Ponting back in form!
Ricky Ponting's excellence at Sabina Park yesterday has given his Australian side immediate control of the first Test of this Digicel series.
The Australian leader imposed himself on a depleted West Indies attack to craft 158 (17x4, 1x6) in eight minutes short of six hours.
Dominating in century partnerships with Michael Hussey (56, six fours) and Brad Hodge (53 not out, 6x4, 1x6), Ponting led Australia to 301 for four at the end of the day.
Ponting's 35th hundred in 118 Tests gave Australia the upper hand and lifted him ahead of Sunil Gavaskar and Brian Lara into second place on the all-time list of Test centuries. India's Sachin Tendulkar leads with 39 in elite five-day cricket.
Ponting may have found his side in trouble after Fidel Edwards had struck early to remove openers Phil Jaques and Simon Katich, however he showed all his battling qualities to ensure it was a ultimately a poor day for the hosts.
And when he was finally dismissed for 158 before the close of play, the Baggy Greens were in complete control.
The scores:
Australia — 1st Innings: P.Jaques lbw b Edwards 9, S.Katich c Sammy b Edwards 12, R.Ponting c Parchment b Bravo 158, M.Hussey c Bravo b Jaggernauth 56, B.Hodge (not out) 53, M.Johnson not out 1; Extras (2nb 2b 8lb):12. Total ( for four wkts in 87 overs) 301.
Fall of wickets: 1-18, 2-37, 3-174, 4-293.
West Indies bowling: Powell 20-2-69-0, Edwards 14-0-56-2 Sammy 17-2-45-0, Bravo 16-4-47-1, Jaggernauth 20-0-74-1.
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