Ponting and Clarke put Australia in winning position
Australia piled on the runs and pressure on the second day at the Sydney Cricket Ground, with Ricky Ponting registering a hundred and Michael Clarke an unbeaten maiden double to leave the hosts leading by 291 at stumps.
All the media hype has surrounded Sachin Tendulkar, but never has Ponting faced so much skepticism about his ability or so many calls for his removal from the side by people ‘in the know’. Yet Punter showed no discouragement, cruising along until Ishant Sharma had him out for 134, moving his series average up to 85, and proving the doubters wrong.
The day had begun in a rather sombre mood, polite applause for Clarke and Ponting’s half-centuries drowned out by the stadium announcer. India looked suitably dejected – shoulders slouched, an unwillingness to chase in the field feeding Australia’s dominance with the bat. Stroke by stroke the current and former captain dismantled the visitors.
Ponting showcased the grit and determination needed to make his ton in one frenetic final single. Having hovered one shot away from breaking his near two-year century drought for three overs, he tapped one to the on-side, scampered down the pitch, threw himself into the dirt and slid to safety, praying that the throw was wide. It was, and he had completed the necessities; subsequent shots flew gracefully from the bat – the relieved man going just after tea. From that point on it was all about the new guy in charge, Clarke (251 not out) controlling play, merciless in his hunt for runs.
The hosts looked sharp, yet their endeavour raises questions about India’s lack – Virender Sehwag’s fourth ball of his second spell summing up their current state. Jogging in, he mistimed the release of delivery, flung the ball straight up, missed umpire Erasmus by inches – only for laughter to erupt all-round. India simply aren’t hurting, showing no embarrassment for their performance and certainly no desire to improve the situation.
A cameo innings by Mike Hussey – 55 not out – didn’t help matters, Mr Cricket surely cementing his place in the side for the series. On a pitch that may hold out one more day before deteriorating, India could really do with Tendulkar finally getting that 100th hundred if they are to have any chance of not losing this match and the series.
