Australia captain Ricky Ponting on Friday hailed Shoaib Akhtar, saying the Pakistani paceman was the fastest bowler he has ever faced. "Congratulations to him for being an outstanding cricketer," Ponting said of Akhtar who on Thursday announced he will retire after the World Cup.
"I had some great duels with Shoaib over the years. To this day I always said he is the fastest bowler I have faced in international cricket," added Ponting of Akhtar who broke the 100mph barrier in 2003. Ponting said he remembered a particularly fierce spell from Akhtar at Perth in 1999. "His one spell that everyone can watch on the internet of him bowling at me at the WACA that was reasonably entertaining, more so entertaining for Justin Langer I think. Akhtar also described Ponting as one of the best batsmen he had ever faced down. "I admire the way Ponting bats. He is one of my favourites, like Brian Lara and Adam Gilchrist too," said Akhtar.
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