Pakistan smells Test victory against Australia
For the first time in 15 years, Pakistan is in touching distance of victory against Australia in a Test match. Last time Pakistan won against Australia was back in 1995. Now, it seems Pakistan will create history at Headingley. Pakistan can eye victory after a meaningful third day in the Leeds Test. A second wicket stand of 110 put Pakistan on track for a historic victory. But one can never underestimate the Aussies, especially keep in mind the way they came back and won the Sydney Test.
Like the first two days, day 3 was also very chaotic and full of fluctuation. Australian showed determination and grit but it seems that they were out of luck this time. Pakistan lost their last 13 Tests against Australia, including the recent fiasco at Sydney in which Australia grabbed victory from the jaws of defeat. For Pakistan, a first-innings lead of 206 proved insufficient to secure victory in Sydney, as their batsmen collapsed in typical fashion. This time, it seems the Sydney disaster has http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Pakistan-c755 battling themselves as well as the Australians.
Australia displayed their usual never-say-die-approach through bat and bowl. First it was Steven Smith, who made 77 with the bat at a critical juncture and took the Australian lead from 44 to a defendable 180. Then it was Doug Bollinger, who sent the Pakistanis back at the end of the third day with an uneasy feeling when he claimed two wickets in quick succession. Bollinger took the scalp of hard-working Imran Farhat as Pakistan ended the day on 140 for 3.
Apparently, Pakistan's dressing room was full of anxiety at the close of the day because when the umpires offered the light, it was Australia's skipper, Ricky Ponting, who decided to remain in the middle. Hoping to be allowed to exploit the extra half-hour as Australia achieved a certain momentum with two quick wickets from Bollinger. It seemed as if the Australian captain felt more confident than his counterpart. Pakistan's batsmen Azhar and Umar Akmal were weary of the circumstances as they became extremely defensive in the closing minutes of the day.
But, still Pakistan has the advantage and can easily wrap things up without any problems. Pakistan also showed their class but in bits and pieces as they exposed Australian fragilities. First, it was young pacer, Mohammad Aamer, who using his pace and swing sent three Australian batsmen to the pavilion within the first hour. Then, it was a stand between Azhar and Farhat, who batted with full discipline as they took their team to a secure position.
Aamer once again claimed the wicket of Australian captain Ricky Ponting as he found it difficult to cope with the bowling of speedster. Ricky Ponting made 66. Shane http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Watson-c96326, who devastated Pakistan’s batting line-up in first innings on the second day, repeatedly drifted the ball into the batsmen’s legs. Meanwhile, the poor run of Mitchell Johnson continued as he went nine wicket-less overs for 39.
The frustration of impending defeat will not play down the fact that it was a productive day for the Aussies at Headingley. They have found a remarkable new talent in the form of 21-year-old leg spinning all-rounder Steven Smith. Smith was at the centre of the game when he produced a remarkable innings during the afternoon session. He attacked Pakistan’s heavyweight bowlers with breathtaking audacity. While he was on his path to his career-best 77 from 100 balls, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Australia-c746 finally found the solutions of their spin problem.
Pakistan will be starting the fourth day with hopes of their first victory in 15 years and 14 Tests against Australia. But, with memories of Sydney Test still fresh in their minds, one can never underestimate the resolution of the Aussies and unpredictability of the Pakistanis. It will be a battle of wits between Pakistan’s batsmen and the Australian bowlers. If Pakistan wins the match, it will be a perfect start for incumbent captain Salman Butt.
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