Rather than being intimidated by succeeding perhaps the greatest captain in Test cricket history, Ricky Ponting has built upon the inspirational Steve Waugh's achievements to create a distinguished legacy of his own.

Long known as a precocious talent – he was sponsored by Kookaburra at the age of 12 – Ponting has written his name into the game's history as a pioneer of the aggressive batting which prevails in this fledgling century.

A stylish batsman with peerless ability on the leg side, he has driven the Test revolution not only through aggressive captaincy but with a number of majestic innings including no less than four double centuries.

A brilliant fielder and useful part-time medium pacer, Ponting made his debut for Tasmania at the age of 17, marking the occasion with 56 against South Australia.

His rapid progression through the domestic ranks secured international debuts at one-day and Test level in 1995 but such has been the Baggy Greens' dominance that establishing credentials has never been easy for any player of this generation.

A weakness against spin and a habit for attracting late-night trouble further hampered his progress and, incredible as it now seems, few considered him the right stuff to succeed Waugh.

Those voices were noticeable by their absence once he had led an effortless stroll to the 2003 World Cup and he took the mantle at Test level later that year.

In addition to scoring 140 not out in the World Cup final defeat of India, Ponting scored back-to-back double centuries against Sourav Ganguly's side at Test level to finish his annus mirabilis with an international record 1,503 runs at a Bradmanesque average of 100.3.

He missed the landmark series success in India – the one cricketing feather missing in Waugh's cap – but has led the side with distinction since.

His average from 16 Ashes Tests over four series is positively fallible and Michael Vaughan would doubtless be delighted if his opposite number were restricted to around the 40 mark this summer.

If not, a brittle pace attack could be in for a tough time.

Ponting is already recognised as one of the greatest players of fast bowling the world has seen yet, at the age of just 30 there could be higher accolades to come.