Australian cricket captain Ricky Ponting has severed ties with manager Sam Halvorsen, who had effectively acted for Ponting since he was cracking pull shots in nappies in Launceston.
"Who told you that? Yes, we have split," Halvorsen said last night. Asked if the parting was amicable, he replied: "I'm not commenting on that. Have a nice day." And then he hung up.
It's understood that Ponting, who is in India wearing a golden helmet and pads while playing for the Kolkata Knight Riders, will join Melbourne company Dynamic Sports and Entertainment Group.
DSEG is run by James Henderson, who has an extensive background in two sports close to "Punter's" heart - racing and AFL. The Australian skipper is North Melbourne's No.1 ticket holder … and a massive loss for Halvorsen given the number of endorsement dollars the game's highest-paid player attracts.
- ANDREW WEBSTER