da esoccer bet： Ricky Ponting has called time on his international career but he has notfinished with English bowling as he marked his first-class Surrey debut with a century.
da 888： 01-Jun-2013
ScorecardRicky Ponting has quickly settled into his new colours•PA Photos
Ricky Ponting has called time on his international career but he has notfinished with English bowling as he marked his first-class Surrey debut with acentury. He cruised to his 81st first-class hundred andshared a third-wicket stand of 180 in 49 overs on the third day at DerbyArun Harinath made a career-best 154, while Ponting was unbeaten on 120 from182 balls out of 362 for four at the close. But with Surrey still trailing by 90 runs it is hard to see either side forcing a victory on the final day.There was a decent crowd at the Racecourse on a sunny morning but they hadto wait until after lunch to see Ponting play his first innings for Surrey asHarinath and Vikram Solanki denied Derbyshire early wickets.Solanki was well short of his fluent best but applied himself to see the shineoff the ball and help Harinath put on 133 for the second wicket to set the stagefor Ponting.Harinath grew in confidence and reached his third Championship half-century inseven innings when he glanced Mark Footitt to the fine leg boundary for hisseventh four.There was some turn for the spinners but Surrey were close to batting throughthe morning when Solanki fell four balls before lunch to a sharp diving catch byBilly Godleman at short leg off Wes Durston.Derbyshire knew they had to get Ponting early to put the visitors underpressure but several of their bowlers complained of “light-headedness” alongwith umpire Nigel Cowley, who left the field for 20 minutes and was replaced bySurrey first team coach Ian Salisbury.The sight of Ponting stroking the ball around was enough to make their headsspin but Harinath was far from overshadowed and celebrated his third first-classcentury in style by lofting Durston for a straight six that was well caught by aspectator.Ponting’s first 50 for Surrey arrived from 85 balls when he pulled DavidWainwright for his sixth four, although he was lucky when he mistimed a pull atFootitt which lobbed over the wicketkeeper’s head for two.Harinath reached his 150 from 291 balls but was bowled when he tried to pull aWainwright delivery. The 26-year-old departed to a standing ovation and ahandshake from Ponting, who recognised the importance of his innings.Ponting was soon raising his bat in recognition to the applause for hishundred, which came when he swept Durston for his 13th four. And although Zander de Bruyn was bowled by Wainwright, Derbyshire could only takeone bowling point on a day dominated by batsmen.
