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Indian Express
4 days ago
- Sport
- Indian Express
‘Aiden Markram's knock right up there with either of Travis Head's centuries vs India in WTC and World Cup finals,' says Ricky Ponting
Travis Head hit centuries in two finals in ICC events in the last two years, both against India, to lead Australia to victory on both occasions – at the 2023 World Test Championship Final and 2023 World Cup. Now, South Africa's Aiden Markram nearly played through their second innings in the 2025 WTC Final against Australia and powered them to a historic win and Ricky Ponting thinks that his knock as good as either of the two aforementioned tons scored by Head. 'When you look back through big ICC events, I think the first thing that probably comes to mind is probably Travis Head's innings (137) in the World Cup final, and then the last World Test Championship final (163). And this one's got to be absolutely as good as any of those, considering the stage, considering where South African cricket's been over the last couple of years, particularly their Test side,' Ponting told ICC Digital. The Temba Bavuma-led South Africa side won the WTC final at Lords' last week with a five-wicket win over defending champions Australia. While it was the side's eight successive win in Tests, that mattered for nought compared to the fact that it was the first time since they won the 1998 ICC Knockout Trophy, which has since gone on to become the Champions Trophy. South Africa have since developed a reputation of a team that sends sides considered among the best before tournaments but would always crash out of them, mostly in rather spectacular ways. This time, though, South Africa were clinical while chasing a target of 282 largely thanks to Markram's knock of 136 in 207 balls, his eighth Test century. He had been dismissed for a duck in the first innings. Ponting said that he couldn't believe that Markram was not part of the South African squad that toured Australia for the 2022/23 series. 'To be able to stand up and perform like that when your team needs you the most is what reputations are made of. I think everyone's always known how good a player Aiden Markram was. And I must admit, a couple of years ago when South Africa toured Australia, I couldn't believe that Aiden Markram wasn't in that touring squad at all. He didn't even make the squad. And here we are a couple of years later and he's played one of probably his greatest knocks. I'm sure if you asked him, he'd probably say that that's the knock that he's most proud of in his Test career, and I am pretty sure his teammates who watched it all unfold would probably say the same thing. So, it's a great individual achievement for him, and it's a magnificent achievement for the South African team,' said Ponting.
India Gazette
4 days ago
- Sport
- India Gazette
"To be able to stand up....": Ponting speaks on Markram's WTC title-sealing century for South Africa
London [UK], June 16 (ANI): Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting hailed Aiden Markram's title-sealing century against Australia in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final, saying that it is up there with the finest tons scored during the tournament finals. No stranger to scoring big runs on grand occasions, Ricky Ponting has a history of stepping up when it mattered the most. His classic 140 against India in the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup Final in 2003 and 111* against England in the ICC Men's Champions Trophy in 2009 are some of his finest ODI knocks. Speaking in the aftermath of the epic World Test Championship Final at Lord's, Ponting had high praise for Markram's cracking ton that helped South Africa lift the mace, placing the knock among the best centuries that he could recall on the big stage. 'When you look back through big ICC events, I think the first thing that probably comes to mind is World Cup finals,' Ponting told ICC Digital. 'And then probably Travis Head's innings (137) in the World Cup (2023) final, and then the last World Test Championship final (163). And this one is got to be absolutely as good as any of those, considering the stage, considering where South African cricket's been over the last couple of years, particularly their Test side,' he added. South Africa failed to make the WTC Final in the first two editions of the tournament but found a new direction under the pairing of head coach Shukri Conrad and skipper Temba Bavuma in January 2023. The Lord's win was their eighth successive victory in Tests, one short of their personal best. One of the changes in the South Africa setup under the new leadership was the return of Aiden Markram, who had been dropped from the tour of Australia in the 2022/23 season after an extended poor run with the bat. Markram repaid the faith reposed in him with a spectacular 115 on his return in February 2023, and has looked a more determined batter in the red-ball format since, as exemplified by his fighting ton against India on a tricky surface in Cape Town in January 2024 and his Lord's masterclass. 'To be able to stand up and perform like that when your team needs you the most is what reputations are made of. I think everyone has always known how good a player Markram was,' Ponting added. 'And I must admit, a couple of years ago, when South Africa toured Australia, I could not believe that Aiden Markram was not in that touring squad at all. He did not even make the squad.' 'And here we are a couple of years later and he has played one of probably his greatest knocks. I am sure if you asked him, he would probably say that that is the knock that he is most proud of in his Test career, and I am pretty sure his teammates who watched it all unfold would probably say the same thing.' 'So, it is a great individual achievement for him, and it's a magnificent achievement for the South African team,' he concluded. Coming to the match, on day first, Proteas won the toss and opted to bowl first. They dominated the first session with the ball, as fiery spells from Rabada (5/51) and Marco Jansen (3/49) reduced Australia to 67/4. A 79-run stand between Steve Smith (66 in 112 balls, with 10 fours) and Beau Webster (72 in 92 balls, with 11 fours) and a 46-run stand between Carey (23 in 31 balls, with four boundaries) and Webster took Australia to 212 all out. With the help of early two wickets from Starc and contributions from Cummins and Hazlewood helped Australia reduced South Africa to 43/4 at day one end, with Bavuma (3*) and Bedingham (0*) unbeaten. A six-fer from skipper Pat Cummins (6/28) helped Australia bundle out Proteas for 138 runs and secure a 74-run lead, despite a half-century run-stand between skipper Temba Bavuma (36 in 84 balls, with four boundaries and a six) and David Bedingham (45 in 111 balls, with six fours). In their second innings, Australia was reduced to 73/7, but a 61-run stand between Alex Carey (46 in 50 balls, with five fours) and Mitchell Starc (58* in 136 balls, with five fours), who also put a last wicket stand of 59 runs with Josh Hazlewood. Australia was bundled out for 207 runs, leading by 281 runs. Rabada (4/59) and Ngidi (3/38) were the pick of the bowlers for South Africa. In the run-chase, Proteas lost Ryan Rickelton early, but a 61-run stand between Wiaan Mulder (27 in 50 balls, with five fours) and Markram put Proteas on track. An even gigantic, frustrating 147 run stand between Markram (136 in 207 balls, with 14 fours) and skipper Bavuma (66 in 134 balls, with five fours) followed, rattling Australia. Despite Starc (3/63) attempting to keep Aussies alive, Kyle Verreyne hit the winning runs for South Africa to take them to their first ICC title since the ICC Knockout 1998. Markram took home the 'Player of the Match' award. (ANI)
NDTV
4 days ago
- Sport
- NDTV
Ricky Ponting Hands Out Priceless Praise To Aiden Markram After WTC Final Ton: "Could Not Believe..."
Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting hailed Aiden Markram's title-sealing century against Australia in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final, saying that it is up there with the finest tons scored during the tournament finals. No stranger to scoring big runs on grand occasions, Ricky Ponting has a history of stepping up when it mattered the most. His classic 140 against India in the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup Final in 2003 and 111* against England in the ICC Men's Champions Trophy in 2009 are some of his finest ODI knocks. Speaking in the aftermath of the epic World Test Championship Final at Lord's, Ponting had high praise for Markram's cracking ton that helped South Africa lift the mace, placing the knock among the best centuries that he could recall on the big stage. "When you look back through big ICC events, I think the first thing that probably comes to mind is World Cup finals," Ponting told ICC Digital. "And then probably Travis Head's innings (137) in the World Cup (2023) final, and then the last World Test Championship final (163). And this one is got to be absolutely as good as any of those, considering the stage, considering where South African cricket's been over the last couple of years, particularly their Test side," he added. South Africa failed to make the WTC Final in the first two editions of the tournament but found a new direction under the pairing of head coach Shukri Conrad and skipper Temba Bavuma in January 2023. The Lord's win was their eighth successive victory in Tests, one short of their personal best. One of the changes in the South Africa setup under the new leadership was the return of Aiden Markram, who had been dropped from the tour of Australia in the 2022/23 season after an extended poor run with the bat. Markram repaid the faith reposed in him with a spectacular 115 on his return in February 2023, and has looked a more determined batter in the red-ball format since, as exemplified by his fighting ton against India on a tricky surface in Cape Town in January 2024 and his Lord's masterclass. "To be able to stand up and perform like that when your team needs you the most is what reputations are made of. I think everyone has always known how good a player Markram was," Ponting added. "And I must admit, a couple of years ago, when South Africa toured Australia, I could not believe that Aiden Markram was not in that touring squad at all. He did not even make the squad." "And here we are a couple of years later and he has played one of probably his greatest knocks. I am sure if you asked him, he would probably say that that is the knock that he is most proud of in his Test career, and I am pretty sure his teammates who watched it all unfold would probably say the same thing." "So, it is a great individual achievement for him, and it's a magnificent achievement for the South African team," he concluded. Coming to the match, on day first, Proteas won the toss and opted to bowl first. They dominated the first session with the ball, as fiery spells from Rabada (5/51) and Marco Jansen (3/49) reduced Australia to 67/4. A 79-run stand between Steve Smith (66 in 112 balls, with 10 fours) and Beau Webster (72 in 92 balls, with 11 fours) and a 46-run stand between Carey (23 in 31 balls, with four boundaries) and Webster took Australia to 212 all out. With the help of early two wickets from Starc and contributions from Cummins and Hazlewood helped Australia reduced South Africa to 43/4 at day one end, with Bavuma (3*) and Bedingham (0*) unbeaten. A six-fer from skipper Pat Cummins (6/28) helped Australia bundle out Proteas for 138 runs and secure a 74-run lead, despite a half-century run-stand between skipper Temba Bavuma (36 in 84 balls, with four boundaries and a six) and David Bedingham (45 in 111 balls, with six fours). In their second innings, Australia was reduced to 73/7, but a 61-run stand between Alex Carey (46 in 50 balls, with five fours) and Mitchell Starc (58* in 136 balls, with five fours), who also put a last wicket stand of 59 runs with Josh Hazlewood. Australia was bundled out for 207 runs, leading by 281 runs. Rabada (4/59) and Ngidi (3/38) were the pick of the bowlers for South Africa. In the run-chase, Proteas lost Ryan Rickelton early, but a 61-run stand between Wiaan Mulder (27 in 50 balls, with five fours) and Markram put Proteas on track. An even gigantic, frustrating 147 run stand between Markram (136 in 207 balls, with 14 fours) and skipper Bavuma (66 in 134 balls, with five fours) followed, rattling Australia. Despite Starc (3/63) attempting to keep Aussies alive, Kyle Verreyne hit the winning runs for South Africa to take them to their first ICC title since the ICC Knockout 1998. Markram took home the 'Player of the Match' award.
United News of India
4 days ago
- Sport
- United News of India
Ponting dissects Markram's match-defining Lord's innings
London, June 16 (UNI) ICC Hall of Famer Ricky Ponting believes Aiden Markram's 136 in the ICC World Test Championship 2025 Final was comparable to the very best batting performances on the biggest stage. No stranger to delivering in high-pressure situations, Ponting made a habit of scoring match-winning knocks in the games that mattered the most. None more iconic than his 140 against India in the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup Final in 2003 and 111 not out against England in the ICC Men's Champions Trophy in 2009. Speaking in the aftermath of the epic World Test Championship Final at Lord's, Ponting had high praise for Markram's cracking ton that helped South Africa lift the mace, placing the knock among the best centuries that he could recall on the big stage. 'When you look back through big ICC events, I think the first thing that probably comes to mind is World Cup finals,' Ponting told ICC Digital. 'And then probably Travis Head's innings (137) in the World Cup final, and then the last World Test Championship final (163). And this one's got to be absolutely as good as any of those, considering the stage, considering where South African cricket's been over the last couple of years, particularly their Test side,' he said. South Africa failed to make the WTC Final in the first two editions of the tournament but found a new direction under the pairing of head coach Shukri Conrad and skipper Temba Bavuma in January 2023. The Lord's win was their eighth-successive victory in Tests, one short of their personal best. One of the changes in the South Africa setup under the new leadership was the return of Aiden Markram, who had been dropped from the tour of Australia in the 2022/23 season after an extended poor run with the bat. Markram repaid the faith reposed in him with a spectacular 115 on his return in February 2023, and has looked a more determined batter in the red-ball format since, as exemplified by his fighting ton against India on a tricky surface in Cape Town in January 2024 and his Lord's masterclass. 'To be able to stand up and perform like that when your team needs you the most is what reputations are made of. I think everyone's always known how good a player Aiden Markram was,' Ponting said. 'And I must admit, a couple of years ago when South Africa toured Australia, I couldn't believe that Aiden Markram wasn't in that touring squad at all. He didn't even make the squad," Ponting said. 'And here we are a couple of years later and he's played one of probably his greatest knocks. I'm sure if you asked him, he'd probably say that that's the knock that he's most proud of in his Test career, and I am pretty sure his teammates who watched it all unfold would probably say the same thing," he said. 'So, it's a great individual achievement for him, and it's a magnificent achievement for the South African team,' Ponting added. UNI BM
News18
13-06-2025
- Sport
- News18
Ponting Predicts Marco Jansen To A Become Top Test All-Rounder: 'One Of The...'
Last Updated: Ricky Ponting praised South African pacer Marco Jansen for his competitive nature, predicting he will become one of the best all-rounders in Test cricket. Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting has praised South African pacer Marco Jansen for his fiercely competitive nature, predicting that he will become one of the best all-rounders in Test cricket worldwide in the coming years. Jansen made an early impression for South Africa, forming a formidable fast-bowling duo with Kagiso Rabada, which dismantled Australia's top order on the first day of the World Test Championship Final. While Rabada grabbed headlines with a five-wicket haul at Lord's, Jansen was equally impactful. The left-arm pacer ended with figures of 3 for 49 from 14 overs, dismissing key players Marnus Labuschagne and Travis Head. 'He's pretty quiet and pretty laid back. Nothing really affects him too much. Regardless of if he's had a great day or not such a great day, he remains the same person," Ponting said to ICC Digital after the first day of the WTC Final. A finger injury while fielding on day two threatened to cut his day short, but his swift return to the bowling crease proved he was unaffected, as he removed Marnus Labuschagne for 22. 'Whether that's internally and the way that he thinks about the game or the way that he is around the dressing room. But I think like most South Africans, you can tell there's an ultra competitive streak inside him. And once he gets out on the field, then it's game on," Ponting, who coached Jansen in the Punjab Kings setup in IPL 2025, remarked. Ponting expects Jansen to elevate his game even further in the next World Test Championship cycle, stating that there is no limit to his potential as a versatile player. 'I think he's going to be one of the best all-rounders in Test match cricket in the world in the next couple of years. I've loved working with him and I just think he's an immense talent who is still very young in his international career," Ponting added. (with IANS inputs) First Published: June 13, 2025, 10:53 IST
