6 Apr 2009

Ponting blames himself for Australian batting woes

6:54 pm on 6 April 2009

Australian cricket captain Ricky Ponting has blamed himself for Australia's batting troubles, saying it's about time he scored another one-day international hundred.

Australia were blown away by pace duo Wayne Parnell (4-25) and Dale Steyn (4-27) at Centurion as South Africa bowled the tourists out for 131 and scored 3-132 in 26.2 overs in reply.

South Africa's win squares the five-match series going into Thursday's third game in Cape Town, where No.3 batsman Ponting says it's time for himself and openers Michael Clarke and Brad Haddin to lead the side to a big score.

The only time Australia had set a lower target in a non-reduced ODI match was in January 1979, scoring 101 at the MCG against England (in a 40-overs-per side contest).