KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC – Australia’s captain Ricky Ponting has expressed delight with his century on the opening day of the first Test against Australia at Sabina Park Thursday.

 

“I didn’t feel like I did much wrong at all today, to tell the truth. I felt really good in the nets leading into the game,” said Ponting, after registering his 35th Test century – a superb 158 that lifted his side to 301 for four at the close.

 

“Even in the practice game last week, I felt some things coming back again so I am really pleased with that today. It was hard work, it was hot.

 

“Once the hardness went out of the ball it was pretty hard to score as well. All the batsmen had to work hard for their runs. You look at Hus (Mike Hussey), the way he started his innings today, he had to work particularly hard and Hodge (Brad) has had to work particularly hard for his.”

 

Hussey (56) and Hodge (53 not out) gathered half-centuries and shared in successive century partnerships with Ponting to give Australia the edge.

 

Ponting, on his third tour of the Caribbean, said he felt at home in the region especially since he had reaped success here in the past.

 

“Last tour here I had a really good tour and this one has got off to a good start as well. It’s just funny sometimes you go to places that you enjoy playing and you have a lot of success,” Ponting explained.

 

“I think I said that leading into the game that the Australia team over the years have enjoyed playing their cricket in the Caribbean. We’ve got lots of good memories here and for me personally, last time was a good tour.

 

“One hundred and fifty odd today, I’m happy with that but it’s day one of a Test match and lots of things can happen quickly in Test cricket and we have to build on today tomorrow and make sure we put two really good days together. If we do that, we’ll be in the box seat in the game.”

 

Ponting said his side he was pleased with his side’s performance on the opening day and would be looking to increase their the advantage on Friday and amass a huge first innings total.

 

“The wicket is a good one to bat on but as you saw late in the day when the ball got a bit soft, it was pretty hard to score on as well,” he pointed out.

 

“There was not much bounce and a bit of variable bounce so to be four for 300 at stumps, I think we are in a really good position in the game,” Ponting said.

 

CMC kp/08