Ponting rated Australia's most wanted

Cricket may have lost its appeal as Australia's most popular sport but its stars remain the nation's most sought after sponsorship vehicles. Cricketers filled six of the top 10 spots in the latest Sweeney Sports survey of the most marketable sports stars, with the Australia captain Ricky Ponting listed as marketing's most sought after property. Ponting ranked No. 1 with a score of 74 points on the Sweeney scale, ahead of retired wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist on 67.

Upon receiving confirmation that he would become Australia's 401st Test cricketer, an overwhelmed Casson struggled for composure as the backslaps rained down from his new international team-mates before Tuesday's training session at Kensington Oval. The emotion carried into the ensuing net session, as the realisation of his achievement constricted nerves and spinning fingers.