Ageless Tendulkar is Ponting’s inspiration

CHANDIGARH - Sachin Tendulkar is inspiring Australian cricket captain Ricky Ponting in his quest to kick-start a dominant phase two of his career.

The two giants of Test batting, sitting atop the all-time run-scorers list, are playing a game of their own; one defiantly holding the No.1 tag and his somewhat junior chaser taking hope from the longevity of his great rival.

According to the Sydney Morning Herald, Ponting is taking inspiration from the only man to have scored more Test runs and centuries.

“The fact that I’m 35, I know there’s been a little bit made in the last couple of days about me being past my best, but we’ll see, we’ll see what this series holds and what the Ashes holds,” Ponting said.

“I know that I’m probably feeling better about myself and my game than I have in long time. Having a long break gave me an opportunity to really sit back and think about what I needed to do to become a better player, that’s all I can control.”

“If you want to take a look at anyone to take something from, you look at Sachin and what he’s done in the 12 months, he’s made six Test match hundreds in the last 12 months and he’s 37.

“I’d like to think I’m not over the hill yet if someone like Sachin can keep scoring those runs.”

He added: “I honestly haven’t thought if this will be that last tour [to India] for me, retirement is the furthest thing from my mind. (ANI)