Clarke, Ponting flatten India

Jan 04, 2012

Ricky Ponting began the day with some fine pull shots •Getty Images

India's fast bowlers had little joy as the pair took control •Getty Images

After lunch, Ponting reached the landmark with a single that would have seen him run out had there been a direct-hit •Getty Images

There was some respite for India when Ishant Sharma removed Ponting with the second new ball, but Australia were in a dominant position•Getty Images

... while India continued to struggle on what was quite a tough day in the field•Getty Images

Michael Clarke was harsh on the short ball too as runs came at a quick rate •Getty Images

Ponting moved close to a much-awaited 40th Test century •AFP

It was Ponting's first ton for almost two years•Getty Images

Michael Hussey, though, did not allow Australia to lose any ground: he supported Clarke in another massive stand for the hosts•Getty Images

Clarke completed his maiden Test double-ton and went on to get to past 250 before stumps•Getty Images

Clarke got to his hundred first in front of a good crowd at the SCG•Getty Images

Clarke continued to dominate and went past 150 •Getty Images

The pair's unbroken 157-run stand lifted Australian spirits further ...•Getty Images

Australia finished a dominant day on 4 for 482, with a lead of 291•Getty Images