Melbourne, Dec 27 (IANS): Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting Tuesday said older players like Sachin Tendulkar inspired him to score a flamboyant 62 in the first innings against India in the Boxing Day Test.

Ponting, who turned 37 last week, said that like any other cricketer he took inspiration from players even older than him, such as the 38-year-old Sachin Tendulkar, who scored 73 here Tuesday.

"I think they (Tendulkar and Dravid) should inspire everyone," said Ponting.

Ponting came into the match on the back of poor form but proved his critics wrong with a valuable half-century. The former Test skipper believes that age should be a criteria for calling stumps on a career.

"I have always been a big believer that age in this game doesn't mean much. I still have the hunger and desire and I am working as hard as I ever have," he said.

Ponting said he was "disappointed" not to convert another half-century into a hundred.

"It was disappointing not to go on yesterday (Monday) to get a big score. That's three of the last five innings I passed 50 that that is the game: it happens," Ponting said on ABC radio Tuesday.

"My balance was a whole lot better yesterday. The roar I received when I went in yesterday was amazing. It is nice to know there is great public support out there," he said.