Aussie PM hails Ponting as "greatest batsman after Bradman"

Melbourne, Mar 29 (PTI) Prime Minister Julia Gillard
Tuesday heaped praise on Ricky Ponting for his decision to
step down as Australian captain from both Test and one-dayers,
describing him as a "great bloke and a fantastic cricketer".
Under immense pressure after losing his third Ashes
series and Australia's ouster from the World Cup, Ponting
on Tuesday called it a day, putting an end to his successful
tenure as captain.
"To play that kind of role for Australia is an
enormous privilege and I know from talking to Ricky today that
he has felt that privilege," Gillard told reporters.
"He's our greatest batsman after (Don) Bradman... I
think all of us would wish him well in whatever he chooses to
do for the balance of his life.
"He's still a very young man but many, many accolades
are going to flow in the direction of Ricky Ponting today and
in the coming days and let me lend my voice to congratulate a
great bloke and fantastic cricketer," she said of Ponting, who
is not only Australia's most successful Test captain but also
its leading Test run-scorer.
Former players and teammates also praised Ponting's
decision with Australian Cricketers' Association President and
former team-mate Michael Kasprowicz describing him as
magnificent leader.
"Ricky has been a magnificent team leader who has
excelled in all forms of the game in all kinds of conditions,"
Kasprowicz said.
"On countless occasions he has carved an innings of
strength to truly lead from the front on the big stage and was
an inspirational figure to play under."
Though he has given up his captaincy, Ponting still is
available for selection as a batsmen and former England
captain Michael Vaughan said there is still a lot of runs left
in him.
"Respect to Ricky Ponting. Never easy giving up
something that you love doing. Lots of runs still in him
though. Bowlers beware," Vaughan wrote on his Twitter page.