It's been a funny few months for Ricky Ponting.
As a captain he has discovered new found adventure as demonstrated by his declaration at five wickets down in Melbourne and then in opting to bat at the SCG.
But before today he had gone nine tests without a test match century since an imperious knock at Cardiff.
He's not really looked that out of touch and there have been a few fifties including a brilliant innings at Headingley.
But no tons from a man with the not insignificant number of 38 test centuries.
It's true that he has been handicapped by an elbow injury inflicted by Kemar Roach. But even so the chatter has increased about whether Ponting is past his best. Ridiculous really but commenators have short memories nowadays.
There was even talk about him dropping down the order in time. So he must have felt a bit under pressure before his hometown test in Hobart.
And he repeated his folly at the SCG when on 0 he skied a hook straight to deep backward square leg.
But then some luck. Mohammad Aamer inexplicably dropped the dolly.
And boy did Ponting make them pay. 137 not out already and a big double ton there for the taking tomorrow.
Good timing as well as it coincided with CricInfo awarding him player of the decade for the noughties. A well deserved accolade indeed.
Looks like that appointment at the knackers yard can be cancelled.
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