"Though that personal battle with Ishant Sharma ended badly, it still remains a positive memory for me because it reminded me of what it is that makes Test cricket such a fantastic experience. All the off-field angst and argy-bargy of the previous 12 days was forgotten, and this contest between bat and ball took precedence," Ponting said.

The Tasmanian right-handed batsman confessed he needed to utilise all his skill and sharpness to counter the gangling 6'4" bowler with an unusual bowling style.

"The match was on the line, and I knew I was facing an impressive and challenging opponent, and that I needed all my skill and sharpness if I was to survive. Sharma was bringing everything back into me, a right-handed batsman, at some speed, a style of bowling I don't see all that often. His pace and accuracy were such that if he bowled a straight one, it had the same effect as a leg-cutter. That was the ball that eventually got me.”

"...It was not a quick Perth wicket so I could not trust the bounce enough to try to pull him. At times, I felt I was pinned down his end... but I knew I had the ability to win this duel, I worked very hard to see him off, but on this occasion he was too good for me.”

"So many people, including coach Tim Nielsen, commented on how it was an unbelievable spell of bowling. It was a great sport and I was lucky to be a part of it."

... contd.