The team had a star-studded line-up in both departments with the likes of Adam Gilchrist and Matthew Hayden leading the charge with the bat. The duo of Brett Lee and Glenn McGrath made the bowling department equally strong, with late legendary spinner Shane Warne also being in the mix of things.

Brett Lee : None Predicted What Was Coming When Ricky Ponting Burst Into The Scene In 90s

Among the other popular names, who helped Australia emerge as the cricketing giants, was Ricky Ponting. It was under his leadership that Australia became the world champions in 2003 and 2007.

Ricky Ponting represented Australia in all three formats and was also Australia’s most successful Test captain. He led Australia to 48 wins in 77 Tests, superior to Steve Waugh’s mark of 41 from 57.

“When he burst onto the scene in 90s no one knew what was coming when they saw Ricky Ponting,” the former pacer can be heard saying in a video shared on his YouTube channel.

The two-time world cup winning captain finished his career with over 27000 runs and 71 centuries to his name across all forms of the game.

Brett Lee Revealed Rod Marsh Correctly Predicted That Ricky Ponting Will Play A Lot Of Cricket For Australia

While his numbers speak volumes about his batting prowess, Brett Lee shared a tale from their early playing days, highlighting the temperament of his former skipper.

He continued: “I think back to the cricket academy; back at 94-95 I was down there and we had to do a thing under the guidance of Rod Marsh.”

“We had to face 12 balls at a 160 kmph off the bowling machine in the cricket net. You can imagine guys like me who aren’t great batsmen being petrified, facing the bowling machine at 160 kmph getting hit everywhere; in the head, in the helmet, in the arm.”

His run tally at the highest level is a testament of his exemplary skills which is only second to the iconic Sachin Tendulkar. The stylish right-hander also led arguably one of the fiercest sides in the history of cricket, winning back-to-back World Cup titles in 2003 and 2007.

“Well the rumour is that when he (Ponting) went there in early 90s, he went there with a cap on. Rod Marsh said ‘what are you doing?’ He said ‘I’m batting’. 160 kmph he goes bang, hitting the ball in front of the square; did not miss one.

“And Rod Marsh back then who was a wonderful coach and a great selector and a great talent scout said straightaway ‘this guy will play a lot of cricket for Australia’.”

Rod Marsh’s words came true as Ricky Ponting featured for Australia in all formats of the game and is Australia’s most successful Test captain to date, even ahead of the mercurial Steve Waugh.

Ricky Ponting represented Australia in 168 Tests, 375 ODIs, and 17 T20Is and slammed a total of 71 tons in all the formats combined. After hanging his boots, he switched to coaching and is currently the head coach of the Indian Premier League franchise Delhi Capitals.