Sky Sports - England in Australia

Despite being the most successful captain in the history of Test cricket, and boasting an average of 54.68, Ricky Ponting is a man under pressure.

Just like four years ago, he is not in possession of the Ashes. Last time Australia lost the Ashes they responded by thrashing their rivals 5-0. Without the likes of Shane Warne and Glenn McGrath a repeat result looks unlikely.

However Ponting will be doing his utmost to make sure he isn't the first Australian skipper to lose to England at home since Allan Border back in 1986/87.

What isn't in doubt is his place as one of the modern greats of the game - only Sachin Tendulkar has most Test and one-day centuries.

With a liking for anything short and a superb straight drive, he has the capability to take bowling attacks apart within the space of a session or two.

He had always seemed destined to lead Australia having made his international debut at the age of 20 following his rise to prominence as a teenager playing for Tasmania.

The right-hander made 96 on his Test debut but his career path has not always run straight - a late-night fracas in 1999 earned him a suspension from the national team and led to him admitting he had an alcohol problem.

Since then the man from Launceston has matured both on and off the field, leading to him taking over the captaincy from Steve Waugh in both the one-day and Test arena.

A constant fixture at number three in the order for well over a decade, Ponting, who has retired from international Twenty20 cricket, has led Australia to World Cup glory in 2005 and 2009.

What he would like more than anything now is to get his hands back on that miniature urn - anything less and 'Punter' will find his leadership credentials coming under intense scrutiny.