Ponting closes in on record

Australia captain Ricky Ponting was modest about his own form despite a superb century in the second Ashes Test in Adelaide.

Ponting made the most of being dropped by Ashley Giles early on, going on to score 142 for the 33rd century of a remarkable career to stand fourth in the all-time list of century makers behind Sachin Tendulkar (35), Brian Lara (34) and Sunil Gavaskar (34).

"I don't think about those stats, the last few weeks have been satisfying personally but we are still pretty far behind in the game so hopefully (Michael) Clarke or Gilly (Adam Gilchrist) can go on and get another big score," Ponting said on Sky Sports 1.

He added: "It wasn't a great innings but to share that (partnership) with Mike Hussey was nice and got us back into the game. Hopefully we can push on in the morning and get near the England total."

Matthew Hoggard produced a four-wicket haul to halt Australia's fightback and keep England's hopes of victory in the second Test alive as the Yorkshire seamer struck with the new ball at either end of the third day to leave Australia struggling on 312 for five, still trailing by 239 and 40 runs away from avoiding the follow on.

Hoggard was as modest as Ponting about his performance, as he told Sky Sports News: "Every dog has its day, you close your eyes and wang it down and take your chances.

"It was nice to get a reward for getting the ball in the right place.

"I'm very surprised it didn't reverse swing because the ball was in perfect condition for it.

"It was hard work but we stuck at it and I thought we did a good job. We didn't perform very well at Brisbane, we needed to get back and show we could perform in Australia."