It's not just Ponting. It's not just Gilchrist. Damien Martyn's at it as well. Between them, these three not only scored at virtually a run a ball, but wherever that ball pitched. Ponting scored his 144 from only 154 balls, Martyn 118 off 135, and Gilchrist's unusually brief stay brought him 19 off 20 balls.

All in all, this is evidence of exceptional technique, hand-eye co-ordination and attitude. With Mark Waugh acting as the nearest thing Australia have to an anchor man (72 off 148 balls), Ponting, Martyn and Gilchrist have scored at a rate that gives Australia's bowlers more time to win the match. And this is a team that doesn't deal in draws. They have won 20 and lost two of their last 22 Tests as well as their last three at Headingley…

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