Indeed Ponting has not asked a team to bat first since the Ashes series of 2005 at Edgbaston when England amassed 400 on the first day.

BBC: Pakistan dominate as Australia collapse at Headingley

There could be no relaxation, though, for a team who had failed to bat out the final day in Sydney at the start of the year.

BBC: Indian batsmen defy Australians

As he reflects on a torturous day, the Australia skipper may choose to look back to January this year at Sydney, when he decided to bat first, his team were all out for 127 but went on the win that match.

BBC: Pakistan dominate as Australia collapse at Headingley