http://www.senore.com/Cricket/RT-Ponting-c2377, with the latter being dismissed after making a fluent half-century on the opening day of the 1st
Test match, played at the MCG, December 26,2011.
With the hosts in a despairing position at 46 for 2, courtesy of double strike from Yadav who dismissed http://www.senore.com/Cricket/SE-Marsh-c2470 in the space of seven balls, Cowan and Ponting steadied the ship with a commanding display, adding 113 runs for the third
wicket.
With tails up, Yadav produced a quick bouncer which rattled straight into the grill of Punter, but his presence of mind ensured that he kicked the ball away from his stumps. After that, the veteran grew in confidence and despite play being halted due to
a slight drizzle, the post-lunch interval was where he blossomed.
Ponting grabbed four in back to back overs off http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Z-Khan-c98379 to get into the 30s. His fluent nature was well assisted by the debutant, who showed plenty of patience and determination to collect runs
when offered.
After playing on the front foot for most of the early exchanges, the left-hander showed his class with a majestic pull off Yadav, before playing a rather uncharacteristic upper cut, which just eluded the gully fielder.
The momentum had shifted in favour of the local team and despite overcast conditions; the crowd flocked in to watch the Boxing Day clash. 100-run mark was achieved as the Indians ran out of idea.
With boundaries coming every now and then, Ponting reached his half-century before the debutant raised his bat to the plaudits of the MCG faithful. Century stand was eclipsed as the hosts asserted their dominance on the proceedings.
With the sun finally coming out, Dhoni again presented the ball to his strike bowler, who then struck for the third time, removing Ponting, who failed to deal with a rising ball edged to slip where http://www.senore.com/Cricket/VVS-Laxman-c2772 obliged with a fine catch.
Earlier, skipper http://www.senore.com/Cricket/MJ-Clarke-c1978 won the toss and surprisingly elected to bat first on a seamer friendly conditions but the current standing would please the captain after the early hiccups.
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