Thaindian News

Sydney, Feb 15 (ANI): Australian skipper Ricky Ponting has admitted that his 29th ODI century at the Gabba was reward for plenty of time in the nets correcting technical glitches which had undermined his one-day batting performance.

Ponting’s 106 from 112 balls set up a series-securing victory over the West Indies on Sunday night and showed he was back near his best after an up-and-down summer.

The Australian skipper has failed to fire in 50-over cricket even since his 209 and 89 in the third Test against Pakistan in Hobart. Ponting scored just 125 runs, including one half-century, at a modest average of 25 in the 5-0 series win over Pakistan.

Ponting said he had worked hard with head coach Tim Nielsen in ironing out some technical issues, making him feel more comfortable at the crease.

“I have been working pretty hard with the coaching staff on a few little things. It was my turn that I made sure I got us through and we got a big score and we didn’t let an opportunity slip,” the Sydney Morning Herald quoted Ponting, as saying.

Ponting has had his moments against the short ball in both the Test and one-day matches since being hit twice by Kemar Roach in Perth before Christmas but has continued to play his signature pull and hook shots.

“I have probably had a few better situations to bat in as well lately. In the first series against Pakistan I was sort of in right at the end of power play overs and trying to force things a little bit, or I came in just after a power play when it was hard to get boundaries,” he said.

“Because I have been in a little earlier and it has freed me to play a few shots against the new ball which I always enjoy doing. I have also been able to get off to some reasonable starts with my scoring rate which generally makes things a little easier,” Ponting said. (ANI)