Ponting, Clarke pummel Pakistan into submission in Hobart Test

Hobart (Tasmania, Australia), Jan.14 (ANI): Australia ended day one of the third and final Test against Pakistan at the Bellrive Oval here on a strong 302 for the loss of three wickets, with skipper Ricky Ponting and his deputy Michael Clarke clocking centuries.

Ponting made an unbeaten 137 with 17 boundaries, while Clarke made an unbeaten 111 with 11 boundaries. The two have so far been involved in a partnership of 231 runs. For Pakistan, Mohammad Aamer and Mohammad Asif took a wicket apiece for 50 and 68 runs respectively.

Pakistan, at one time, was sitting pretty, having reduced Australia to 71 for the loss of three wickets, but thereafter, it was heartbreak for the visitors, as Ponting was dropped on zero and made them pay for it.

Both Ponting and Clarke took the wind out of Pakistani sails.

Without a century in 10 Tests, Ponting posted his 39th ton to end one of his leanest of home summers on a high.

Clarke, also without a century this summer, played an assured hand despite being worked over early on by Asif. (ANI)