Ponting takes a gamble
Cricket tips 
/ Andy Morris / 17 January 2010 / Leave a comment Bet Now View Market
Ricky Ponting has provided heroics with the bat already in the third test, but there will be more than a few armchair captains who were left shaking their heads on day three in Hobart, writes Andy Morris.
"Providing there is enough time for Australia to take 10 Pakistan wickets, all will be well and Ponting’s strange decision to bat again on day three will prove academic."
Ponting refused to enforce the follow-on against Pakistan, and with rain forecast for days four and five that represents a major gamble.
The Australian captain had indicated at the end of day two that he would take the follow-on, and one wonders what changed his mind.
Australia's bid to equal the world record for successive victories against the same opposition - this would be the 12th against Pakistan, matching Sri Lanka's best against Bangladesh - is firmly on track, if you ignore the weather warnings.
Providing there is enough time for Australia to take 10 Pakistan wickets, all will be well and Ponting's strange decision to bat again on day three will prove academic.
Watson's early exit
As it is, Australia led by 218 runs on first innings and lost just one wicket before stumps when Shane Watson was out for one. They had reached 1/59 by the close, an overall lead of 277.
This game has already provided many memories, including Ponting's double century, and part-time spinner Simon Katich's display with the ball will live long in the memories after he grabbed three quick wickets.
Salman Butt redeemed himself on day three, having run two of his partners out the previous evening. The Pakistan opener went on to compile a courageous century to provide the backbone of the tourists' 301.
Pakistan were also indebted to a last wicket stand of 53 between Umar Gul and Mohammad Asif.
Katich, used rarely at international level, struck in his second over as he removed Butt thanks to Michael Clarke's catch at first slip.
Katich celebrates three wickets
Wicketkeeper Sarfraz Ahmed went in the same fashion, while Mohammad Aamer found Watson at cover to leave Katich with figures of 3/34 from 10 overs.
Nathan Hauritz also claimed three wickets, starting when he had Shoaib Malik caught by Doug Bollinger at mid-on for 58.
He went on to remove Danish Kaneria for eight and complete the Pakistan first innings by having Asif pouched at mid on by Mike Hussey for 29.
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