Big knock could erase Captain Grumpy’s frown

And the skipper’s evident irritability on a number of occasions over the last three weeks-from allegedly throwing his bat into a television after his dismissal against Zimbabwe to his extreme reaction after Steve Smith collided with him while attempting to take a catch-has only seemed like a sign of him acknowledging his team’s below-the-surface vulnerability.His rough run of form with the bat,which has lasted for more than a year — his last international century came in February 2010 — hasn’t helped either. The 36-year-old’s performances in ODI cricket have been a particularly vexing concern. Ponting has scored only four centuries in ODIs since 2007 compared to five in that year.

Saving up big scores?

After another failure in Australia’s previous match against Canada,the veteran Tasmanian had cheekily commented about saving up his big scores for the more important matches. Ponting won’t have to wait much longer then.

Saturday’s clash against Pakistan at Colombo’s R Premadasa Stadium certainly will be the biggest match for the three-time defending champions in this World Cup so far. Not only in a bid to keep their 34-match unbeaten run on track but also,more importantly,to top Group A.

“I think as a team we do start to feel that the tournament’s kicking off now. We’ve been excited about playing against Pakistan for quite a while,” said Ponting,who has averaged just over 20 in the World Cup so far. And Ponting seemed determined as ever as he faced up to a bunch of local spinners in the nets.

Even here,the ultra-competitive nature of the man was on full view as he took on the youngsters.

Later,after wiping the excess sweat from under his helmet,Ponting stood near the centre of the pitch and faced up to a bunch of deliveries hurled towards him by coach Tim Nielsen. Watching Ponting from close range during his batting session in the nets almost gives you the feeling that the Australian captain literally has springs in his strides.

And apart from finding his feet again and producing that much-awaited big-match innings,Ponting & Co along with the Pakistanis will also have the responsibility of breathing some life into their group and the Sri Lankan leg of the World Cup,which has proven to be predictable and bland.