“I had played eight Tests here with a 60-plus as the highest. I felt I had a point or two to prove and I got a good hundred today and may be few more round the corner. Its a highly satisfying knock,” Ponting said after the opening day of the first Test against India.

“I’ve been working really hard. I’ve made no secret of it, my record here has been poor. Today is one step in the right direction. It was nice to get some runs out there and put the team in a good position. But one innings doesn’t make a tour”, Ponting, who scored 123 to bail his team out of early trouble, said.

Ponting said that he had worked on a game plan and technique before coming to India. “I have been working hard for the last couple of weeks before coming to India and had put a game plan and technique in place.

“I gave myself the best chance today. That’s what I did and things worked out in my favour. That’s what I will do for the rest of the tour,” he said.

Speaking about Greg Chappell’s contribution, Ponting said, “Greg is obviously a great player. He is a very good batting coach. We have been interacting with him on playing in these conditions and have received a great input from him.

“He is a great acquisition to our side. Theres no doubt that he has been a great influence on me and for the rest of players on this tour,” he said Ponting was all praise for Ishant Sharma and said that the Indian speedster will trouble more international players in the future if he stays fit.

“Ishant is a good bowler, especially with the new ball.