England’s long-time Ashes rival and Sky Sports pundit Ricky Ponting SACKED from job in major blow to Australia legend
RICKY PONTING has been sacked by Indian Premier League side Delhi Capitals.
The former Australian captain and Sky Sports pundit was relieved of his duties as head coach.
The IPL club decided to make a change to the team after Ponting failed to lead the side to the finals in the past three campaigns.
Ponting, 49, had been working with the franchise since 2018.
He helped rebuild the team and took it to the final in 2020 before losing to the Mumbai Indians.
The decision was announced on social media.
A statement read: “After seven seasons, Delhi Capitals has decided to part ways with Ricky Ponting.
“It’s been a great journey, Coach! Thank you for everything.”
It continued: “The four things you told us about in every huddle – care, commitment, attitude and effort – they sum up our seven summers together.
“Seven summers of you being hands-on, but also hands-off, so that we could become better. As athletes, yes, but more importantly, as human beings.
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“Seven summers of you reaching every training session first, and leaving last.
“Seven summers of you sprinting out of the dugout during strategic timeouts, and biting your nails off until there were none left.
“Seven summers of your dressing room speeches – the speeches, Oh.
“Seven summers of your hugs, shoulder pats and fist pumps for us all – newcomer, superstar… and everyone in-between.
“Thank you for everything, Coach! Like, you often close out, ‘Let’s leave this here mate, grab a beer, get back to work tomorrow, yeah?”
During Ponting’s illustrious playing career, he had become one of England’s greatest rivals.
He led the Australians to an Ashes whitewash 5-0 victory in the 2006/07 series.
This saw the Aussies regain the famous urn after losing the series in England in 2005 2-1.