Ponting leads from the front

Ponting received solid support from fast bowlers Brett Lee 29 and Jason Gillespie seven not out after wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist, who scored a century in the first innings, and Shane Warne had fallen early to give Bangladesh a scent of victory.

Ponting held his nerve, however, batting for more than six hours, facing 253 balls and hitting 13 fours in his 31st Test century to save his side from an embarrassing defeat.

He was dropped on 97 at fine leg by Mashrafe Mortaza after top-edging a pull shot with 24 runs still needed.

8220;This match is another example that the team is capable of coming out of any trouble. It was a very, very good test match,8221; Ponting said.

Mohammad Rafique was Bangladesh8217;s most successful bowler with figures of four for 98 including the wickets of Gilchrist and Warne.

Brief scores

Bangladesh: 427 038; 148 lost to Australia: 269 038; 310/7 Hayden 72, Hussey 37, Ponting n.o. 118, Lee 29; Rafique 4/98.