Do you call it an escape act or do you put it down to a very strong team, which has the ability to find something extra when the going gets tough? At 4-52, we were staring at a first session of play which could have put the Indians in a formidable position of strength in this first Test. Fortunately for the good guys, our durable skipper Steve Waugh and his gifted partner Ricky Ponting at first played with grit, before blossoming to compile an awesome partnership in the second and third sessions of play.

Statistics will tell you their partnership was the fourth consecutive time we have had a double-century partnership in an innings. This is a fantastic feat for any cricket team as partnerships are the foundation for the success of any outfit. In all our preparation meetings we talk at length about the importance of partnerships both with the bat and ball. This in mind it is no coincidence we have won our last four Test matches and are now in a strong position at stumps tonight.

Steve Waugh's century today made him the first player in history to have scored a ton against every Test-playing nation in the world. This is an outstanding achievement from the 'iceman' who has an incredibly tough and disciplined mind. As you can imagine he was pumped with this milestone as he punched the air after another autograph stroke through midwicket. His mastery with the bat is second to none in world cricket as he goes from record to record with every passing month.

If not for an unfortunate and unnecessary run out late this afternoon both Punter and Tugga could be on the way to a double-century when play recommences in the morning. As always, the Adelaide Oval was looking a perfect picture today making it the ideal setting for today's brilliant partnership. While both guys would have loved to be walking out together in the morning it is now up to our skipper to continue grinding the visitors into the ground.

Ricky's second consecutive century was brilliant with his straight driving being the feature of today's knock. Isn't it funny how quickly fortunes change in this complex and intriguing game that we play? Only two weeks ago Punter was coming out to bat at the WACA with three consecutive ducks to his name. Now in two innings he has added another two Test centuries. This is why we play the game because it certainly has a way of keeping you on your toes all the time.

At stumps we are reasonably happy with our situation. Considering our poor start, today's result could have been a lot worse.

From Adelaide, JL