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Ponting blunts the Zimbabwe attack
SYDNEY, Australia (Reuters) -- Ricky Ponting scored an unbeaten century as Australia began to eat away at Zimbabwe's lead in the second Test in Sydney. Ponting was unbeaten on 137 with his captain Steve Waugh on 43 when rain forced an early end to the second day. Australia, who won the first Test by an innings and 175 runs, were cruising at 245 for three, 63 runs behind, when the weather intervened. Zimbabwe, who had resumed at 256 for eight, were dismissed for 308. All rounder Andy Blignaut scored an unbeaten 38 to help Zimbabwe post a respectable total then picked up two early wickets. The medium pacer got rid of Justin Langer for two, with his first delivery before lunch, then claimed the prized scalp of Matthew Hayden for 20. Off spinner Ray Price, the nephew of golfer Nick, chipped in to remove Damien Martyn for 32 when he trapped him lbw, but Ponting's faultless innings put Australia in a comfortable position. Australia's one-day captain smashed 16 boundaries and two sixes to reach his 18th career Test hundred and his sixth from his last 13 Tests. He also shared an unbroken partnership of 97 with Waugh, who struck five fours in his 75-ball knock before play was called off 36 minutes before the scheduled close. Blignaut had shared a 53-run partnership with Price for the ninth wicket as the Zimbabwean tail frustrated the Australian bowlers for over an hour at the start of the day. Price made 20 before holing out to Brad Williams at cover off Andy Bichel, who also wrapped up the innings when he had Blessing Mahwire caught behind for six to finish with four for 66. Australia's fightback was marred by news that fast bowler Brett Lee had been ruled out of the remainder of the match as well as the upcoming tour of India after injuring himself while bowling. The Australian paceman was forced to leave the field following his third over of the day on Saturday and was later diagnosed with a torn stomach muscle. "I am bitterly disappointed. I've worked really hard on my fitness and have basically gone through the past three seasons unscathed, so to miss this tour now is a major blow," Lee said. Copyright 2003 Reuters. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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