Mumbai: There was a famous picture of little Emmy Charlotte playing on her father Ricky Ponting's lap at Headingley Leeds, in August this year The picture is rare because it is the only one that captures the Australian captain in a cheerful mood during an otherwise mind- numbing series. She's perhaps the only one he can't refuse.

Think about the other ones that usually have Ponting in the frame. An arrogant, gum-chewing, ruthless captain of a highly dominating team, not known to take the slightest of insults (Read: lack of performance) lightly That's the Panting a cricket fan would usually identify with. Why just the fan, that's the ' Ponting even his teammates more often than not identify with.

When all-rounder Shane Watson was Diked if the Australian national team is used to seeking advice from some of the game's stalwarts Down Unfelt he stopped the question short and said, why would you need anyone when you have one of the all- time greats right there with you. Ricky's someone the whole team looks up toe's

Ponting's contribution to the game doesn't need a mention. That he's right behind Sachin Tendulkar in the run-scoring department is explanation enough. In fact, he's got
something more that Tendulkar his only perhaps yearned for in 20 years - three World Cup wins, two as captain; two Champions Trophy wins, both as captain; and a cupboard full of individual awards honouring him as the world's best.

“Oh yes, he's at the forefront, right up there as far as out set-up is concernedly says present national coach Tim Nielsen, explaining at large Ponting's influence in Australian cricket at the highest level.

“Ricky's a decision-maker and his word carries a lot of weight. Whether it cioncerns selection matter the line-up, the batting order, he's got a huge say. We (Nielsen and his support staff) contribute, but he's definitely the one out there handling things.''Australia's Mr Cricket, Michael Hussey is equally in awe of the skipper.”Mr Cricket? Why just me? Most these guys (his teammates) can be called Mr Cricket. They're all as dedicated to the game. There's Ricky he's as good an example there is,'' says Hussey.
To Hussey's knowledge - and there's quite a bit bf that to his credit - Ponting's genius is not just one that usually brings him runs. Nor is it just the captain who is marshalling his men.

“He is at the core of a lot of things, deciding on strategists batting order, handing out responsibilities,'' says the southpaw.

Shane Warne famously nicknamed Ponting as 'Punter' due to name his fascination for racing grey- hounds and betting on them. He breeds them for racing anklets because he's quite sure of himself.

That's what Ponting's been doing with the Aussie team too, nurturing during them to the core to get the base out of his boys. Evaluating Ponting's contribution to the game and Australian cricket is as difficult as quantifying the joy and happiness he gets while playing with his daughter