Australia in commanding position Despite skipper Ponting being forced to retire hurt for the first time in his career

It was a bruising confrontation that would have delighted a bloodthirsty freestyle wrestling fan, a duel better suited to a boxing ring than a gentlemen's game played in whites.

It was a clash between one of the best batsmen the game has produced and a cocky young bowler as yet wet behind his ears.

Ricky Ponting reacts after being hit by one of Kemar Roach's thunderbolts on Day One yesterday. pic/ Getty Images Read Next Story Connect with your karma› Trending Stories Latest Photos Latest Videos Latest Web Stories ADVERTISEMENT Mid-Day Fast ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT