Yes there was spring in bat, used in only in WC '03 final: Ricky Ponting
Former Aussie skipper puts speculations to rest about spring bat
New Delhi: Delhi Capitals (DC) head coach Ricky Ponting has addressed the long-standing rumor regarding his bat during the 2003 World Cup Final against India at Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg, debunking the myth surrounding its alleged spring mechanism.
Ponting was previously accused of using a spring in his bat during the title clash against India, purportedly to gain an advantage in generating more power and distance in his shots. His unbeaten 140-run knock, which included eight sixes, played a pivotal role in Australia posting a formidable total of 359/2.
Despite more than two decades passing since Australia's fourth World Cup triumph, questions about Ponting's bat persist. In 2020, the former Australian captain shared a picture of his bat used in the 2003 final, but netizens continued to inquire about the alleged spring mechanism.
In a video shared by Delhi Capitals on its social media platform, an influencer jokingly prodded Ponting to divulge details about his supposed spring bat.
Responding to the query, Ponting jokingly stated, “Yes there was spring in the bat handle. Only one bat and I only used in WC 2003 final.”
However, Ponting clarified that he never used such a bat and debunked the myth.
Reflecting on the 2003 World Cup Final, Australia convincingly defeated India by 125 runs to clinch their then-record fourth title of the prestigious tournament. After setting a commanding total of 359/2, Australia's bowling attack dismantled the Indian batting lineup, restricting them to 234 all out in 39.2 overs. Pace spearhead Glenn McGrath led the charge with three wickets, supported by Brett Lee and Andrew Symonds, who claimed two scalps each.
Virender Sehwag emerged as India's top scorer in the final, contributing 82 runs off 81 balls, while Rahul Dravid posted the second-highest score of 47.
📹 | (Khulasa!)³ Har 90s kid ke school ki sabse badi Afwaah ka (parda-phaash)³ 😱@SatishRay_ pic.twitter.com/k72ekbNCdY
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Minister Patil chairs industry meetings to chart growth for key sectors in Karnataka
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka Minister M B Patil on Tuesday chaired meetings with industry representatives from the aerospace and defence, machine tools, auto/EV, and green energy sectors to discuss sector growth and government support measures.
The meetings were attended by leading industrialists and their representatives, with some participating virtually.
Speaking on the occasion, the minister for Large and Medium Industries said Karnataka is at the forefront of the country’s aerospace and defence sectors.
He noted that Suzuki and Toyota plan to launch aerial taxi services in Japan by 2028, with Bengaluru-based Sasmos supplying electrical equipment for the project.
Industrialists suggested introducing similar “fly-taxi” services in Karnataka through an appropriate policy, which Patil said would be examined seriously.
The minister highlighted the need to establish testing centres and Common Facility Centres for the aerospace and defence industries and assured that these facilities would be provided.
Suggestions were also made to prepare a comprehensive roadmap for sector growth.
Karnataka has urged the Central Government to approve Defence Corridor projects in the Bengaluru North–Kolar–Chikkaballapur and Dharawada–Vijayapura–Belagavi regions.
Industrialists also suggested a corridor between Bengaluru and Mysuru, Patil said.
He said Karnataka aims to become a hub for defence electronics manufacturing, with plans to establish a 200-acre Defence Electronics Park and a 100-acre Avionics and Sensor Park.
These projects will be implemented once the Special Investment Region is operational, and land availability will not be an issue.
On the machine tools sector, Patil said the industry has recorded an annual turnover of Rs 36,500 crore and is witnessing steady growth.
Large-scale exhibitions have increased demand, and the state must strengthen its capabilities to develop control systems for heavy machinery. One testing unit is already operational in Bengaluru, with another planned for Tumakuru. Expansion of vocational training institutes in industrial areas is also underway.
In the Auto and EV sector, Vision Group members highlighted the need for a network of dry ports and more EV charging stations across the state.
Patil noted that the Tata Group is manufacturing EV buses in Dharawada for nationwide supply. Plans for mini excavator production and export facilitation were also discussed, along with the establishment of a testing facility for two-wheeler EVs.
For the Green Energy sector, the group emphasised the need for a suitable policy on battery-based energy storage and the establishment of data centres.
Patil assured that the government will seriously consider all suggestions and respond positively.
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