Ponting's lapse adds to Australia's struggles

Tasmania 125 & 3 for 73 (Ponting 27) need 90 runs to beat New South Wales 97 & 190 (Katich 36)
Scorecard

Tasmania lost Ricky Ponting and two of his team-mates as they attempted to reach the 163 needed for victory in an action-packed match at the SCG. New South Wales, who are crammed with Test stars, were dismissed for 190 on the second day, with Shane Watson, Simon Katich and Brad Haddin again going without making a significant impact.

In another worrying sign for Australia, Ponting was out late in the day when hooking Shane Watson to fine leg for 27. Not only did the dismissal by his team-mate stop Ponting from a long stay, it also ensured he would be peppered with short balls by England at the Gabba next week.

Watson finished with 2 for 17 off seven overs after having Jon Wells lbw in the same over he claimed Ponting. Tasmania were 3 for 73 at stumps, still requiring 90 in the testing conditions.

Katich's 36 was the top score for the Blues - he showed no lingering effects from the shoulder hurt on Wednesday - as they improved on their first-innings 97. Xavier Doherty took the lead in the head-to-head battle with Nathan Hauritz, who was called for the final over of the day in his only offerings of the game so far.

Doherty, who delivered four overs in the first innings, collected 2 for 45 off 20, including bowling Katich around his legs. His opening breakthrough came when Moises Henriques pushed one to Ponting at short cover, while the offspinner Jason Krejza also gained a couple of wickets.

Doherty was also responsible for the run-out of Watson, who added 15 to his first-innings score of 6. New South Wales' top seven all reached double figures - Haddin got 17 - but none could go on against the visitors' willing attack.