This is a question of purely statistical interest, but if Hayden manages to score 2 more centuries in the next 6 Tests, will be become the only one to reach 30 tons inside 100 tests?

Impressive

And I gave him the boot about 14 years ago because I thought he was suspect against pace.

And that was Courtley Ambrose, Courtney Walsh, Malcom Marshall and Ian Bishop

Perhaps I was a tad harsh...

But everyone was getting measured against captain "hit me with your best bouncer or beamer" at that stage

Allan Border....the worlds greatest player of speed.

To be fair he was (and is suspect) againt high quality pace. However, hats off to him because he can only score runs against who he is put up against and on that score he's done very well and rarely let his team down.

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Mark.

Guys, but what is the answer to my question? I am sure that Gavaskar, Lara or Tendulkar did not reach 30 tons before their 100th test but I am not sure about Ponting.

I'm pretty sure Ponting got his 30th after 100 matches.

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Mark.

OK, thanks. Well, Hayden's on his 92nd Test at the moment and so far scored 28 centuries. That leaves him 7 more tests to try and become the first man to reach 30 tons in under 100 test matches. He might just do it. Not bad for a gourmet chef turned cricketer, eh?

I think he stands a good chance. I would reckon he will score another ton in this series.

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Mark.

His technique is just about indestructible, as is his bat speed and his power.

Most complete player in modern day cricket "all forms" 20/20, 50 overs and Test.

Against pace, spin or any other variation.

No arguments there. If I had to choose one player to win me a game in any form I'd go for Ponting. Sure, Dravid or Kallis may have a better defensive game or Chanderpaul may be more barnacle like, but for me Ponting has the best all round game.

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Mark.

No arguements here either. Ponting is the best batsman to come out in the last 20 years or so, followed at a respectful distance by Tendulkar and Lara. There are other good ones like Kallis and Dravid, but the Punter is tops. Of that, no doubt.