Ricky Ponting piles on the runs with Michael Clarke

Past and current captain share a stand of more than 250 runs as Australia take charge on day one against India.

Ricky Ponting hits a four to long off during his century knock on day one of the fourth Test.

ADELAIDE // Ricky Pontingscored his 41st Test century as he and Michael Clarke guided Australia to 335 for three at stumps on the first day of the fourth and final Test against India.

Ponting, 137 not out, was joined by Clarke (140 not out) with Australia in trouble at 84 for three after Australia won the toss and batted first. The former and present captain shared a 251-run stand for the fourth wicket to steady the innings and leave Australia in a strong position.

Ponting, who scored 134 in Sydney, was in fine form smashing 13 boundaries, while Clarke, at times riding his luck, was in punishing mood and hit a six and 19 fours.

Offspinner Ravichandran Ashwin was the best of the Indian bowlers with figures of two for 81.

Ponting, who scored his 13,000th Test run with a swept single to deep square leg, brought up the hundred in 164 balls with his 11th four and doffed his helmet to accept a standing ovation from the crowd.

"I felt I played better today than I did in Sydney, it was probably a better wicket to bat on today, there wasn't much in it for any of the Indian bowlers," Ponting told reporters. "It's been a really good day for us and we have to make sure we win the first hour tomorrow and make sure this first innings is a big one."