When is the right time to blood a player? It is commonly thought that if you keep a talented player waiting too long it will do him more harm playing against lesser players than if he is challenged by the best opponents at the right time.  When I was asked about the Australian academy’s young Ricky Ponting, I answered: “He’s an international player in waiting. All I need to know is what is in his head and heart.”

Ponting prominent

In a very short time Ponting showed he had all the required elements to be a highly successful batsman at the top level.