Ponting and Gilchrist give Aussies hope against Proteas

0 Comments | AFP, January, 2006

SYDNEY (AFP) — Ricky Ponting marked his 100th Test with a majestic hundred and Adam Gilchrist providentially found his form as Australia fought back to concede a first-innings lead of just 92 in the third Test against South Africa.

Skipper Ponting became only the sixth player to score a century in his 100th Test with his 120. And his deputy Gilchrist rediscovered his scoring touch with a blazing 86 to shake the Sydney Test into life after days of cricket torpor.

Australia were dismissed for 359 on Wednesday after the last three wickets added 96, in reply to the South Africans' 451 for nine declared.

In the final over South Africa lost the wicket of AB de Villiers in the evening gloom, leg before wicket to Brett Lee for one, to end the day on four for one, 96...