Ricky Ponting returned to form in devastating fashion as Australia downed India in the 10th match of the Commonwealth Bank Series
Ponting’s 124 from 133 balls was the platform for Australia’s massive total of 7/317.
The Australian batting lineup has looked in poor form in the past few games, but Ponting’s century, as well as 50’s to opener Matthew Hayden and middle order bastman Andrew Symonds, proved they were back to their best.
Australia started off the day in blistering form, reaching 1/92 from just 10 overs after Ricky Ponting won the toss and elected to bat on a flat SCG pitch.
Matthew Hayden looked in fine touch before a mix up with Ricky Ponting caused him to be run out for 54.
Michael Clarke made a handy 31, and when he departed Andrew Symonds came to the crease looking to belt his way back into form. Symonds scored 59 off just 49 balls, including two sixes, before he was bowled by Ishant Sharma while searching for another big hit.
The damage had already been done however, and India were facing a mammoth chase under lights.
Things started badly for the visitors as Sachin Tendulkar was trapped lbw off Brett Lee for two in the first over. When Virender Sehwag was caught behind off Stuart Clark for 17 and then Rohit Sharma fell for one in the next over, India were reeling at 3/46.
Yuvraj Singh fell to the same fate as Sehwag in Stuart Clark’s next over, and India were facing the prospect of a big defeat.
However, Indian captain MS Dhoni joined with opener Gautam Gambhir for a partnership of 98, before Dhoni was caught behind off Brett Lee’s bowling.
Robin Uthappa then provided great support for Gambhir, who was eventually stumped for 113. Uthappa then teamed up with the tail to get India within 18 runs of victory, but in the end the target proved to be too much.
India were bowled out for 299, with Brett Lee picking up 5/58.Ricky Ponting was named man of the match for his mesmerizing 124.
India will play Sri Lanka in Hobart on Tuesday in the next match of the Commonwealth Bank Series. Sri Lanka must win to keep their chances of playing in the finals alive. Chris Hartley, The Cheers News
more Clark fears Oz has given away home ground advantage to India Australian bowler Stuart Clark fears that his team has forfeited a degree of home-ground advantage by allowing India to begin its Test tour in Melbourne and has urged administrators to schedule future series-openers in Brisbane or Perth.
Chris Hartley, 
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