Ponting is among the best batters I`ve seen: Cook

Kolkata: Paying glowing tributes to Ricky Ponting, England skipper Alastair Cook on Tuesday described the just-retired former Australian captain as one of the greatest batsmen.

Recalling the 2006 Ashes series, Cook said, "I can`t really sum up on what he has achieved. As a batsman alone, he`s among the best batters I`ve seen. We just could not get him out in 2006." The just-concluded Perth Test against South Africa was Ponting`s last and the 37-year old`s retirement address was held yesterday. "He hits the ball as cleanly as I have ever seen a cricket ball being hit. As a player of fast bowling, he had all the time in the world," Cook added. Cook said it was a "privilege" for him to have played against the Aussie. "He is an unbelievable competitor. I am very privileged to have played against him. I wish him all the best in his retirement," the England opener said. On Sachin Tendulkar`s slump in form, Cook said: "Sachin is a fantastic player, and his records speak for themselves." PTI