Hoggard finally disrupts Ponting rhythm
Matthew Hoggard used the new ball to great effect
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Sunday, 03, Dec 2006 06:45
Matthew Hoggard claimed four wickets on the third day of the second Ashes Test, including the crucial scalp of prolific captain Ricky Ponting, as England consolidated their advantage in Adelaide with Australia on 312-5.
Andrew Flintoff declared yesterday on 551-6 and after Justin Langer had fallen before close of play, Hoggard got the ball rolling today with the dismissals of Matthew Hayden (14) and Damien Martyn (11), but Ponting dug in to claim a record 33rd Test century.
The skipper was dropped on 35 and was lucky to see a Paul Collingwood throw whistle over the stumps as he ran for a single soon after, but England's bowlers struggled to dislodge him until Hoggard and the new ball outfoxed him on 142 as he edged to Geraint Jones.
This crucial wicket dismantled the stand of 192 between Ponting and Mike Hussey, with the latter walking back to the pavilion nine short of his century with Australia 286-5.
England could not claim any more wickets before stumps at the Adelaide Oval, with Michael Clarke (30) and Adam Gilchrist (13) unbeaten at the crease at close of play.
The tourists can feel proud after a very solid day's work, with the vastly improved performances from the first Test rubbing off on Steve Harmison, whose confidence and form both seem to be returning.