Cricket: Ponting absence keenly felt, says Cowan

MELBOURNE: Ricky Ponting’s retirement has left a big leadership void in Australia’s Test side and other players will have to step up and lead by example in the upcoming series against Sri Lanka, according to opening batsman Ed Cowan. “He’s the greatest Australian batsman in the modern era,” said Cowan. It’s not just what he does on the field. It’s what he gives the group off the field. It’s up to us now to step up.” Meanwhile, recalled Australian batsman Phil Hughes said he has put his disappointing last Test performance behind him and is confident a year of work will pay off when he takes on Sri Lanka this week. “I’m confident, but overall I feel settled knowing I have been in this environment before,” said Hughes.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 12^th, 2012.