I have to add one thing.  3 contemprory best Ricky ponting, Lara and Sachin all have played many test matches and scroed many runs, hundred's and fiftees. The record of Lara , sachin and Ricky are mainly because the longetivity of them. They have played well over 100 test matches. so there is nothing to separate betweeen them. General concensus is whoever play more test matches will end up having more runs and century.

However,  along with the longetivity record lara also have instantaneous records like 27 and 28 runs in an over, or 375, 400 runs in an innnings. Ricky or Sachin doesnot boast such records. So I believe, Lara always had that extra bit of magic. But I believe in time Ponting will surpass all the records of sachin and lara (baring 27, 28 runs in an over and 375 and 400).