5 underrated Ashes performances over the years

5.Ricky Ponting saves Australia from a certain defeat, Old Trafford, 2005

Ponting scored a crucial ton

Ricky Ponting’s knock of 156 at Old Trafford, during the 2005 series, was an embodiment of maturity as he batted tooth and nail for his country.

A classic captain’s innings, one of Steve Waugh proportions, this was certainly a major moment which set the tone for Ricky’s captaincy. Australia were totally outplayed and on the ropes in the third Test and Ponting stepped up to the plate and played a flawless seven-hour innings to save the Test and keep the series tied at 1-1.

The innings did not help Australia retain the Ashes, but it certainly helped mould Ponting into a better and hardened captain. He showed remarkable composure facing 275 balls during his knock, but he left the ground with some more work to do edging the ball to be ninth down and leaving Brett Lee and Glen McGrath to fend off 24 deliveries. He sat with his hands over his head in the dressing room struggling to watch the dying overs.

“I had a little tantrum and sat there with my head down,” he said. “I thought the game had slipped away from us.”

Thankfully for him, it didn’t.

Let’s hope this Ashes series throws up some unforgettable performances and some brilliant displays from lesser known players.