Former Australian great Ricky Ponting was inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame during the Boxing Day Test match between Australia and India at Melbourne Cricket Ground.
Ponting was earlier announced as the inductee this year along with India’s Rahul Dravid and Englishwoman Claire Taylor. They are the only three inductees of 2018 which makes the total number of inductees 87.
The two-time World Cup winning captain was inducted as the 25th Australia after his former teammates Adam Gilchrist, Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath and Steve Waugh joined the elite club.
Ponting was given a lap of honour at tea break on day one of Australia-India third Test at MCG.
“I feel deeply honoured to be recognised by the ICC in this way. I loved every moment of my journey as a player and am so very proud of the team and personal achievements along the way.
“These would not have been possible without the help of so many people including my teammates, coaches and support staff that played such an integral part in my playing career,” he said.
The 44-year-old was honoured in getting the award.
“I would like to especially thank my family for their constant support and direction,” he added. “Honours like this are just as much for them as it is for me.”
Ponting finished his international cricket as Australia’s leading run-scorer in ODIs and Tests. He is the only player to be part of 100 Test victories. He was inducted into Australian Cricket Hall of Fame in February earlier this year.
