Ricky Ponting - Australian Story

The cricket captaincy occupies a unique place in the national consciousness.

When Ricky Ponting, the first Tasmanian to lead the team, retired from international cricket last December, grown men cried, parliamentary business was interrupted and a gaping hole was left in the once all conquering Australian cricket team.

The episode reveals how a prankster from a tough housing commission background in Launceston made the transition to one of the most decorated cricketers of all time and the nation's best batsman after the mighty Sir Donald Bradman.

Wife Rianna is credited with being a major influence in the transformation. In Monday's program she provides her first ever extended interview with some surprising, highly personal and candid insights.

Former teammates including Shane Warne, Michael Clarke, Justin Langer and Adam Gilchrist recount their memories of playing on and off the field with the man they call 'Punter'.