Watson sees no drama

His second Test hundred was marred yesterday by an altercation between Ricky Ponting, the Australia captain, and Zaheer Khan, the India fast bowler.

Ricky Ponting, right, picks a fight only a day after insisting both sides avoid controversy.

Shane Watson's second Test hundred was marred yesterday by an altercation between Ricky Ponting, the Australia captain, and Zaheer Khan, the India fast bowler. Watson ended the opening day of the first Test in Mohali on 101 not out at the Punjab Cricket Association Stadium, with Australia on 224 for five at stumps after India got back into the game with two late wickets from Zaheer.

The cornerstone of Watson's century was a 141-run partnership with Ponting, which ended in acrimonious fashion. Ponting, backing up from the non-striker's end, was run out for 71 by a direct hit by Suresh Raina in the 42nd over. It was the 14th time Ponting has been run out in Tests, more than any other batsman.

He then reacted to some words from Zaheer as he was leaving the field and turned to point his bat at the assembled India team before Billy Bowden, the umpire, stepped in. It was not the first time Ponting has lost his cool after being run out; he gestured to the England dressing room after being caught short of his ground, by a throw from substitute fielder Gary Pratt, during the famous Ashes series in 2005.

The incident yesterday was hardly in keeping with Ponting's thoughts before the series began, when he said: "Whenever I've spoken about this series over the last couple of weeks, I've said how important it is for the international game that this series is played in the right spirit." Watson, who survived two drop catches on one and 38, tried to make light of the incident, but said it was obvious who initiated the confrontation.

"The umpires didn't get involved, did they? Wasn't too bad. Something that does happen on a cricket field when people are competitive. As you did see, on the footage, everyone really knows how Ricky is, he is not going to go looking for a fight unless someone steps out of the line, out of the huddle, and has a bit to say. It was there for all to see," Watson said. Pragyan Ojha, the India spinner who bowled 12 maidens and conceded just 39 runs in 31 overs, did not see the verbal sparring as a major issue. "It often happens when you are competitive," Ojha told Press Trust of India. "There are times when words are exchanged."

Ponting was joined in the pavilion by Michael Clarke, caught by Rahul Dravid for 14 off Harbhajan Singh, but Australia had been in a strong position at 218 for three in the 83rd over before Zaheer struck twice when he started getting some reverse swing. Zaheer, who drew first blood in the morning, trapping Simon Katich (6), got an lbw decision against Mike Hussey (17) and bowled Marcus North, who did not offer a shot to a ball that feathered past his off-stump, for a duck in the 85th. "I knew the first few hours would be crucial," Watson said after the match.

* Agencies

Scoreboard

Australia, 1st innings
Watson not out 101
Katich lbw b Zaheer 6
Ponting run out 71
Clarke c Dravid b Harbhajan 14
Hussey lbw b Zaheer 17
North b Zaheer 0
Paine not out 1
Extras (4lb, 10nb) 14

Total (5 wickets, 90 overs) 224

Fall of wickets: 1-13; 2-154; 3-172; 4-218; 5-222
Bowling: Zaheer 16-4-45-3; Ishant 7.4-1-49-0; Ojha 31-12-39-0; Harbhajan 29-6-69-1; Sehwag 6.2-0-18-0.