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Cricket

Ponting ton puts Aussies on top

09/10/2008

A century from captain Ricky Ponting ensured Australia edged an intriguing first day of the first Test against India in Bangalore.

The Baggy Green skipper hit a superb 123 before falling lbw to spinner Harbhajan Singh inside the final hour of the day, leaving Australia on 254-4 at the close.

Ponting's innings came at a steady rate as the tourists looked to build a solid score in their first innings, although they will be disappointed to have lost four wickets after the late dismissals of Ponting and Michael Clarke (11).

Things started well for the hosts when Matthew Hayden was caught behind off the bowling of Zaheer Khan with just the third ball of the match.

But fellow opener Simon Katich (66) was ably supported by his skipper as the pair rebuilt the innings with aplomb.

When Katich went to Ishant Sharma, again caught behind my Mahendra Singh Dhoni, the world's top side could have wobbled.

But between Ponting and new man Mike Hussey, who ended the day unbeaten on 46, Australia looked to assert their dominance.

Clarke's dismissal heralded the end of the day's play when he was trapped in front by Zaheer, leaving both sides with some positives to focus on heading into the second day of a well-poised match so far.