Australia was on a mission at the start of play in the third cricket Test against India, according to vice-captain Ricky Ponting.

The tourists resumed on 4-329 and lost 6-16 in 49 balls to be blasted out before lunch for 366.

Ponting then shared in a 234-run stand with Matthew Hayden as Australia reached 3-317 at stumps.

Hayden made 136 and Ponting will resume Sunday on 120.

"It was a very satisfying day for us all-round - we spoke about a few things in the rooms this morning," Ponting said.

"We identified today, especially the first session of today, as probably one of the biggest sessions in the series for us.

"Things could have gone two ways today, but we made it go our way."

The Indians thought they had Ponting caught behind on 98 and seemed to be unimpressed when he reached three figures.

Ponting was far from worried - when he was asked about their reaction, he replied "who cares?"

"I didn't know what the appeal was for, I didn't hear a noise or feel anything," Ponting said.

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