Ricky Ponting vs James Anderson is a rivalry that may not have the spicy moments like the other great rivalries but this one was a constant for years in the Ashes. These two were the best players in their teams and whenever they faced each other they brought the best out of each other. All Rivalries need not be controversial. This is a perfect example of two greats being respectful towards each other.
Ricky Ponting
Probably the greatest Australian batter of all time is Ricky Ponting. In both Test and ODI Cricket he is one of the greatest ever. Ricky Ponting is also one of the best captains ever. He has won 2 ICC Cricket World Cup trophies as a captain. He has played 168 Test Matches for Australia In which he has scored 13378 runs. He has an average of 51.85 and he has made 41 Test Hundreds. He has also made 6 double hundreds. In ODI Cricket he has played 375 ODIs for Australia. He has made 13704 Runs at an average of 42.05. He has hit 30 ODI Hundreds. Take a look here at Best innings of Ricky Ponting
James Anderson
The evergreen James Anderson has not yet retired from Test Cricket and his fitness is as good as ever. He has been the backbone of England bowling for over 20 years. He has played 187 Test Matches which is the second most of all time. He has taken a whopping 700 Test Wickets which is a feat so rare and unbelievable that he Is only the third and the first fast bowler to achieve this. There will never be another fast bowler who will break this record. He has taken 32 Five Wicket Hauls and 3 times he has taken 10 wickets in a Test Match. He has also taken 269 Wickets in 194 ODIs. He has taken 969 International wickets. Take a look here at Best James Anderson bowling performances
Head to Head
James Anderson bowled 347 balls to Ricky Ponting in Test Cricket. Ricky Ponting made 233 runs and was dismissed 4 times facing Jimmy Anderson.
In ODI Cricket, Ricky Ponting faced 128 balls by James Anderson and he scored 124 runs and was out 3 Times.
Memorable Encounters
In the 2009 Ashes series it was Ricky Ponting vs James Anderson. In the first test , Ricky Ponting made a brilliant 150 and James Anderson took 2 wickets.
In the 2010 series it was James Anderson who got the upper hand as in the first test he dismissed Ricky Ponting for just 10 runs. He got his wicket 3 times in this series.
In the 2006 Ashes series it was Ricky Ponting who dominated James Anderson In the first test as he made a sublime 198 runs. James Anderson was smashed for 141 runs in this innings.
In the second test in 2006, it was Ricky Ponting again who stood tall as he made 142 and Jimmy Anderson was not able to get him out.
Also Read | Ricky Ponting vs Shaun Pollock Head to Head
