I’m not finished yet, says Ponting

ADELAIDE: Australia’s Ricky Ponting hit his second century in three matches and became the third batsmen to pass 13 000 Test runs before laughing off suggestions he might be about to retire.

The 37-year-old was unbeaten on 137 at the close on the first day of the fourth Test against India, having rescued Australia’s innings with a stand of 251 for the fourth wicket with his successor as captain, Michael Clarke.

His effusive celebration of the century sparked conjecture that he might be about to retire, but the gritty Tasmanian dismissed the idea with a wry smile.

“How did I know I’d come here and get asked questions about retirement?” he told a news conference. “It was a celebration, mate, I usually do a similar celebration when I score a Test match hundred.

“I won’t be retiring at the end of this Test match.”

Ponting has revived his career in the India series, scoring his first century in two years in the second Test in Sydney, where he shared a 288-run stand with Clarke, before his more fluent effort at the Adelaide Oval.

“I felt I played better today than I did in Sydney, it was probably a better wicket to bat on today, there wasn’t much in it for any of the Indian bowlers,” he said. “It’s Michael’s and my responsibility to make sure we start well tomorrow and see where that takes us.

“But I’m not going to be satisfied with where I am at. You go through too many ups and downs in your career to let moments like this slip.” – Reuters