Matthew Hayden has launched a stirring defence of Ricky Ponting and predicted rival nations would pay for the criticism his captain has copped.
Arriving back home in Brisbane on Wednesday, Hayden immediately went into bat for Ponting after he was attacked for his decision-making in this week’s series-deciding fourth Test loss in India.
While Ponting has denied any regrets over using part-time bowlers to speed up the over-rate, which released the pressure valve on the struggling Indians in Nagpur, the veteran opener warned the Tasmanian would respond with his bat and leadership.
“I think we all know that Ricky Ponting is an absolute bloody champion and is one right across the globe during the entire reign of his captaincy,” Hayden said at Brisbane Airport Wednesday morning.
“I, as one of his senior players, completely endorse where he’s at as an individual and as a captain.
“For me the next six months will show you again why he can rebuild another Australian side which has lost a lot of its grand champions over the last two years to become another very, very formidable opponent.
“We’ve got some incredible cricket coming up and Rick won’t be distracted by this.”
Former Australian captains Allan Border and Ian Chappell were two of Ponting’s harshest critics as many in the cricket fraternity were left bewildered by his actions after tea on day four in Nagpur.
With an over-rate nine behind the requirement, and facing possible suspension, Ponting called upon Mike Hussey, Cameron white and Michael Clarke ahead of strike bowlers Brett Lee and Mitchell Johnson when India were in trouble at 6-166.
They went on to make 295 and force Australia to chase a near impossible 382 for victory.
Hayden admitted Australia needed to rectify their shoddy over-rate, but also lamented the extra frustrations presented by bowling in India, including extra drinks breaks and other stoppages.
“We have had trouble with our over-rate for a long time now and it’s not just us, international cricket seems to struggle for whatever reason,” he said.
“It’s a frustrating one and one we have to deal with and find some strategies to get through 90 overs. In Shield cricket we get through 96 overs out here.”
Australia and Ponting’s first chance to bounce back will be in the two-Test series against New Zealand, starting next Thursday, before home and away series against South Africa and next year’s Ashes tour of England.
“There’s lots of time for the ability of all of us to be under the microscope but one of those I don’t think (should be) is Ricky Ponting,” Hayden said.
The 37-year-old felt he’d hit some good form after gathering momentum in India where he failed in the opening two Tests in his comeback from an ankle injury.
He rated opening partner Simon Katich as one of the major success stories in the 2-0 tour loss and predicted a fruitful first-wicket union this summer.
