Matthew Hayden's third century of the series was the centerpiece of a strong batting display from Australia on the third day of the final Test against India.
Australia's batsmen enjoy their turn on flat pitch in Adelaide
Matthew Hayden's third century of the series was the centerpiece of a strong batting display from Australia on the third day of the final Test against India.
Hayden contributed 103 as Australia reached 322-3 by the close, still 204 runs behind, with two days remaining at the Adelaide Oval.
Australia lead the series 2-1 and require just a draw to claim the series.
Hayden shared a 159-run opening partnership with Phil Jaques to set the platform for a substantial reply to India's first-innings score of 526.
The first-wicket pair both completed half-centuries as they batted throughout the morning to reach lunch on 158-0, having started the day at 62-0.
India's cause was hampered by the absence of pace spearhead RP Singh due to a hamstring injury he picked up on Friday.
Kumble strikes
Jaques became the first wicket to fall shortly after lunch when he missed with an attempt to slog-sweep Anil Kumble (1-78) and was bowled for 60.
But there was no stopping Hayden, who went on to reach his 30th Test century to move up to sixth on the all-time list above Don Bradman.
The Queensland left-hander could add only a further three runs before mis-judging an Ishant Sharma (1-47) inswinger.
Michael Hussey joined Ponting in a 55-run, third-wicket stand either side of tea. Hussey had reached 22 when he was bowled by Irfan Pathan (1-70) to reduce Australia to 241-3.
But Ponting (79no) stood firm in the company of Michael Clarke (37no) during the final session to share an unbroken stand of 81 as Australia closed at 322-3.
