The Hindu : Karnataka / Bangalore News : Good light-hearted fun with Ponting

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Thursday, Jun 14, 2007
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Karnataka

Karnataka - Bangalore

Good light-hearted fun with Ponting

Staff Reporter

AUSSIE CHARM: Australian cricketer Ricky Ponting interacting with children at a promotional programme in Bangalore on Wednesday. —

Bangalore: Ricky Ponting, the Australian cricket team captain, was at his charming Tasmanian best as he conducted a batting camp for school kids in Bangalore city.

Over 350 children from various institutions turned up to grab the chance to interact with the World Cup-winning batsman. The St. John’s Medical College ground was abuzz with expectation from very early yesterday morning. Ponting arrived on time and wasted no time in responding to the cheers of "Ricky, Ricky!"

In a lively tête-À-tête with the gathering, he reflected on the recent World Cup triumph. He said he always approached every game the same way, however big it may be, and the secret to Australia’s domination of international cricket is their “competitive edge”. Recalling his early days, Ponting said his role models were Aussie batsmen David Boon and Kim Hughes. Affirming the reputation that he has a pretty good golf swing, he said he would have probably become a pro-golfer if he hadn’t made it in cricket. Asked whether he might ever consider an role in Bollywood, he cheekily replied: “It all depends on how many beautiful girls I will work with.”

Before beginning the coaching session, he confessed he hadn’t touched a bat in the five weeks after the World Cup. The organisers had a tough time in getting the children organised to spend time with Ponting. The event was organised by ING Vysya Bank.

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