Ricky Ponting falls but Clarke drives Australia on

Ricky Ponting’s long wait for his 40th test century continues but Michael Clarke was just one run short of his 17th hundred as Australia reached 254-5 at lunch on the third day of the first test against New Zealand on Saturday.

Australia, who resumed on 154-3, inched steadily towards New Zealand’s first innings tally of 295 with Clarke nervously poised on 99 and Brad Haddin alongside him on two when the break arrived to end an extended morning session.

Ponting, who Clarke replaced as captain earlier this year, had been hoping to notch up his first century since January 2010 but was able only to add 11 to his overnight total before being trapped lbw by Chris Martin for 78.

Clarke and Mike Hussey added another 60 runs before the experienced Western Australian nicked an inside edge onto his pads and was caught by Jesse Ryder off the bowling of Daniel Vettori for 15.

That came a ball after Clarke had been dropped on 85 by wicketkeeper Reece Young, the 30-year-old surviving a big scare as he had when he was bowled on 23 on Friday but called back when television replays showed he had been dismissed off a no ball.

Ponting’s dismissal was a reward for some good tight bowling from the New Zealanders, even if Clarke decided to challenge Aleem Dar’s decision with a TV referral that upheld the umpire’s call.

Clarke, who resumed on 28, had earlier brought up his 22nd test half century in some style with a towering six back over the head of bowler Vettori.