Langer wanted to stay at non-striker end: Ponting recalls Akhtar’s fastest spell

Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting has termed the 1999 Perth Test spell by Pakistan’s legendary pacer Shoaib Akhtar as the fastest one of his illustrious career.

While sharing a video on his official Twitter account, Ponting opened up on the famous spell of fast-bowling and the reaction of batting partner Justin Langer.  

“Got plenty of questions the other day after calling the Flintoff over the best I'd faced,” said Ponting.

“This from Shoaib Akhtar was the fastest spell I'd ever faced and trust me Justin wasn't backing up too far at the other end,” he added.

Responding to Ponting’s compliment, Akhtar said: “Only Ricky Ponting could have played it like this. He was the bravest. Justin Langer definitely wanted to stay at non striker end. Lol.”

Only @RickyPonting could have played it like this. He was the bravest. @JustinLanger8 definitely wanted to stay at non striker end. Lol https://t.co/q8bGCpNsuA

— Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) April 15, 2020

Despite Akhtar’s ferocious spell, Ponting scored 197 runs to help Australia register a convincing victory by an innings and 20 runs.  

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The 44-year-old, Akhtar, featured in 46 Tests and 163 ODIs for Pakistan, in which he bagged 178 and 247 wickets respectively. He also took 19 T20I wickets in 15 appearances.

Akhtar played his last international game, an ODI, against New Zealand in 2011, in which he claimed one wicket.