Who I admire Essay Example
Who I admire Essay Example

Who I admire Essay Example

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  • Pages: 5 (1128 words)
  • Published: October 6, 2017
  • Type: Autobiography
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The individual I hold in high regard is Ricky Ponting, an Australian cricketer. It may seem peculiar that as an ardent England cricket supporter, I admire a cricketer from Australia, but it is a testament to his style of play. He exemplifies toughness and tenacity, never retreating from a challenge or altercation.

Ponting's obsession with winning overshadows everything else in his life. His quest for victory was evident when I first heard of him in 2005, during his stint as Australian captain competing for the Ashes in England. Despite the presence of legendary players like Shane Warne, Glen McGrath, and Adam Gilchrist, Ponting assumed the responsibility of leading the team to retain the Ashes on English soil.

The pressure was immense to beat us 'poms'. He probably had an easy job tactically as ever

...

y player knew how to perform their best. However, leading players with big egos was a huge task and maintaining a harmonious dressing room would have been stressful. Despite not being regarded as a tactical captain, he was one of the best leaders to play the game.

Despite being hit on the helmet by a vicious bouncer from Steve Harmison in the first test match of the 2005 Ashes series, Ricky Ponting displayed great toughness and leadership by not stepping down from a challenge or shirking from hard work. The blow was so powerful that it caused the grill of his helmet to cut his cheek, resulting in blood pouring out of his wound. Nevertheless, Ponting marked his guard and continued until he had to stop due to the severity of his injury.

Despite receiving treatment from the physio, Ponting continued to play and

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demonstrated his exemplary character, which many other batsmen may not have been able to do. This determination contributed to Australia's victory in the test, and they now lead the five-match series 1-0. However, England bounced back at Edgbaston with a thrilling 2-run victory and continued their successful performance at Old Trafford.

On that day, England required 10 wickets to lead the series. This led to an influx of England cricket fans to the ground, causing approximately 20,000 individuals to be locked out due to the ground reaching its maximum capacity by 10am. The nation was consumed by Ashes fever. However, my companions and I were fortunate enough to gain entry into the ground and witness Ricky Ponting demonstrate his exceptional batting skills in a true master class.

Despite everyone else around him faltering, he remained composed and persisted. England managed to take steady wickets during the course of the day and it was apparent that the key player they needed to dismiss was Ponting if they desired to emerge victorious. Despite this, it was no easy feat to remove Ponting from the field. He performed remarkably by scoring an impressive 156 runs and continued batting for an extensive time period of 411 minutes. Ultimately, Ponting's extensive time at bat came to an end.

Despite his distress, the legendary cricketer left the field to a standing ovation from the English crowd when his team, Australia, were 9 wickets down and faced the possibility of losing the Ashes series lead. Ponting had just played one of his finest innings, earning him great respect from the audience. Although Australia eventually managed to secure a draw, they ultimately lost the series 2-1,

marking Ponting as the first captain since 1987 to suffer an Ashes defeat.

Despite being heavily criticized by the Australian media and facing constant pressure to step down as captain, Ponting remained resolute. Utilizing the emotions of his team's loss to England, he devised a strategy to win back the Ashes in their next encounter.

In the 2006/7 Ashes series, the two teams played again in Australia in November 2006. In the first test at the Gabba in Brisbane, Ponting led his team with determination by scoring 196. This helped Australia achieve a massive first innings score, which proved too much for England. As a result, Australia won the game and the series 5-0. Ponting had finally found success and the revenge he longed for.

Ponting led the series, earning the man of the series award and scoring 576 runs, including two centuries. Australia proceeded to win their third consecutive World Cup in the Caribbean after the Ashes tournament, with Ponting at the helm for one victory. They were superior to all rivals and won their third straight title. However, following their World Cup triumph, Australian cricket's golden age came to an end.

Before the 2009 Ashes series in England, Ponting had the difficult task of replacing retired Australian cricket legends to rebuild the team's esteemed reputation. Despite his efforts, he and his team were unable to succeed, leading to a second Ashes defeat under his captaincy. This loss resulted in Ponting becoming Australia's most unsuccessful Ashes captain after another defeat in the third series. The humiliation was further intensified as his team became the first since 1987 to lose at home to England during the 2010/11 Ashes

series. Although some do not consider this loss as shameful due to England subsequently becoming the top test match team globally.

After leading the Australian cricket team in the 2011 World Cup held in India, Ricky Ponting's captaincy record was ended when his team lost to eventual champions, India, in the quarter finals. Following this defeat, Ponting resigned from his position as captain upon returning home and was replaced by Vice-captain Michael Clarke. Although many speculated that this would mark the end of Ponting's cricket career, Clarke selected him to join the team - an unusual move for Australian cricket where ex-captains are not typically chosen after retiring. However, Ponting is considered a crucial part of Australia's current period of change and transformation due to his extensive cricket experience which can help guide younger players towards their own successes.

Despite being called to be dropped from the test team, Ricky Ponting proved his worth at 37 years old by scoring a remarkable 100 against India in the 2012 New Year test at Sydney. His legacy is undeniable, as he holds numerous records such as leading Australian test match run scorer and one day International run scorer. He also has the most consecutive World cup wins as captain and a hat trick of World cup wins. Moreover, he is the third leading run scorer in test matches ever. Ponting's countless cricket achievements make him an inspiration for many players who aim to play with determination and win while respecting their opponents, just like he does.

Despite facing setbacks in his career, Ponting is famous for his capability to overcome them and inspires others to do the same, regardless of

how difficult the circumstances may seem. His achievements in cricket demonstrate that he can consistently prove doubters wrong while also providing a valuable lesson about life.

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