Pakistan v Australia at Headingley – day three report
Pakistan finished day four as they started it, in control of the second Test against Australia at Headingly.
The “hosts” are closing in on their first win over http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Australia-c746 for 15 years as they need only 40 runs for victory with a day’s play remaining.
At stumps, Azhar Ali (47) and Umar Akmal (two) both remain unbeaten at the crease, with the wicket of Salam Butt (13) falling early on in the innings, briefly rallying the hopes of Australia, and followed by late dismissals for Imran Farhat (67) and Umar Amin (0) as they ended on 140-3. But in truth, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Pakistan-c755 have rarely looked in trouble in this match from the moment they dismissed their opponents for 88 in the first innings.
Australia had begun to pull things around when their second innings ended on 349 just before tea, to leave Pakistan chasing 180 on a wicket that was certainly playing easier than the previous two days had suggested. This was emphasised by the quick-fire half-century young all-rounder Steven Smith (pictured) made towards the end of their innings.
The 20-year-old smashed 77 from 100 balls in what was his maiden Test-half century, as Australia recovered from 164-5 to post a respectable target for Pakistan to chase. The highlight of his innings was the back-to-back sixes Smith hit off Danish Kaneira as he was forced into this gung-ho mode with the wickets tumbling around him.
It could have been a different story for the Aussies, as Michael http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Clarke-c51120 looked to be on course for a century earlier in the day. He started on 32 not out and played very nicely in the morning session, moving onto 77, but Mohammed Asif got one to nip away from Clarke with his first ball after lunch. Kamran Akmal took the catch and Australia’s hopes of victory seemed to be all but over.
Teenage seamer Mohammad Aamer was again the pick of the Pakistan attack with figures of 4-86, including three crucial wickets in the first hour. Ricky Ponting (66), Mike Hussey (eight) and Marcus North (0) all fell to the promising seamer, who defied his young age with a performance which full of maturity.
As long as Pakistan stay clear of producing the biggest collapse in Test-match history tomorrow, the two-match series looks to be finishing all-square at 1-1.
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