Australian cricket legends relive glory days at Ricky Ponting tribute match

Former Australian cricketers posing with the trophy ahead of the ‘Ponting tribute’ match

Australian cricket legends and the country’s AFL superstars were in action at Ricky Ponting‘s tribute match at Launceston, Australia, on Thursday.

The Twenty20 match saw 17,771 people turn up to thank the boy from working class suburb Mowbray in what might have been Launceston’s biggest night.

Ponting’s side included Matthew Hayden, Brett Lee, Ian Healy, Dean Jones and Richmond great Matthew Richardson, who were all sporting Mowbray’s maroon and yellow. They took on an opposition captained by Adam Gilchrist and boasting the likes of Michael Hussey, Justin Langer, Merv Hughes and AFL star Jarryd Roughead.

Ricky Ponting, the undisputed star of the night, hobbled to 83 not out after appearing to injure his groin during his stay at the crease. He was dropped twice during the knock.

“Ricky Ponting’s 80 is a world-record score in Ricky Ponting tribute matches,” the ground announcer declared.

Ponting’s side made 207 for the loss of 6 wickets in reply to the Gilchrist’s 206/6.

The proceeds from the match will go to the Ponting Foundation, which assists families of young Australians affected by cancer.

“It will help every family and every child suffering childhood cancer in Tasmania,” Ponting said.