Ponting calls time on his Test career

Australia's highest-scoring batsman is ready to hang up pads after 17 years

Australia's Ricky Ponting on Thursday called time on a 17-year Test career that made him the world's second-highest runscorer, announcing this week's clash with South Africa will be his last.

"I know I have given cricket my all, it's been my life for 20 years. There's not much more I could give," he said at a hastily called news conference at the WACA ground in Perth ahead of Friday's match.