Ricky Ponting Cricket Padding Up with Official Content

Ricky Ponting International Cricket 2007, which is due to launch on the Xbox 360 next March, is coming along just nicely say Atari, with Aussie captain Ricky Ponting help out with some game development and several authentic cricket equipment suppliers being included in the title.

Ricky Ponting has taken time out from his Ashes and World cup training to assist in the development of the game saying “I’m enjoying being the official ambassador of the game and the game is looking incredible. There has been a lot of care taken to ensure that the character likenesses, teams and stadium are realistic and true to the game. The recreation of the ICC Champions Trophy and ICC Cricket World Cup and official licensed merchandise also adds to the authenticity of the video game.”

The game recreates the ICC Champions Trophy 2006 and the ICC Cricket World Cup 2007 as officially licensed events complete with player names and likenesses. In addition, the game will also feature an array of officially licensed cricket equipment as the new screenshots released today reveal.

The game will further increase its level of authenticity with a multitude of officially licensed bats, balls, pads, arm-guards, gloves, helmets, wicket-keeper pads and gloves from renowned cricket equipment specialists such as Kookaburra, MRF, Dukes, Gray Nicholls, GM (Gunn & Moore), Morrant, Newbery, Slazenger and Albion.

Expanding the series’ acclaimed gameplay and content, Ricky Ponting International Cricket 2007 will capture all the thrills and intensity of world-class international cricket. The game leads with a dedicated ICC Cricket World Cup 2007 mode featuring all the teams, players, stadia, kits and equipment of the tournament. Set to include over 400 real player names and likenesses, the game plays host to all of the stars of international cricket, such as Brett Lee (Australia), Steve Harmison (England), Sachin Tendulkar (India), Brian Lara (West Indies) and Shahid Afridi (Pakistan).

The ICC Champions Trophy 2006 tournament, currently in play in India, will also be faithfully recreated in the game. The month-long event is a celebration of one-day cricket with the world’s best teams and players. It is the only time the 10 Test-playing countries compete together outside of the ICC Cricket World Cup.

Mr. Malcolm Speed, Chief Executive Officer of the International Cricket Council, says: “It is a pleasure to continue our successful relationship with Codemasters for the introduction of Ricky Ponting International Cricket 2007. The series has always captured the excitement and intensity of one day international cricket. To see the detail invested in the 2007 edition is very exciting, especially as the game will feature ICC official licensed events and launch for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2007. By working closely together we aim to deliver the best game of one day cricket anyone could hope for.”

With in-game commentary from established cricket experts Bill Lawry, Tony Greig, Jonathan Agnew, David Gower and Ian Bishop, real player stats from Wisden and featuring the Hawkeye analysis system, Ricky Ponting International Cricket 2007 will deliver the most authentic cricket gaming experience.