Day 1 Australia 224 for 5 (Watson 101*, Ponting 71, Zaheer 3-45) vs India…

Shane Watson scored his second test hundred as Australia reached 224 for five at stumps Friday after India got back into the first test with two late wickets from Zaheer Khan.

Khan had Simon Katich trapped lbw for six by Khan with the total at 13 before Watson combined with Zaheer Khan in a 141-run partnership which ended in a contentious send off.

Watson, who survived two drop catches on one and 38, finished unbeaten on 101.

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 Khan as he was leaving the field and turned to point his bat at the assembled Indian team before umpire Billy Bowden stepped to ensure the situation didn’t escalate.

ICC match referee Chris Broad will certainly review the angry exchange. Watson said it was obvious who initiated the incident.

“I know what the footage shows, and that’s exactly what happened,” he was quoted as saying. “Ricky is not someone who will go out there to pick up a fight. He reacted only after something was said.”

Indian spinner Pragyan Ojha, who bowled 12 maidens and conceded just 39 runs in 31 overs, didn’t see it as a major issue.

“It often happens when you are competitive,” Ojha told PTI. “There are times when words are exchanged.”

The Australians had been in a strong position at 218 for three in the 83rd over before Khan struck twice when he started getting some reverse swing.

He got an lbw decision against Mike Hussey (17) and bowled Marcus North, who didn’t offer a shot to a ball that feathered past his off stump, for a duck in the 85th.

Khan, who did the brunt of the pace work after Ishant Sharma strained his knee and left the field for treatment in the first session, returned 3-45 from his 16 overs.

Source: Yahoo Cricket