Ponting better than Sachin:Chappell

NEW DELHI: Former Australian captain Ian Chappell rates Ricky Ponting as a better batsman than master blaster Sachin Tendulkar.

Through this statement, Chappell is believed to have started the war of words twelve days before Australia's first ODI against India.

Speaking exclusively to Times Now, Chappell said, "He (Sachin) has been an outstanding player. And to be an outstanding player for such a long time takes a lot of things. But for a long part of his career he was the best batsman in the world. I don't think he is that anymore. I think Ricky Ponting has taken that role over now."

The assertion is a clear sign that the mind games have started before the seven-match ODI series. But that is not all. Chappell added, "There are a couple of new players who have brought to the side, which helps to liven the team up. The thing about Australia is that if they are on the field playing, they are there to win."

Chappell added that though the Indian spinners could trouble the Australian batsmen, the world champions are the favourites to win the series.

Chappell further said that the rivalry between India and Australia is for good for the game.

Beware India, seems to be the message from the Aussie camp. This after Australian pacer Brett Lee revealed his intention. He said, "I don't have a specific target on any batsman. Anyone from number 1 to number 11 is good for me."

The cocktail of rivalry, drama and high adrenaline cricket is already brewing between the two camps, but we will have to wait to see who has the last laugh.

The first ODI of the seven-match series between India and Australia is to be played on October 25 at Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur.

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