Clarke became the first batsman in Test cricket history to score four double centuries in a year

Former Australia skipper Ricky Ponting has revealed that one of the major reasons he decided to announce his retirement prior to the start of the final Test of the three-Test series against South Africa was due to the outstanding form of his successor Michael Clarke, who had scored back-to-back double hundreds in the first two Tests of the series against, what some cricket pundits and former players believe to be, the ‘best bowling attack in the world’.

However, Ponting earlier stated that the other main reason he decided to end his 17-year career was due to his poor form with the bat over the past number of series.

Ponting noted that Clarke’s batting had been elevated to another level ever since he replaced him as captain of the national team.

“From the 300 he got in Sydney last year, I don’t think I have seen anyone for a long-time dominate like he’s dominated in the last 10 months,” News.com.au quoted Ponting as saying. “It is only six or seven Tests but what he’s done has been amazing. Three or four double hundreds in the year and a triple is remarkable batting.

“He’s come along in leaps and bounds as a player and as a leader in the past 12 months and that’s another reason why I’ve (retired), knowing the team is in good hands and heading in the right direction.”

However, despite everything Clarke accomplished in 2012, Ponting still believes that his successor has the ability to do better.

“That part of him (the leadership component) is probably still evolving,” Ponting added. “Even by his own admission right now he’s probably not the leader he can become.

“He will keep learning and if he keeps playing the way he is then that will help him with his leadership and captaincy as well.”