'We try to improve ourselves every day' - Ponting
Ricky Ponting celebrated his 30th birthday with a crushing win thanks but he also offered a warning that the side can continue to improve
Cricinfo staff
19-Dec-2004
Ricky Ponting celebrated his 30th birthday with a crushing win thanks but he also offered a warning that the side can continue to improve, which must have been awful news for Inzamam-ul-Haq. Inzamam didn't have much to say during the post-match presentation after hurting his back, receiving a first-ball duck in the second innings and losing by 491 runs.
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Ricky Ponting
On the victory
To turn up and win today was just an awesome effort. We were in trouble early in the game at 5 for 70-something and to turn that around to win by nearly 500 runs says a lot about the team and their fighting qualities.
To turn up and win today was just an awesome effort. We were in trouble early in the game at 5 for 70-something and to turn that around to win by nearly 500 runs says a lot about the team and their fighting qualities.
On Glenn McGrath's bowling
He bowled absolutely fantastically to get 8 for 24. The conditions are suited to fast bowlers, but he just bowled sensationally well. It's his first five-wicket haul at the WACA.
On his return from an ankle injury last year
His comeback has been brilliant and it's always great to have guys like him around who are match-winners. We've got a lot of match-winners and he did a fantastic job today.
His comeback has been brilliant and it's always great to have guys like him around who are match-winners. We've got a lot of match-winners and he did a fantastic job today.
On being captain
It's a great feeling walking out leading a great Australian team. We know that we've achieved most things in the game, but the great thing about this side is we try to improve ourselves every day. With this Test match we've improved ourselves again.
It's a great feeling walking out leading a great Australian team. We know that we've achieved most things in the game, but the great thing about this side is we try to improve ourselves every day. With this Test match we've improved ourselves again.
On the pitch
The wicket and the conditions have been great and the crowd support we've had over the past few days has been awesome. The Australian team loves coming to Perth.
The wicket and the conditions have been great and the crowd support we've had over the past few days has been awesome. The Australian team loves coming to Perth.
On his batting
If I could hold a few catches things would be going OK. I got a few runs, spent a bit of time in the middle. It's been a frustrating period, but I said coming into this game that a big score was around the corner. I didn't get a big score this time, but fingers crossed it comes next week.
If I could hold a few catches things would be going OK. I got a few runs, spent a bit of time in the middle. It's been a frustrating period, but I said coming into this game that a big score was around the corner. I didn't get a big score this time, but fingers crossed it comes next week.
Inzamam-ul-Haq
On the result
It is very disappointing. On the first day they were 5 for 78, and we thought hopefully we'll do well while batting.
It is very disappointing. On the first day they were 5 for 78, and we thought hopefully we'll do well while batting.
On the difficulty of the pitch
We have a lot of youngsters who don't have a lot of experience and do not know how to concentrate. Hopefully they learn quickly for the next Test match.
We have a lot of youngsters who don't have a lot of experience and do not know how to concentrate. Hopefully they learn quickly for the next Test match.
On his opening bowlers
Shoaib [Akhtar] and [Mohammad] Sami really bowled well and hopefully they continue this form.
Shoaib [Akhtar] and [Mohammad] Sami really bowled well and hopefully they continue this form.
On Australia's display
They performed very well and are the best team in world.
They performed very well and are the best team in world.