"I'm at a loss for words," said captain Ricky Ponting, after being carried aloft off the field, "but we were outstanding."
As Australia realised its dream of winning the World Cup for a historic third time, the smile rarely left Ricky Ponting's face. Leading from the front in the amazing final, the captain played the innings of his life for an unbeaten 140 runs, and powered Australia to victory without having lost a single game on its way. Ricky Ponting, captain of Australia's champion one-day side, has proved himself a worthy successor to the brilliant Steve Waugh.
The 2003 Cricket World Cup saw its share of on- and off-field dramas. From the intense spotlight on Shane Warne and his subsequent 12-month ban, through Jason Gillespie's injury, constant questions about travelling to Zimbabwe, spirited challenges from a Kenyan team no one thought had a chance, to a resigned Nasser Hussein, a sacked Shaun Pollock, and victory, Ricky Ponting and his men were unswervingly focused on retaining the Cup. The team saved its best for last with a ruthless effort which was far too much for its closest rival, India.
This captain's diary takes us on the triumphant journey to World Cup victory, as Ricky Ponting shares his own insights, his team's determination and brilliance through a day-by-day account of the South African campaign with all its ups, downs, shocks and successes.
