On this day, 23 years ago, Australia legend Ricky Ponting hit his first test century in Headingley. His first test century came out against Australia's fiercest rival England. This was special for him as he made it against England in their backyard. This ton of Ponting helped Australia win the fourth Ashes test in 1997 in Leeds. The then England team was led by Michael Atherton and Australia defeats them by 61 runs. Ricky Ponting 127 runs contributed helped Australia with this Fourth test against England. The former Australian skipper reminisce this special ton via tweet.
"My first Test ton and an Ashes one, 23 years ago to the day. Being on 99 that day was the most nervous I I think I ever was, but thankfully I had Matthew Elliott at the other end to help guide me through as he went on to a magnificent 199."
In this match Australia won toss and elects to field first. England batting first, scored a total of 172 runs and lost all the wickets to Australia. Pacer Jason Gillespie alone sent back 7 England players to pavilion.
But England bowlers also troubled Australian batsmen. Darren Gough and Dean Headley bowled out top order of Australia taking two wickets each. Ricky Ponting comes in to bat after this big jolt to Australia. He came in when Australia score board was 50-4.
Australian legend Ricky Ponting plays a destructive innings of 127 runs and shows that world class cricket in future can be expected from Ponting. Audience witnessed a classic 268-runs partnership of Ponting and Matthew Elliott. During this 127 runs innings Ponting hit 16 boundaries and a sixer.
Gough bowled Elliot at 199 and Australia declared at 501-9 whereas England only scored 268 runs and got all out.
After this maiden century Ricky has scored 41 Test centuries in 168 matches. His highest score in this long format is 257. After Sachin Tendulkar, he is only player to hit 41 Test centuries.
With an average of 51.85 he has scored 13,378 runs in Test cricket. He played for 17 years.
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