 Ponting celebrated his second century as skipper of Australia |
Ricky Ponting was delighted with his superb century for Australia in the final Test against New Zealand.
Ponting hit 105 off 110 balls as the Aussies ended day two in Auckland on 219-4, just 73 runs behind New Zealand's first-innings total of 292.
"I felt good out there, but it wasn't a pre-planned thing, just go out there, see it and hit it, really," he said.
"It was a pleasing knock, but to get out the way I did disappointing when we were in such a strong position."
The skipper showed no mercy against New Zealand's bowlers, smashing 13 boundaries and four sixes in a brilliant display that ended when he was caught down the leg-side by wicket-keeper Brendon McCullum off part-timer Nathan Astle.
New Zealand's off-spinner Paul Wiseman, who captured a fourth wicket for New Zealand when he bowled Damien Martyn for 38 in the final session, was pleased with the way his side fought back late on.
"I thought we did a pretty good job of pulling it back after a pretty average first session with the ball," said Wiseman.
"Ricky was in awesome form. It was a fantastic knock from him, but I thought we pulled it back pretty well in the second session."
It was Ponting's second Test century as captain of Australia, in his 12th match in charge.
MMIX
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