Former Australia cricketer Ricky Ponting is respected for his opinions. He recently snubbed Sachin Tendulkar when the former was asked to pick the most naturally talented batter he has ever seen.

“Jacques Kallis was the most talented player I have ever seen because of his all-round game. I am talking about a talented cricketer and not just a talented batter,” he told Sky Sports.

Kallis is regarded as one of the greatest all-rounders in the history of cricket.

“Jacques Kallis scored 44-45 Test hundreds and took 300 wicktets, maybe more. He boosted a unbelievable catching record as well in Test cricket. Kallis is also the most underrated player ever,” he added.

“I know he is rated but no many people talk about his records and doesn’t include him on the list of the all-time greats.”

Kallis scored more than 25,000 international runs and took 500 international wickets across all formats. He retired as the third-highest Test run-scorer of all time and eighth in one-day internationals.

Ponting named Brian Lara as the most naturally talented batter.

“The most naturally talented was Brian Lara.”