Ricky Ponting picks best Indian Test knock in Australia and the answer might surprise you

It is secret that Ricky Ponting is one of greatest batsmen that world has ever seen. While former Australian captain has retired from game since 2013, he does remain involved with it till date in different roles. In a recent video with a leading Australian media portal, Ponting unveiled his top 5 favourite Test kcks he has ever seen 'Down Under'. And here was Indian cricketer who impressed Ponting most.

READ ALSO | Brendon McCullum's 2011 prophecy on Kane Williamson trumps Ricky Ponting's criticism

Ricky Ponting on Sachin Tendulkar

Ricky Ponting hailed 'Master Blaster' Sachin Tendulkar's unbeaten 241 at SCG in Sydney during India's 2003-04 tour to Australia as his fifth favourite Test kck on Australian soil. Ponting amusingly recalled how Tendulkar had been struggling with his cover drives prior to that innings and had sworn to t play one in Sydney. Tendulkar did exactly that, which bewildered Ponting at time. However, he considers it praiseworthy w, hailing Indian legend for his composure and discipline. Tendulkar and Ponting were staunch rivals during ir playing days, but became closer after featuring toger in Mumbai Indians' 2013 IPL winning campaign, in which dynamic duo opened batting in some of matches for franchise as well.

READ ALSO | Ricky Ponting cracks formula for dismissing Kane Williamson and Steve Smith cheaply

Australia ended up saving  Sydney match with a draw and a final 1-1 result in 4-match series meant that India famously retained  Border-Gavaskar Trophy for first time on Australian soil. In Sydney match, Ganguly won toss and chose to bat first. While opening batsman did t disappoint, real match-influencing innings came when Sachin Tendulkar walked in to bat. 

Tendulkar stitched a 353-run partnership with VVS Laxman, who made 178 runs himself. India declared at a mammoth 705-7 and Australia could only man 474 in first innings. In ir second innings, India added ar 211 to tally and Australians mand to draw match and series by batting through fifth day.

READ ALSO | Ricky Ponting riles up fans for rating Australia's bowling attack better than India's

Ricky Ponting's or favourites

While this innings was fifth on Ricky Ponting's list, here are his top 4 -

4. Kevin Pietersen - 227 vs Australia - Adelaide Oval 2010/11

3. Michael Clarke - 230 vs South Africa - Adelaide Oval 2012/13

2. Brian Lara - 226 vs Australia - Adelaide Oval 2005/06

1. Adam Gilchrist - 149 vs Pakistan - Bellerive Oval 1999/2000

READ ALSO | Glenn McGrath reveals Ricky Ponting's biggest weakness and it's hilarious; watch video