Ricky Ponting gets guard of honour

Perth: Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting was given a highly unusual guard of honour by South Africa's players as he came out to bat in his last ever Test innings on Monday.

Ponting, who turns 38 next month, is retiring at the end of the ongoing Test in Perth and the South Africans showed their appreciation of his exploits over a 17-year career by lining up to clap him onto the pitch.

The Tasmanian, who is equalling Steve Waugh's record mark of 168 Test matches in Perth, arrived at the crease to a standing ovation and huge cheers from the WACA crowd with Australia at 81 for two and chasing 632 to win.