Sports Blog: Thanks for the memories Punter (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Sports Blog: Thanks for the memories Punter

5:26pm Tuesday 29th March 2011 in International cricket By Matt Donlan, Sports reporter

IT was news many expected - in fact it was news that a lot of Australians oddly hoped they would have heard weeks ago.

Ricky Ponting has quit as Australia skipper.

It is a shame that one of the game’s modern greats - and he is certainly that - should bow out as captain on a low note with Ashes defeat and World Cup exit.

I know I run the risk of breaking the habit of a lifetime by feeling sorry for an Aussie - but Ponting has received nothing but pelters for the past couple of years.

The dog’s abuse every time he does anything from that ever so lovely Barmy Army is one thing, one thing that he will cope with without any trouble or worry.

But stick from his own fans - that is just wrong.

I hope Punter carries on playing because such a top performer deserves to finish on a high.

In a way he did. His ton against India last week was brilliant, that is what Ponting the player is about - and hopefully will continue to be about for a few more years.

But if he does walk away from the game, thanks for the memories.