Key Takeaways
Tests: Kallis scored 13,289 runs (Avg 55.37, 45 100s); Ponting scored 13,378 runs (Avg 51.85, 41 100s).
ODIs: Ponting scored 13,704 runs (Avg 42.03, 30 100s); Kallis scored 11,579 runs (Avg 44.36, 17 100s).
Bowling: Kallis took 292 Test and 273 ODI wickets; Ponting had no bowling impact.
Overall: Kallis was the better all-rounder; Ponting had a stronger ODI batting record.
Who was better: Ricky Ponting or Jacques Kallis?
While Ricky Ponting edges the ODI batting contest with more runs and centuries, Jacques Kallis's overall impact—especially as a bowler—makes him the more complete cricketer. Kallis contributed with both bat and ball consistently over two decades, something Ponting never did.
Ricky Ponting
Test Career
Matches: 168
Runs: 13,378
Average: 51.85
Hundreds: 41
Highest Score: 257
Ponting led Australia to global domination. His aggressive mindset and hunger for victory made him a symbol of Aussie cricket’s golden era.
ODI Career
Matches: 375
Runs: 13,704
Average: 42.03
Hundreds: 30
Highest Score: 164
As captain and top-order batter, Ponting turned Australia into a near-invincible side, winning multiple World Cups and playing match-winning knocks. Check here 👉 Best innings of Ricky Ponting
Jacques Kallis
Test Career
Matches: 166
Runs: 13,289
Average: 55.37
Hundreds: 45
Highest Score: 224
Wickets: 292
Kallis stands alone as the only cricketer to score 13,000+ Test runs and take nearly 300 wickets—a one-man army.
ODI Career
Matches: 328
Runs: 11,579
Average: 44.36
Hundreds: 17
Highest Score: 139
Wickets: 273
In ODIs too, Kallis delivered consistently with bat and ball. His presence in the middle was reassuring for South Africa in all formats.
Check here 👉 Best Kallis performances in Test and Best Kallis Performances in ODI
Stats Comparison: Ponting vs Kallis
Test Batting: Kallis has a higher average and more centuries.
ODI Batting: Ponting has more runs and centuries; Kallis has a better average.
Bowling: Kallis dominates, with nearly 600 wickets across formats.
Verdict:
Ponting was a master batsman and leader. Kallis, however, was the ultimate all-rounder—impactful with both bat and ball. In overall cricketing value, Jacques Kallis edges out Ricky Ponting.
