Ponting hits century, completes 13,000 runs

Ricky Ponting once again proved why he remains indispensable for the Australian team as he steadied the innings with a century after his side lost three wickets early on Day 1 of the fourth Test against India in Adelaide.

And in the process he also completed 13,000 Test runs and became the third batsman in the history of Test cricket to do so. India's Sachin Tendulkar (15,432) and Rahul Dravid (13,262) are the other two batsmen who have achieved this feat.

Ponting touched this milestone when scored 81st run of his innings.

After the dismissal of Ed Cowan in the second session, Ponting was joined by Australia skipper Michael Clarke, and they added over 150-runs for the fourth wicket.

In the last session, Ponting completed his 41st Test century, which was his eighth against India. This was also his sixth century at the Adelaide Oval. He achieved the feat with the help of ten boundaries in 164 balls.

Soon after Clarke also brought up his 19th Test hundred, which was his fifth against India. He played 134 balls and slammed 13 fours and a six to bring up his century.