Ricky Ponting (62) has recorded his tenth fifty against India - his 59th in Tests. Ponting and Cowan put on a century stand (113) for the third wicket.

On the D-day at Melbourne Cricket ground, the Australians take over their guests Team India in the first test encounter, today. The hosts were a bit in a tight situation initially struggling at 2 for 46 within the first fifteen overs. The hosts won the toss and elected to bat first. The loss was much felt when Warner who was comfortably scoring (37 runs), was caught by the Indian skipper. In a quick succession Shaun Marsh followed the suit. Then much criticized former Australian skipper Ricky Ponting along with the opener Cowan put up a brilliant score. After scoring 62 runs Ponting nicked a ball from Yadav only to be caught by Lakshman.

The Australian captain Michael Clarke walked in and gathered another and scored at a slow rate always with a caution of not losing wickets and fell for Zahir Khan’s ball after scoring 31 runs. From then on it was a debacle for the hosts, when they lost three wickets in a succession just for merely ten runs. At the draw of stumps the hosts were 277/6 in 89 overs. Not much of batting to come the hosts are in a delirious situation at the moment.

The maximum damage was done by Umesh Yadav who bowled 20 overs and gave away 96 runs and captured three wickets, of which Warner and Pontings were worthy wickets. The senior pacer Zaheer Khan was immaculate in his bowling performance only to prove that he is back on track. He bowled 23 overs and gave just 49 runs and grabbed two wickets with an average of 2.10. the other bowlers Ishant and Ravichandran maintained good line and length, while giving away less runs.

At the moment India in a comfortable position, but anything could happen in cricket. But the match is posed for a tight finish as of now.