Ponting's ton Props Aussies

Australian skipper Ricky Ponting led from the front and scored a brisk century which enabled the Aussies to finish the day at 254/4 in the first test match played at Bangalore. Ricky Ponting won the toss and elected to bat first on a batting paradise. The much awaited clash began on a disastrous note for the Aussies with opener Matthew Hayden being dismissed for naught in the very first over of the day. However Opener Simon Katich and skipper Ponting joined forces to take Austraia to 166 without any furthur loss. Katich scored a gritty half century and finished with 66. Soon after Katich's dismissal Ponting completed his ton, his first one in India.

Ponting eventually fell to Harbhajan Singh after making a sparkling 123 off 243 balls. Michael Clarke was dismissed in the last over of the day by Zaheer Khan. At the close of play Michael Hussy was unbeaten on 46. For the Indians Zaheer Khan picked 2 wickets, while Ishant Sharma and H.Singh scalped 1 each.

Earlier Australians picked all-rounder Cameron While in the playing XI ahead of spinner Jason Krejza. The inclusion of hard hitting C.White has lent depth to the Aussie batting line up which already has all- rounder Shane Watson in its ranks. India went along with two pacers and two spinners.