Ponting made England pay after his reprieve on 35

Ponting's 142, which helped his team to 312-5 on day three of the second Test against England, was his 33rd Test ton.

But the skipper, who was dropped on 35, said: "I never have been one for stats. I get told how many runs I've scored but I don't pay any attention.

"Other players will carry around stats in their bags and check out how they're going, but that's never concerned me."

Ponting had a lifeline when Ashley Giles missed a chance off Matthew Hoggard (4-76) at deep square-leg.

I wasn't at my best on this wicket but it's getting slower and harder to bat on as the game goes on Ricky Ponting

The Tasmanian was finally dismissed by the Yorkshireman late in the day and was unhappy with himself.

He added: "When that catch went down I was keen to push on and I was disappointed to get out.

"It was a crucial time with the second new ball just being taken and I was in the middle of a big partnership with Michael Hussey.

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"It wasn't a great innings - I didn't feel that good and was just occupying the crease, it was a grafting knock."

"I wasn't at my strokeplaying best on this wicket but it's getting slower and harder to bat on as the game goes on."

With that in mind, the Aussie skipper believes his side still have a chance of winning even though they remain 40 short of the follow-on target.

Only 11 wickets have fallen in the first three days but Ponting says hard work and some help from the Adelaide Oval surface could force a result.

If you get your nose in front anything can happen Ricky Ponting

"The wicket's not playing too many tricks yet but I'm sure it will on Monday and when the fifth day comes around," he added.

"Hopefully we can get somewhere near the English total. If you get your nose in front anything can happen.