Captain Michael Clarke and his predecessor Ricky Ponting both scored centuries as the pair guided Australia to a commanding position after day one of the Fourth Vodophone Test against India being played in Adelaide.
Clarke (140 not out) and Ponting (137 not out) have taken advantage of the batter’s pitch at Adelaide Oval to guide Australia to 3 for 335 at stumps on day one of the fourth and final test on Wednesday.
Like they did in the Sydney Test both Clarke and Ponting came together with the hosts at 3 for 84 and needing a solid partnership and have thus far provided it with an unbeaten 251-run fourth wicket stand.
Clarke who won the toss and elected to bat witnessed first hand his top order all failing once again as openers David Warner (8), Ed Cowan (30) and Shaun Marsh (3) all fell in the first session of play.
Warner who scored that amazing century in the previous match couldn’t match his efforts and was the first to go as he was trapped in front by quick Zaheer Khan with the score on 1 for 26.
Five runs later and the out of form Marsh continued his wretched run as he became Ravichandran Ashwin’s first victim as he was bowled as India claimed two wickets for five runs in the space of three overs.
Ponting joined Cowan out in the middle of the ground and the pair put on 53 for the third wicket before the Tasmanian became the spinner’s second victim as he was caught in the outfield by VVS Laxman.
That dismissal just before lunch saw Clarke join Ponting at the crease and the pair were able to steady the innings and pile on the runs as they frustrated the Indian bowlers who come into the clash with little confidence.
The Australian captain who has lead all scorers during the series notched up his 19th test century and second of this series, only moments after Ponting, 37 brought up his 41st test century as the pair will look to build upon their unbeaten 251 run fourth wicket partnership when play resumes on Thursday.
Australia 3 for 335
Michael Clarke 140 not out
Ricky Ponting 137 not out
Ravichandran Ashwin 2 for 81 (26 overs)
Tagged with: Adelaide Australia, Adelaide Oval, Ashwin, Australian Captain, Captain Michael, David Warner, Final Test, First Victim, Guide Australia, Indian Bowlers, Laxman, Michael Clarke, Ponting Clarke, Ravichandran, Ricky Ponting, St Test, Test Century, Wicket Partnership, Wickets, Zaheer Khan