BRISBANE, Dec 2: Ricky Ponting could be revered like Sir Donald Bradman in Australia or Sachin Tendulkar in India if he plays to his potential, Australian former Test wicket-keeper Rod Marsh said on Tuesday.

The Test captain in-waiting was on Tuesday named by Wisden Australia as Australia’s Cricketer of the Year for his outstanding form with the bat and leadership of the country’s one-day side.

Ponting’s one-time mentor Marsh said the 28-year-old could go on to become one of the all-time greats of the game.

“At his best, if he did reach his full potential, there is no reason why he couldn’t be like Bradman or Tendulkar and those sorts of people.

In the last 12 months, Ponting has hit 1,282 runs in 11 Tests at an average of 80.13.

He led Australia to a successful World Cup defence despite Shane Warne’s doping scandal and scored 1,085 runs in limited overs internationals, including a breathtaking 140 not out in the World Cup final win over India.

Ponting said at the Wisden function that he was in the best form of his career and was in the happiest period of his life, thanks to his marriage last year to Rianna.

“I’ve developed a lot as a person and a cricketer since the day of my wedding to Rianna,” he said. “I now have respect for myself, the game of cricket and all the people around me, teammates included.”

Ponting received his Wisden award at a Brisbane function, while Test opener Matthew Hayden was honoured for being one of international chronicler Wisden’s five cricketers of the year.

Gilchrist was resting with a viral infection, a team spokesman said. However, team officials believed he would be fit to play in the Test.

Gilchrist was also in doubt through illness before last year’s first Ashes Test against England here but recovered in time.

Recuperating fast bowler Brett Lee worked out with the Australians in the nets on Tuesday.—AFP