Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting has commended his successor Michael Clarke and his side for their 3-0 lead in the five-Test winter Ashes series and has termed it as possibly the greatest win in the history of Australian cricket.
Ponting, who captained the 5-0 clean sweep in 2006-07 but was also at the helm for three series losses, said that while the clean sweep was achieved with a team of champions, this group has defied all expectations and laid down the groundwork for another era of dominance.
According to the News.com.au, Ponting also said that considering where the current team have come from and all the negativity surrounding them going into the series as underdogs, this is one of the most significant victories in the history of the country and a remarkable turnabout.
Stating that no one could see the victory coming, Ponting further said that Australia, and many of its players, now has the rare opportunity to forge its own identity.
Clarke, however, was careful when asked to rate the achievement against others in his 100-Test career, saying that winning back the urn in 2006-07 after its shock loss in 2005 was an effort that needed to be equally respected.
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors


Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share


Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor


Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements


Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app
