Aussies thrive on neutral venue

His twin brother Mark, also playing for his future, made 55, becoming only the third Australian to go past 8,000 runs before he also fell to Mushtaq.

Australia began with a wobble as opener Matthew Hayden was caught by Imran Nazir for four off fast bowler Waqar Younis in the first over of the day after Langer had been dropped in the gully off the very first ball.

But Ponting and Langer quickly settled into a rapid rhythm, scoring at five an over against Pakistan’s pace bowlers.

Left-hander Langer hit 10 boundaries in his 76 before he was caught behind off all rounder Abdur Razzaq.

For Ponting, it was his 11th Test century, completed with a boundary clipped through mid-wicket off Razzaq. His runs came off just 163 deliveries, including 92 in fours. In all, Australia hit 190 runs in boundaries, Steve Waugh contributing the one six of the day.

Pakistan’s struggling bowlers conceded 138 runs for just one wicket before lunch. But by the close they had begun to find their line and length, with Mushtaq and captain Waqar Younis taking two wickets apiece. Only 77.2 overs were possible before bad light ended play.

Damien Martyn and Adam Gilchrist were at the crease at the close, on six and one respectively.

Pakistan went into the game weakened by the absence of several players, including Inzamam-ul Haq, Wasim Akram and Yousuf Youhana.

The teams are playing at Colombo’s P Saravanamuttu stadium after Australia refused to play in Pakistan for security reasons. The second and third Tests will be played in Sharjah. (Reuters)