The controversy surrounding the Marylebone Cricket Club's (MCC) decision to ban graphite covered Kookaburra bats will be laid to rest for Ricky Ponting when he unveils his new choice of bat in South Africa..jpg)
The decision by the MCC stating that Ponting's former bat did not comply with Law 6 has led to a new brand of bat being created - ‘The Ricky Ponting Kahuna’, which will be sported for the first time in the first Test at Newlands.
While disappointed that he had to give away the bat that has brought him so much success at Test level, Ponting says that the new bat feels great, and that he is looking to put it to good use.
"It’s frustrating having to change my graphite-covered Kahuna," Ponting stated.
"But I’m extremely pleased with the new bat that Kookaburra has developed at such short notice and I’m looking forward to using it for the first time against the South African bowling attack in the forthcoming Test series.
"I’ve had a few net sessions with it over the last couple of days and as I expected it feels great, so I hope it will bring me as many runs as my previous bat."
Managing Director of Kookaburra, Brett Elliot expressed his disappointment at the MCC's decision to ban the graphite covered bat, but added that the newer version of the same bat is nothing short of world class.
“The MCC’s statement and total lack of transparency in their process of reaching this opinion is very disappointing," Elliot said.
"We do not believe our range of graphite covered bats contravene Law 6 and our opinion is supported by several independent experts.
"Despite the statement, we remain committed to bringing innovation to the game for all cricketers, and we’re delighted to announce the launch of the new Kahuna cricket bat which is a world class bat designed for the world’s best batsman."
