Factbox on Australia captain Ricky Ponting who makes his 100th test appearance in the third Test against South Africa starting at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Monday.
BORN: 19 December 1974
Right-hand batsman
TEAMS: Tasmania, Australia, Somerset
TESTS: 99. 7,990 runs, average 56.27, 26 centuries
HIGHEST SCORE: 257
DEBUT: v Sri Lanka, Perth, 1995-96
ONE-DAYERS: 238. 8,613 runs, average 42.22. 18 centuries
An aggressive batsman who can play every shot in the book, Ponting made his test debut aged 20, scoring 96 in Perth against Sri Lanka.
Started out batting in the middle order but was eventually promoted to number three and already ranks as one of Australia's greatest batsmen with plenty of years left in him.
Was identified as a future test captain from the first moment he burst on to the international scene. Was fined over a night-club scuffle in India in 1998 and another in Sydney a year later but has been on his best behaviour ever since.
Dropped in 1997 but fought his way back into the team and scored his first test hundred against England on the 1997 Ashes tour and has now compiled 26 centuries. The only Australians to have scored more are Steve Waugh (32), Don Bradman (29) and Allan Border (27).
Ponting has also scored four test double-centuries. The only other Australians to have achieved that feat are Bradman and Greg Chappell.
Ponting's aggregate of 7,990 runs is also the fourth highest by an Australian, behind Border (11,174), Waugh (10,927) and Mark Waugh (8,029).
Ponting broke his own record for the most runs by an Australian in a calendar year when he scored 1,544 runs in 2005 at an average of 67.13. He also finished the year ranked as the number one batsman in the world.
Ponting was appointed test vice-captain in early 2000, although Adam Gilchrist ultimately took over, but was given the reins of the one-day team, and led Australia to victory in the 2003 World Cup, scoring 140 not out against India in the final.
Was promoted to the test captaincy when Steve Waugh retired in early 2004. Has captained Australia 24 times for 16 wins, three losses and five draws.
Broke his thumb just before the 2004 tour of India and had to watch Adam Gilchrist lead the team to a first series win there for 35 years.
Became the first Australian captain to lose an Ashes series since 1986-87 when his team were beaten 2-1 in England last year.
Scored six centuries in 2005, including hundreds in each innings of the first test against West Indies in Brisbane in November.
Becomes the ninth Australian player to make 100 Test appearances.
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