Ponting asks for an encore from bowlers

Ponting said his side would bank on Michael Hussey to extend their lead in the first session on Day Four. “We’re 230 ahead which I think is a reasonable total for India to have to chase. Ideally,we’d like to make a few more runs than that and we need Hussey to go on and get a big score,” said Ponting.

Ponting also said even into the fourth day of the Test,there would be assistance for the bowlers when they hit the right spots and that if they are able to replicate their form from Wednesday,they would test India. “There’s just enough assistance for the bowlers if you bowl in the right areas for long enough. There’s some thickish grass on the wicket and there’s more pace and bounce from the press box end. We bowled exceptionally well this morning. Tomorrow,if we can start that way again with a newer ball,I’m sure we’ll create some chances again,” Ponting said.

The middle-order bat said though it was the fast bowlers who had taken a lot of wickets in the Test,Nathan Lyon would come into the picture as the game progresses.

“There’s not a lot of assistance for spinners yet on the pitch. With a bit more wear in that pitch,hopefully Nathan can contribute for us in the second innings,” said Ponting.