Is Ricky Ponting obsessed with self-preservation? | Thebigtip

Is Ricky Ponting, as some are suggesting, really the worst Australian cricket captain in modern history?

Should he be leading yet another ashes bid? If so, should he be batting at number 3?

Allan Border made himself a versatile batting contributor, and was happy to move around the order for the betterment of the team. Bob Simpson did the same.

Those are the suggestions which are being made – and have been made from some time – among the grumblings from the backrooms of cricket hierarchy.

Past players, the legends of the game, say it just isn’t right that Ponting should have so much say in the team and indeed, the direction of Australian cricket.

Sure, he has served us well, but his recent form is less than impressive.

Since belting 1333 runs in 2006, Ponting’s form has been far less than that expected of a number 3. In his defence, Ponting scored more than 1000 runs in 2008, at an average of around 47.

In the 19 tests since then, however, Ponting averages around 40 and has only managed three figures twice. Take away those innings and there have been plenty of occasions the side has been put under pressure by their first drop.

Far more pressure, might it be said, than what is being put on Ponting for his spot in the team. He is a loyal servant, but is he now a liability to a side which is starting to prove it can perform better without him in the one-day arena?

In contrast, Marcus North has had the spotlight placed on any failings, any inkling of a form slump. In 17 matches over the same period, North averaged 48 in the number 6 spot and passed three figures on four occasions.

The rumblings from former greats is that Ponting needs to eat a little bit of humble pie, be willing to sacrifice his number 3 position for the betterment of the team, and use his experience to blood younger players.

There has even been the suggestion that Ponting continues to hold on to past glories for personal gratification. If he was to give up his position, would he consider that a black mark on an otherwise stellar career?

In short, is self preservation higher on the agenda for Ponting than the welfare of his team?

After all, Ponting is a champion. And champions hate to lose. But we can assure you, Punter, that the same mindset also applies to the Australian public. The Australian Cricket Board is lucky that this season we host the ashes.

Otherwise, there would be a large number of sports followers who would turn off the cricket, crack open a beer, and wait patiently for the football season to return.

It is a sad indictment on a game which is noted for its leaders being leaders, champions being heroic icons, and characters playing their part to promote the game.