Ricky Ponting hits century in first-class farewell

Ricky Ponting bowed out in style as the former Australia captain hit 169 not out for Surrey in his final first-class innings against Nottinghamshire on Thursday.

Ponting had moved from his overnight 41 to 108 by lunch on the final day of the County Championship First Division match at the Oval and he remained unbeaten throughout his 319-ball innings, which included 18 fours, to help Surrey rescue a draw.

The 38-year-old, who retired from international cricket in December 2012 with a Test average of 51.85, had reached the landmark of 24,000 first-class runs at the start of his second innings on Wednesday.

After being dismissed for just 29 in the first innings, Ponting made the most of his final chance and reached three figures by charging down the pitch to spinner Samit Patel and smashing a four.

It was the second century of Ponting's short spell at Surrey after he hit 192 on his debut against Derbyshire and the 82nd first-class hundred of his career.

Cricket Australia tweeted their congratulations to their former skipper: "Massive congratulations to Ricky Ponting for scoring a century in his final FC innings. A true champion of the game!"

Although Ponting will not make any more Championship appearances for Surrey, with South Africa's JP Duminy set to replace him as the county's overseas player, he will be turning out for them in one-day matches until the end of July.