Ponting, Clarke hit centuries

A century from captain Ricky Ponting steered Australia out of early trouble against Pakistan and guided them to 302-3 on day one of the final Test.

Pakistan started well in the final Test of the three-match series, pegging Australia back to 80-3 at lunch.

But having been dropped when still on nought, Ponting ended the day on 137 to hit only his second Test century on his home ground at Bellerive Oval.

Australia have an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.

Things looked promising for the tourists in the opening session when, having lost the toss, they claimed the wickets of Simon Katich, Shane Watson and Mike Hussey.

Katich was the first to walk, departing in the seventh over for 11 after being adjudged lbw on referral off Mohammad Asif.

His dismissal marked the arrival of Ponting at the crease, and the Australian skipper should have been out without scoring when he was also tempted into a hook shot by Asif and skied the ball straight to young paceman Mohammad Aamer at fine leg.

Aamer did not have to move, but crucially elected to take the ball at waist level rather than at head height and, as a result, lost sight of the ball and spilled the catch. The visitors made some amends with the dismissal of Watson for 29 when he cut Umar Gul straight to Imran Farhat at gully, and Australia were under even more pressure when Aamer had Hussey caught behind by Test debutant Sarfraz Ahmed for six.

But Ponting then dispelled all criticism about his form as he took centre stage with Michael Clarke.

His 39th Test century arrived in 159 balls with 13 fours with Clarke ably partnering him, firing his 13th Test century in 188 balls to end the day unbeaten on 111. BBC