Melbourne, Dec 27: Matthew Hayden and Ricky Ponting slammed sparkling centuries to give Australia a firm grip of the third Test after India surrendered the initiative with a late order batting collapse on the second day here today. After the visitors lost their last six wickets for a mere 16 runs, Hayden and Ponting unleashed a blistering assault to take the game away from the Indians who failed to stem the run flow on a good batting strip.
The 234-run second wicket partnership between Hayden (136) and Ponting (120 batting) not only fashioned a powerful comeback but provided the foundation for a huge first innings total as Australia rattled up 317 for three at the end of the second day`s play.
Damien Martyn was giving Ponting company with seven runs on what turned out to be a frustrating day for the visitors.
India, resuming at their overnight score of 329 for four, folded up for 366 as their late order batsmen collapsed quite dramatically in the morning session to undo the good work of the opening day.
The in-form Hayden looked in no discomfort at all as he notched up his 17th Test century while captain-in-waiting Ponting struck his 20th century as the determined Australians sought to erase memories of the Adelaide debacle.
The partnership between Hayden and Ponting looked impregnable until Hayden was ruled leg before while trying to sweep leg-spinner Anil Kumble.
The duo`s 234-run stand for the second wicket was Australia`s second highest ever against India, falling only two short of the 236 between Syd Barnes and Donald Bradman at Adelaide dating back to 1947 during India`s first tour Down Under. Bureau Report