Alongside Shane Warne, Ricky Ponting has been one of the most awesome and powerful players of the modern era of cricket. He also, like Warne, has an interesting life off the field.

At the Close of Play is an interesting read. Cricket lovers will enjoy it, occasional sports fans will find the inclusive style draws them in and that they never feel that the book is beyond them. It is in fact an interesting account from an historical perspective, of the characters that many of us know. Likeable and interesting, this book suits the Ponting of taking a swing and being brutally honest. I enjoyed reading it.<br />

You need not be a disciple of this legendary player to appreciate his autobiography entitled Ponting: At the Close of Play. Even if youre not a huge fan of cricket, this book could be all that is necessary for you to be in-love with the game. At least, thats the conclusion I came to after giving his memoirs a read.

I had an excellent time flipping through the books pages since Im a cricket buff (but not so much a Ponting fan I must admit). But despite having said what Ive said, Ive always appreciated his skill with the bat.

It is interesting to note that he rarely opens up about himself to the public. However, in the book, he does so in a generous manner. In Ponting: At the Close of Play, the legendary batsman reflects on his career, retirement, the setbacks that he encountered, and of course, the milestones that he was able to achieve. And yes, he also shares his thoughts and opinions on Michael Clarke as Im sure many of you are hearing about in the news!

Its always great to get inside the minds of people who have transcended the game. This is what makes the Ponting: At the Close of Play book essential reading for those who worship cricket just as much as I do.. Go and get yourself a copy!

Inside, I was seething. Not for the first time in my career I had to keep a lid on what I was really thinking. These blokes had been appointed as the result of the Argus Review, a document that stressed the need for better communication between players and selectors. John Inverarity's new selection committee never gave me the chance to retire from ODI cricket, which - after 375 games, 50 more than any other Australian - I think I deserved.

Thats an excerpt from this autobiography written by Ricky Ponting - one of Australias most revered cricketers of all time. Ponting had a remarkable run as the Test captain of Australia from 2004-2011, as he garnered a multitude of accolades and awards along the way. In the book, he narrates his memoirs and personal feelings on being dropped from the ODI team (the excerpt above is a part of that), among other lows. He also touches on the highs of his journey towards becoming one of the greatest to don the baggy green. The autobiography took me on a stroll down the cricketers own memory lane; from his humble beginnings, to his retirement, and everything else in between. He was always known to be a very private man despite being among Australias most famous figures, thus the book grants fans the rare opportunity to delve into his thoughts. Ponting practically recounts and talks about everything that one would want to read about him, as well as the events that unfolded throughout his career. With that said, Im not a great cricket fan (simply a fan of autobiographies!) and I found this a very interesting read; so dont think this book is only for the die-hard crickets staunchest devotees.