Ricky Ponting’s previous record in India is a disaster for the Aussie. Ponting has scored a meagre 172 runs from 8 matches at a pathetic average of 12.28 with his best score being 60. His career average is at a terrific 58.37 from 119 matches. Yes, it is safe to say that he is the weakest link in this inexperienced Australian batting line-up. A lot is going to depend on him and Matthew Hayden during the 4 match series.

Compare this to India’s most experienced batsman, Sachin Tendulkar. Tendulkar has played 9 matches against Australia at home at an average of 51.87 scoring 830 runs. The Indian maestro has a career average of 54.23 and will be looking to break Brian Lara’s record of most test runs in cricket during the test series.

Ponting has a point to prove. Especially against the Indian spin duo of Anil Kumble and Harbhajan Singh. Off his 14 dismissals 13 have been against spinners. Kumble has scalped him 4 times and Bhajji 5 times. With a controversial summer in Australia a few months ago, Ponting would be raring to go against Harbhajan Singh.

The question really is, can he score big? If Greg Chappell is anything to go by, then its going to be Ponting series. It seems that Chappelli has seen something in Ponting’s eyes – hunger for success he calls it. Well hunger or no hunger, one thing is clear, if Australia have to retain the Border-Gavasker trophy, their skipper needs to not just face his demons, but smash them to infinity.

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