Cricket: Ponting hammers India to put Australia on top

Ricky Ponting produced a superb unbeaten knock of 176 to lead Australia to a mammoth total on day one of their test against India yesterday.

Ponting faced 246 balls and hit 24 fours in six hours at the crease as Australia, who won the toss, reached 400-5 by stumps at the Adelaide Oval.

Adam Gilchrist is at the other end on nine not out while Simon Katich, 75, and Justin Langer, 58, were the other top scorers.

Left arm quick Ashish Nehra was the best of the Indian bowlers with figures of 2-80 off 20 overs.

- HERALD STAFF