Australia captain Ricky Ponting [Images] said he was especially proud of his 117 on the first day of the second Test against South Africa because of the bowler-friendly conditions early on.

Ponting came in to bat in the fourth over with the ball swinging and seaming on the moist pitch. He combined with Matthew Hayden [Images] in an 152-run second-wicket partnership.

The century was also Ponting's sixth of the calendar year and took him to 1,533 runs for 2005, the most by an Australian.

"When I got out there, I was surprised by the wicket. It was quite different to what it was yesterday," said Ponting after Andre Nel [Images] took four late wickets to restrict the home side to 239 for eight.

"It was pretty difficult to get set on. It was a bit damp this morning and we knew it would be a bit slow.

"It was a special innings for me. I was proud of the way I played.

"I had a bit of luck early on, obviously. I probably should have been caught at third slip on zero ...but there wasn't one there. I was dropped on a pretty easy chance not long after. It was a bit of luck along the way."

Also Read Nel rocks Aus after Ponting ton Scorecard: Aus vs SA, 2nd Test Schedule: South Africa in Australia

Ponting, who averages almost 70 this year, said he was more interested in the team's results than individual accolades.

"The way I play cricket is to win games and do the best for the country and the team. If I happen to be ranked number one, great. But it doesn't mean anything to me as a player."

Nel, whose four wickets in 25 balls ripped the heart out of Australia's middle order, said the whole bowling attack had contributed to his good fortune.

"The Australians like to score quickly. If we can stick to good areas, with patience and get the ball to nip around, you've always got a chance eventually," he said.

"I think it's working for us now and we're bowling well as a unit."

The pace bowler added some of the banter from the 71,190 crowd had inspired him.

"It's my character. The more people abuse me, the more I feed off it," he said. "I enjoy it. I'm expecting it, so I may as well turn it into positive energy.