SYDNEY: Ricky Ponting has praised the coaching work of former Test great Greg Chappell in helping the Australian team adjust to the demands of batting in Indian conditions.

The Australian skipper overcame his Indian demons to compile his 36th century in the opening match of the Test series at Bangalore on Thursday.

Ponting''s flawless 123 took him to sixth on the list of all-time run scorers with 10,222 in 120 Tests, passing India''s Sunil Gavaskar and just three Test centuries behind record holder Sachin Tendulkar''s tally of 39.

Chappell played a role in helping Ponting prepare for what he believes was one of his most significant innings. "It''s no rocket science, but Greg was obviously a great player and understands the technique of batting very, very well. He''s a very, very good batting coach," Ponting told The Australian newspaper Saturday.

"I think all of us over the last couple of weeks have had opportunities to sit down with him to talk about our games and how we can best adapt them to these conditions." "He''s been a great acquisition to our side already and his role back in Australia (as head of the Centre of Excellence) will hopefully allow him to spend a lot more time with us in coming series," he added.

"Ricky''s very generous giving me any credit,” Chappel said.