Ponting's contribution to cricket has been immense: Richardson

"His contribution to the international game has been immense and quite rightly he will be remembered as one of the true legends of the sport," Richardson said about Ponting who retired today after playing 168 Test matches apart from 375 ODIs.

"Ricky was a team man but along the way collected many personal accolades and is the only player to have won the Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy for Cricketer of the Year at the LG ICC Awards for two years in succession (2006 and 2007). We wish him well in the next stage of his career and look forward to his ongoing involvement in the game beyond the boundary," Richardson was quoted as saying by an ICC press release.

"He was the most successful captain in the history of Test cricket and was the first player to feature in 108 Test match victories.

"He also steered Australia to two ICC Cricket World Cup triumphs - as well as playing in a third - during which time they set a record of 34 consecutive victories