initiative with some typically crisp strokes. Australians protect the initiative like vestals protect their virginity. Pakistan was pushed back and soon resorted to doomed and defensive tactics calculated to hasten the over-rate.
Watching the Australians run on to the field was to know that victory was in the bag. Ponting dashed out, paused, and gathered his players amidst much backslapping and activities described by younger writers as high-fives. Perhaps the Australians had been aroused by the disgraceful beamers sent down by the opposing captain, dark deliveries demanding a much stiffer penalty. Ponting's men played noisily, aggressively and confidently. After all, a team is as strong as its weakest link and his name is, or was, Andrew Symonds. Ponting has been the Queenslander's main supporter and his faith was rewarded. Admittedly, Symonds was helped by the caution of his opponents. Pessimists cannot beat Australia.