Ricky Ponting's mindset before 03 WC Final

[TheJediBrah]

Australia breezed through the 2007 tournament, but struggled at times in 2003:
135/8 vs England chasing 205.
84/7 vs NZ batting first.

Oh and definitely this. Aus collapsed more than that in the 2003 WC. Not just Eng and NZ. Semi-final against SL they were in trouble 5 for not many IIRC before Symonds made 91. Super 6 game against Kenya even they were in trouble and lucky they were only chasing 100-odd.

 

[Jumno]

Vs Eng-Bevan
Vs Pak-Symonds
Vs NZ-Bevan
Vs Kenya
Vs Sri L-Symonds

All batting order collapses, only 1 player in each of those games in the top 7 stepped up.

Ponting was so confident even when the Indian batsman were playing well, in touch. He must've felt his pace bowlers would be too good for them.

 

[Kirkut]

The thing about Ponting at his best is unlike Lara who is the really really cool heel you actually end up cheering, he was the quintessential mid nougties Triple H kinda heel. His demeanour was ****y as hell and it seemed there was no way you can get past him and he just sucked all the hope out of you. You soo want him beat and yet you know he can't be. If Lara at his best made the opposition look helpless, Ponting at his best made the opposition fans feel helpless.

Lara relied a lot on mood, he was a Sehwag with an extra gear and other worldly elegance. Ponting on the other hand was very goal oriented, if he's batting and team needs 120 runs in last 10 overs of an ODI, he will come after you irrespective of how good your bowling is.
If there was a batsman who had an aura like Viv Richards, it was Ponting.

 

[Jumno]

Ponting was a determined, driven, feisty character. That day he just wanted to hit everything out the park when he saw his side having 12 overs left with 2 wickets in hand. He just went berserk.

Lara in full flow was grace, artistic, he could also get aggressive and you better hope you got Lara out before he found his touch.