Ricky Ponting may have smashed a magnificent century to seal a series win against South Africa yesterday but the Australia skipper still rates his match-saving knock in the Ashes series as his finest hour.
Ponting's 143 at the SCG allowed the hosts to cruise to their victory target of 287 to clinch a 2-0 series win and complete a wonderful 100th Test for the Tasmanian, who also hit a century in the first innings.
But he insists his defiant 156 against England in the third Ashes Test at Old Trafford remains the best moment of his career.
"I still think the Manchester Test in the Ashes was my most enjoyable Test match. To be able to bat in really tough conditions as long as I did and save a Test match was very satisfying but this one (in Sydney) is going to be up there, there's no doubt about it."
Meanwhile, Indians Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid showed early form as four touring batsmen hit half centuries against Pakistan 'A' at Bagh-e-Jinnah.
Tendulkar played delightful strokes in his 74 while Dravid was as stubborn as ever during his knock of 63 as India reached 298-4 at close on the first day of their three-day match.
Venkatsai Laxman (25) and Yuvraj Singh (11) were at the crease when bad light stopped play six overs before schedule on a day when all the Indian batsmen got good starts but failed to score big.
