Driving home a winner has never meant so much - or been as nerve-wracking - for Australian cricket captain Ricky Ponting than leaving hospital with new daughter Emmy Charlotte in his care.
Nestled in her mother Rianna's arms at the couple's Sutherland Shire home yesterday, it was a proud Ponting who recounted his high-pressured run on Friday.
"The boys had warned me the first time you bring your baby home is the most cautious, nerve-wracking drive of your life," Ponting said.
"It took us at least 10 minutes to get her in the car to start with," added Mrs Ponting.
"It was embarrassing. But I don't think we went over 40km the whole way home," the new dad said.
Still, as collected as he is on the sporting stage, it's clear Ponting's guard has been let down a little - in the shape of his 2.4kg bundle.
"It's been easy so far for me, but it's going to get hard if and when I have to leave," he said.
An injured wrist will put paid to plans for him to play three scheduled matches in Darwin, but a looming tour of India and possibly Pakistan will test the young family for the first time.
Delivered four weeks early, Emmy's birth has proved masterful timing - with Ponting at home resting after surgery. "We just feel so blessed to have a whole month together before he has to go away again," a glowing Rianna said.
Ponting's cricketing family have added their good wishes with Glenn McGrath visiting yesterday.
- HOLLY BYRNES