Is Ponting one of the greats?

I just saw an interesting article about Ricky Ponting, discussing whether he should be consdered one of the greats. I don't reckon so, not quite. I mean, he's obviously very, very good but he's ever so slightly lacking in two respects. Firstly, I don't think he's that great to watch. He appears like a functional batsman. OK, that's probably a bit harsh. His swivel pull is pretty impressive, as are his driving and pulling, but there's a lack of finesse about his batting, I think. He certainly isn't David Gower. The second reason is that he hasn't played any really great innings. You only have to look at cricinfo's list of his seven greatest. Nothing too amazing there I don't think. Even the one at Old Trafford this year ended with him getting out just before the end. Personally, I've always suspected that he's a bit of a flat track bully. Of course, he's never had to play against his own attack either (one reason why I think that Viv Richards is overrated).
Thinking about it, I would put him fourth in the list of batsmen currently playing, after Lara, Dravid and Tendulkar, in that order (bit controversial putting Dravid before Tendulkar, I know, but Dravid just pips it, I think, owing to his overall record and the significance of some of his innings).
Well, that was interesting wasn't it? No? Oh well, the same couldn't be said of the Test going on in Sydney (that it's uninteresting, that is - Jesus, English please). My brother will be there watching, so I hope he's enjoying himself. I'm sure he is. I wish I was there with him. I was for the test there last year against Pakistan, but it wasn't very good, frankly (very disappointing to watch Shoaib bowl at 80mph). Hopefully, next year's, at the end of the Ashes, will be a stormer (or, even better perhaps, meaningless 'cause England are 4-0 up - dream on).