10 October,2010 08:16 AM IST | | Peter Roebuck
Ricky Ponting entered to jeers and departed to cheers on Day One of the second Test against India at the Chinnaswamy Stadium here on Saturday.
Between times he played exactly the composed and business-like innings his team needed. Partners came and went periodically but the Tasmanian resembled a rock. On most of his journey to the crease, he endured a barrage of hoots and deserved a good deal better. Batsmen of his calibre are few and far between.
Naturally, spectators were delighted by the fall of the first wicket, but there can be scant excuse for the treatment dished out to the visiting captain. Not that Ponting was bothered by his reception. He entered with a glint that never left his eye. He had never scored heavily in India, had never led his Test team to victory and his side was 1-0 down in the series. With one innings he could slay many demons. And so he put his head down and kept it down.
Pickpockets
Ponting arrived shortly after lunch and immediately found himself enclosed by pickpockets and facing the turning ball. At least, he could not lose his wicket trying to pull before he had settled. His team had endured too many collapses and needed a solid contribution from him. Moreover, he knew that many challenges lay ahead. In Mohali, his middle order had been undone by a burst of reverse swing bowling late on the first day. Australia could not afford another lapse.
He set about the task of collecting runs with his customary skill. He has always been able to accumulate ordinarily. He eschews lofted strokes till he is in complete control. Others take risks, he prefers to keep leather on carpet. His aggressive reputation stems from his refusal to stop himself hooking and pulling early in his innings.
Ponting was the picture of determination. Not for the first time the Australians relied on him to play the long innings the position demanded. As ever, he set about the task with every power at his disposal. Not even Harbhajan could upset his concentration. He does not bowl many doosras these days, but that has not harmed his bowling. If anything, it allows him to keep a tighter line.
Ponting held firm, building his innings, laying strong foundations and widening his range of shots once the pitch and bowling had been examined. It was old fashioned batting. Everything changes in cricket, everything stays the same. India bowled well but the pitch lacked pace. Although the cloud cover was heavy, it had been a good toss to win. Losing three established players was also a blow. Still, the young replacements brought freshness to the fielding, taking sharp catches around the bat and dashing about impressively. Australia had to work hard for runs.
Ponting reached 50 and began to loft the ball. Soon, he was punishing anything dropping a fraction short. His bat looked broad and his intent was clear.u00a0 India's bowlers were blunted and its youngsters were given a lesson in technique and application from an accomplished player.
