Australian captain Ricky Ponting says a win in the second Ashes Test will be difficult, but not impossible to achieve after his side batted through day three to be 312-5 at stumps in Adelaide.
The skipper's innings of 142 was a key component of the Aussie fightback, but with both himself and Michael Hussey back in the pavilion after the two shared a fourth-wicket partnership of 192, Ponting backed Adam Gilchrist and Michael Clarke to bat Australia through a critical period in the match.
"The first hour tomorrow morning is going to be crucial for us in the game. If we can get those two guys through the first hour and get a good partnership going from there then we're going to be right back in the game again," he said.
"We'll try to keep batting and get a little way in front and then try and bowl England out, that's probably going to be the best way to win at the moment. If we can get somewhere near their total or get in front that would be great."
While that remains 'Plan A', Ponting didn't rule out declaring behind and having another crack at the Englishmen and either bowling them out or having them declare themselves and set a target.
"We'll see how we go, we might do that if we lose early wickets in the morning then that's probably what we'll have to do," he said.
"If there's something there that we think we can chase we'll have a go at it for sure, but it's all going to depend on that first hour tomorrow."
"If we get our batsmen through that then hopefully we can push on and get close to their total - if we don't then a pretty handy game might develop."
Ponting revealed he hadn't taken any great pleasure in recording his 33rd Test ton, despite it taking him past Steve Waugh to become Australia's leading century-maker. His annoyance at being claimed with the second new ball and breaking up his partnership with Hussey outweighed any personal satisfaction.
"We had a really good partnership going there for a few hours and then I got out in the first over with it (the new ball) and Huss got out not long after that," he said.
"We were just clawing our way back into the game and for me to get out when I did was disappointing."
