Ricky Ponting Feeling the Pressure?

When Ricky Ponting inherited the captaincy of the Australian Cricket Test team in early 2004, he took over a winning side full of champions.  If ever there was an ideal time to assume one the most sought after jobs in Australian sport, this was it.  Winning test matches with players such as Adam Gilchrist, Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath, Justin Langer, and Matthew Hayden on your team was almost a formality.  

However, the side was an aging one.  The stars, who had provided the backbone, were all in their 30s, and a transitional period of Australian cricket loomed.

Fast forward to 2009: The transitional phase that was inevitable has arrived.  South Africa have recently handed the Aussies their first home series defeat in over 15 years and Ponting is suddenly under pressure.

Despite the concern, the team has not suddenly become easy to beat.  The South African series was extremely hard fought.  Australia was in dominant positions in all three matches.  It took a record-breaking run chase to beat the Aussies in Perth, and they were in a commanding position in the second test in Sydney before going on to win in Melbourne.

Ponting has always had some critics as a captain.  Many believe he lacks the ruthless streak for which Steve Waugh was world famous.  His field settings are often deemed too defensive, and he is tentative with declarations.  There are also feelings that he lacks the charisma and leadership qualities possessed by former captains Waugh and Mark Taylor.   

Despite this, Ponting's position as skipper is safe.  Many great leaders subscribe to the idea that great captains lead by example.  This is certainly true when it comes to Ponting's form. His hunger for runs remains immense.  He averages more with the bat since he took over as captain and is quite simply Australia’s best batsman. 

He, undoubtedly, has a good cricketing brain and is the most experienced cricketer in the country—remaining the most qualified man for the job.

If Ponting were sacked as captain, we would then sift through the list of possible replacements.  The most obvious choice would be vice-captain Michael Clarke.  For several years now, Clarke has been mentioned as a long-term replacement for Ponting.  He has a sharp, cricketing brain and is a popular and well-respected member of the side. At 27, Clarke also has age on his side. 

However, handing the captaincy to Clarke now would place too much unnecessary pressure on a man who has only recently looked totally comfortable as a top order batsman for his country.

Are there really any other serious contenders? 

Worryingly for Australia, its other experienced players like Mike Hussey, Andrew Symonds, Brett Lee, and Hayden are all struggling for form and need to focus all their energy on recapturing that form in order to hold onto their spots over the next 12 months.  Brad Haddin is still finding his feet as a test cricketer, and the only bowler who appears to be an automatic selection is the relatively inexperienced Mitchell Johnson.

There is no doubt that Australia has come back to the field in the past few years.  Opposition sides, particularly India, South Arica, and even England no longer fear Australia like they have for so long.  At a time when 20/20 cricket threatens to drown out test cricket altogether, surely this competitiveness in test cricket is a good thing. 

Ponting is an honest man and realizes that the gap has been closed.  Encouragingly, he has given every indication that he plans on continuing in the role, and he appears to be genuinely excited about leading his country through this transitional phase.

A tough 12 months lie ahead. The return series in South Africa as well as the Ashes' defense in England promise to provide Australia with tough tests.  If Ponting's men can win these two series, the critics, who have raised questions over his credentials, will surely be silenced.  Defeats will no doubt place more heat on Ponting, and he will have to deal with a nation and media that have come to expect a lot.

There is no doubting his place in history as one of the world's premier batsmen. However, history can also be harsh and will no doubt judge Ponting's success as a captain on what happens in the next few years.

Let’s see what he is made of!