Ponting out for eight in final Test innings

PERTH, Australia (AFP) –

Australian batsman Ricky Ponting is applauded by the South African team as he walks out to bat for his final Test innings on day four of the third Test between South Africa and Australia at the WACA ground in Perth on December 3, 2012.

Australia’s Ricky Ponting was dismissed for eight in his final Test innings, bringing the curtain down on a 17-year career that saw him become the second-greatest run scorer in history.

Ponting, who was caught by Jacques Kallis off the bowling of Robin Peterson, announced his impending retirement before the Perth Test against South Africa — his 168th Test.

The South Africans formed a highly unusual guard of honour when the 37-year-old strode to the crease, with the Tasmanian shaking hands with Proteas skipper Graeme Smith as he came out.

Ponting got off the mark with a trademark pull shot for four off Morne Morkel from the fifth ball he faced, but lasted just 23 deliveries before he was dismissed just before lunch.

He finishes his career with 13,378 Test runs at 51.85, including 41 centuries, while sharing the record for Test appearances for his country with his predecessor as captain, Steve Waugh.

Ponting is behind only India’s Sachin Tendulkar on the all-time list of leading Test runscorers.