Captaincy is about 60 per cent off field homework, Ponting's advise for Kohli

Regarded as one of the most successful Australian captain, Ricky Ponting said captaincy is about 60 per cent off the field preparation and 40 per cent on the pitch.

Ponting made the comment in reference to India captain Virat Kohli's leadership skills in the context of India's recently-concluded Test tour of England, which the visitors lost 1-4.

"I didn't watch every single ball of the Test series. For me what happens off the field is more important," the former Australia captain told PTI Bhasha during an interaction at MCG here.

"On the field part like bowling changes or field placement is highly overrated. It is only about 30 or 40 per cent and the rest of the preparations takes place behind close doors before a match," he added.

In the aftermath of the disastrous England series, the focus now has shifted to India's upcoming tour of Australia and Ponting said the visitor's success would largely depend on how well they adapt to the conditions Down Under.

"It's about adapting to the conditions here. Most of the visiting teams find it difficult to win here and that's the way Test cricket has been for long time in Australia. South Africa experienced the same. Similarly we find it difficult to win in India and South Africa," Ponting said.

"We know in last 50 years India have struggled to win Test series away from home. For any team travelling to UK playing against a team as good as England, it is going to be difficult."
"When I got to know about their culture, environment and playing conditions, I became a better cricketer."