Pup, the Anointed One, Arise

Ponting did what I never thought he would do.  For a start, he made a century against India last Thursday.  Secondly, today he gave up the captaincy of Australia at all levels.

I have been putting the boot into Ricky recently but credit where credit is due.  He said he wasn’t pushed so I’ll believe him.  He said it was time for a change and that is true.  It must have been a bitter pill to swallow for Ponting but swallow it, he did.  Only time will see if he has a Tendulkar like renaissance that he obviously hopes for.

And now for some World Cup trivia:  When was the last time New Zealand did better than Australia in a World Cup?  (It has happened.  Tip: They made the semis on that occasion, too).

This World Cup is the first time that there have been three teams from the sub continent in the semis.

There is a remote chance that we will have a first time winner.  An unlikely chance that will most likely be extinguished by the time most of you read this.

If New Zealand don’t win, somebody is going to be the third team to win multiple World Cups.

I was away on the week end so I didn’t have the chance to God Bless New Zealand. Whatever happens now, win to lose to SL, they have exceeded expectations and done the cricket world a great service.

The Kiss of Death

Ricky Ponting should be worried about losing to India tonight.  Very worried.  He should be worried about his own form.  He should be worried about his captaincy.  Reading the signs, I would say that he is stressed and worried (I wonder if he still takes Swisse).  But I read yesterday that Ponting has the 100% support of his team mates – so he can stop worrying – his fate is sealed.

We have all seen it many times.  Picture it.  The failing NRL coach under siege.  His team can’t win a game.  The newspapers criticise and speculate.  The board announces that the coach has their full support.  The players do the same.  Invariably, that coach will be sacked within the week (and the team will win their first game under the new coach).

We read in the papers about rumours of a leadership spill in one of the political parties.  The front benchers, back benchers and party power brokers declare undying allegiance to their leader.  The “whip” says the leader is secure.  Within two days, their will be a new leader.

Thursday, 24 March will most likely mark Ricky Ponting’s last match as Australian captain.  His recent performance has not justified his place in the team as batsman or captain.  His recent has given ammunition to those in power who do want to dispose of Ponting and has diminished his chances of a dignified and self-determined retirement.  Boo hoo.