Waugh wah at Kensington Oval

Waugh, in his first Test series as captain, showed his own mettle with a defiant innings, his second century in the four-Test series.

He came to the crease at 36-3 in the morning session with the fall of his twin brother Mark for a duck. Together with Justin Langer, he gradually put the tourist back on an even keel as Australia reached 78-3 by lunch. Both Waugh and Langer moved on to half-centuries in the afternoon as the runs flowed after what had been a torrid opening session.

The partnership finally ended when Carl Hooper bowled Langer, beaten by the flight while attempting a cut shot. Langer, whohad made 51 (84b, 5×4), was clearly furious with his own recklessness as he left the field.

Hooper had returned to the side after missing the first two Tests. He had been nursing his sick child in Australia.

Ponting provided equally solid support for Waugh, who reached his century after tea. It was typical of Waugh, who seems to thrive as a batsman when his team is in trouble.

Waugh only gave one half-chance in an innings that included 15 fours. Hooper just failed to take a catch at second slip during the afternoon session when he lunged for Waugh’s edged shot off Pedro Collins but failed to hang onto the chance. It was debatable, though, whether the ball had carried.

Jimmy Adams later missed the stumps with a throw when Ponting, attempting a risky single, was well out of his ground. Adams soon had to leave the field after being struck on the wrist when fielding close to the bat as Waugh hit out at Hooper.

Ponting emulated Langer when he reached his half-century 25 minutes before the close and,after sharing with Waugh an undefeated stand of 178, a second century partnership of the innings. Waugh and Langer had put on 108.

Scoreboard

Australia (1st innings): Michael Slater c Lara b Ambrose 23, Mathew Elliot c Jacobs b Walsh 9, Justin Langer b Hooper 51, Mark Waugh b Ambrose 0, Steve Waugh batting 141, Ricky Ponting batting 65; Extras: (lb6, nb27) 33. Total: (for four wickets in 90 overs) 322

Fall of wickets: 1-31, 2-36, 3-36, 4-144

Bowling: Ambrose 21.3-4-67-2, Walsh 22-5-86-1, Perry 16-3-60-0, Collins 23.3-4-79-0, Hooper 7-3-24-1.