Cricket - International Cricket - Bet Now at Bet365
Australia's all-time leading run-scorer Ricky Ponting has announced he will retire from international cricket afterthe third and final Test against South Africa.
The former Australia captain has made a strong start to the Sheffield Shield season, but his batting in the first two Tests against the Proteas have not gone to plan, as he totalled just 20 runs from the matches in Brisbane and Adelaide.
Coach Mickey Arthur had said he wanted Ponting to be involved in the Ashes series next year, but Ponting has opted to walk away after the WACA Test.
He admitted during the Adelaide Test that he was unsure about his place in the team, though he did retain his spot.
Ponting has decided to end his international career now, rather than go into the three-Test series against Sri Lanka later this summer.
The 37-year-old will equal Steve Waugh's record of 168 Tests for Australia in Perth.
He said: "Over the last couple of weeks my level of performance hasn't been good enough.
"My passion and love for the game hasn't changed. At the end of the day the decision was based on my results.
"In this series so far they have not been up to the level required of batsmen and players in the Australian team. I'm glad I have got the opportunity to finish on my terms."
View all Cricket betting at Bet365
