#OTD 1997 | Ricky Ponting registered his first century on Ashes debut

Ricky Ponting is arguably the best cricketer that has played the game for Australia. The legendary skipper is one of the most loved players across the nation down-under and is avidly remembered for his fearless batting.

Ponting made his Ashes debut on 26 July 1997 as the youngster established his mark in his very first innings scoring 127 runs to his name. 

Ponting became the most prominent legend in Australian cricket, leading their invincible Australian side to multiple World Cup triumphs. 

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Ponting still fondly remembers his first hundred that came against England in 1997, speaking about his Ashes debut at Headingley.

"That was vital for me, I got picked on the Ashes tour, only in the touring squad, but I didn't play the first three Tests of that series and came in for the fourth, in Michael Bevan's spot,"

"I was also lucky because I'm not sure the Poms were too thorough when they did their homework on me. The ball was seaming about, but they seemed keen to test me out with some short stuff, and I relished the chance to show them I could hook and pull."

It was just the start of an era as the fiery Tasmanian went on another 40 centuries in the red-ball format. Ponting had 71 centuries to his name at the end of his career.

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