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Melbourne: Ricky Ponting's bold declaration in the first Test against Pakistan has given him the chance of becoming the most successful captain in the sport.
Ponting surprisingly closed Australia's first innings midway through the second day when runs were easy and plenty of wickets remained.
Should Australia win this match, it will give Ponting more victories than any other skipper in 132 years of Test cricket. This is remarkable given that he is the first Australian captain in more than 100 years and just the second in history to lead two losing tours of England, prompting calls for his head.
In reply to Australia's 454 for five declared, Pakistan had limped to 258 on day 3 on a pitch so lifeless that even night watchman Nathan Hauritz nudged and smacked 75, his highest Test score.
He had resumed on five and Mike Hussey 37 with the overnight score 305 for 3.
Ponting and Steve Waugh stand at the top of Test cricket's illustrious table with 41 wins apiece, followed by Clive Lloyd with 36.
The third Test victory in Perth against the West Indies little more than a week ago, allowed Ponting to equal Waugh's record.
