Ricky Ponting as captain...

[Whips_off_the_bails]

How will he compare with his predecessors? Australia's success owes a lot to the fact that they have had three great captains in charge for most of the last two decades - Border, Taylor, and Waugh. How do people think Ponting will line up against these three greats? How does he compare with other captains around the world?

Also, which of those three (Border, Taylor, Waugh) was the best?

I'd go for Border as he was the one who had to turn a losing side into a winning one. Taylor was the best tactician, Waugh the strongest-minded and best player of "captain's innings".

[BlueyM]

Despite Ponting's "colourful' past, I believe he has the mental toughness and ability to make an outstanding Captain.

In my opinion, Alan Border was the best of the three previous captains, although not necessarily the best player, he had the ability to make the tough decisions, and had the respect of all the players.

Border is also a talented "reader" of opposition players, and could devise tactics that nullified the strong points of many opponents.

[Ernest]

Originally Posted by Whips_off_the_bails

Ponting will line up against these three greats? How does he compare with other captains around the world?
Also, which of those three (Border, Taylor, Waugh) was the best?

I'd go for Border as he was the one who had to turn a losing side into a winning one. Taylor was the best tactician, Waugh the strongest-minded and best player of "captain's innings".

Well I agree must be Border,I think Ponting has done a real good job up to now,taking nothing away from his ability as a captain,I think he will struggle to live up to his predisesers,because they had the best of the players,McGrath is not what he was,warne ageing,people will not agree,but I dont think he was the force he was.

Having said that Ponting worked wonders in Shri Lanka,I think we have seen the best of the Aussies,but not to ne underestimated.

[Zeke]

Tactically, I believe Mark Taylor was the best captain I have seen, Border was not always in the zone. His nickname 'Captain Grumpy' suggests this, also. Steve Waugh was certainly the most ruthless, although he had the side to back it up.

[Ernest]

Originally Posted by Zeke

Tactically, I believe Mark Taylor was the best captain I have seen, Border was not always in the zone. His nickname 'Captain Grumpy' suggests this, also. Steve Waugh was certainly the most ruthless, although he had the side to back it up.

Yes but if I remember correct,mark Taylors form suffered at time with the burden of being captain,I think border was an outstanding captain,and a good bat.

Ponting may well join these,given the players,I think he will be up with the best.

[Occasional Fan]

Ricky Ponting will miss the first test against Sri Lanka owing to a family illness.

BBC report here.