When Ricky Ponting talks cricket, people listen. The former Australian captain, one of the game’s greatest batters, recently shared his top five Test batsmen of all time – and the list has already sparked some lively debates among fans.
He made his picks just after the England vs India Test series in 2025, and the list has a mix of legendary names and modern stars. But it’s also missing a couple of players you’d probably expect to see.
1️⃣ Brian Lara – The Prince of Trinidad 👑
Ponting started with Brian Lara, calling him “the most skilful batsman I ever played against.” Lara’s flamboyant stroke play, record-breaking scores, and ability to dominate world-class bowlers earned him a well-deserved spot.
2️⃣ Sachin Tendulkar – The Little Master 🇮🇳
No surprise here. Sachin Tendulkar was the heartbeat of Indian cricket for over two decades. Ponting praised his ability to adapt to any condition, whether facing raw pace in Australia or sharp spin in India.
3️⃣ Rahul Dravid – The Wall 🛡️
Calm, patient, and unshakable under pressure, Rahul Dravid was the man India relied on in tough situations. Ponting admired Dravid’s discipline and technique, calling him one of the most dependable batters he’s ever seen.
4️⃣ Joe Root – England’s Modern Great 🏴
From Yorkshire to the world stage, Joe Root has been a run machine for England. Ponting highlighted Root’s remarkable consistency and adaptability in all kinds of conditions, making him one of the best of the modern era.
5️⃣ Kane Williamson – The Kiwi Maestro 🇳🇿
Rounding off the list is Kane Williamson. Known for his calm presence and textbook technique, Williamson has been the steady anchor for New Zealand in both home and away matches.
❓ The Big Talking Point – Where’s Virat Kohli?
The biggest talking point is Virat Kohli’s absence. With his record and influence on modern cricket, most people assumed he’d be there. So when his name didn’t show up, plenty of fans were surprised. Looking at Ponting’s list, it feels like he went with players he’s admired personally over the years, rather than simply going by stats.
📌 Why These Five?
Ponting’s picks combine match-winning ability, consistency, and adaptability. Some are legends he faced on the field; others are stars he has closely followed as a commentator and coach. Together, they represent the qualities Ponting values most in Test batting.
📝 Quick Recap: Ponting’s Top Five
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Brian Lara – Flair & record-breaking genius
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Sachin Tendulkar – Adaptability & class
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Rahul Dravid – Patience & dependability
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Joe Root – Consistency & modern dominance
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Kane Williamson – Calm under pressure
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