Cricket

India vs Australia, 1st Test: Australia placed strongly

Australia were placed in a somewhat strong position at the end of the first day of the first test against India at the Chinnaswamy Stadium.

Zaheer dismissed Hayden in the first over of the day and with Ishant Sharma kept the scoring on a tight leash. But Katich and Ponting built a strong foundation with a stand of 166 for the second wicket. Katich deserved a century for his efforts but he edged one to Dhoni off Ishant.

Ponting however completed his ton and put to rest the ghosts of 2001. He was patient and waited for the loose ball and it paid rich dividends as he scored 123 runs. He was ultimately out to Bhajji who took his wicket for the ninth time in tests.

Before he was out he put on 60 with Michael Hussey who was not out on 43, while Clarke was trapped lbw in the last over of the day by Zaheer Khan. Australia could still build a huge total if the Indian spinners continue to fail.

Tags: Australia, Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2008, clarke, harbhajan singh, India, ishant sharma, matthew hayden, michael hussey, ponting, ricky ponting, Zaheer Khan