Ponting knows when he declares

Melbourne, Dec. 28 (ANI): Cricket Australia's newly launched campaign 'Know When to Declare' - aimed at responsible drinking - matched Aussie captain Ricky Ponting's state of mind on Sunday who finally declared the innings at 5 for 454.

The score was the smallest total he had ever declared on in the first innings of a Test and the lowest for any Australian team in nearly 30 years, excluding rain-affected matches.

A flat, unhelpful pitch affected Ponting's decision to declare the innings earlier than most onlookers expected, but it has also started to dawn on the captain that he can no longer rely on his bowlers to skittle a side in a matter of hours, as he could during the Shane Warne and Glenn McGrath years, The News reports.

Although Australia's young attack has got the potential, but it would need time to bowl teams out.

"I thought it was a very positive declaration. I think it was very wise that he declared. He needed more time. Those days have gone of getting other people to follow-on. You need to give some rest to your bowlers also. I think it was a very positive, very exciting declaration," Pakistan coach Intikhab Alam said.

Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd was at the MCG to help launch the Know When to Declare campaign, and during a stint in the commentary box he told Warne that it was his national duty to make a comeback. (ANI)