Pugnacious Pak pummel Oz
Leeds, July 23: Steven Smith’s maiden Test fifty left the second Test against Pakistan finely balanced at Headingley here on Friday. Australia were bowled out for 349 in their second innings, having made just 88 in their first, to leave Pakistan needing 180 for a victory that would square the two-match series at 1-1. In reply, the Pakistanis were 140 for 3 at stumps with Azhar Ali unbeaten on 47 and Umar Akmal on 2.
Leg-spinner Smith, in only his second match at this level, was last man out for 77, bowled slogging at Umar Gul, after coming in when Australia’s advantage was only 47.
But he batted well against the new ball, taking advantage of any loose deliveries, in a 100 ball innings featuring two sixes and nine fours. He shared stands of 37 with both Mitchell Johnson and Ben Hilfenhaus for the eighth and ninth wickets respectively. They were partnerships to fray Pakistan’s nerves. They have lost their last 13 Tests against Australia — a record run for one country against another — and in Sydney in January were bowled out for 139 chasing a fourth innings victory target of 176.
Smith went to fifty in style, sweeping leg-spinner Danish Kaneria for four. And he followed up by launching Kaneria for two sixes in as many balls, the second a huge hit onto the roof of the Football Stand End.
In the morning, Pakistan teenage left-arm quick Mohammad Aamer took 3/12 in 16 balls, on his way to final figures of 4/86 in 27 overs, to leave Australia 215/5 at lunch.
Michael Clarke, the last of Australia’s recognised batsmen, was batting on 76, having started the day unbeaten on 32 and wicketkeeper Tim Paine, who top scored with 17 in the first innings, was unbeaten on 17.
However Clarke added just one to his interval score when, to Asif’s first ball after lunch he was caught behind off a superb full length delivery that just seamed away enough to take the outside edge.
Australia were plunged into further trouble by a fortunate Kaneria wicket. Paine in what was only his second Test, made a composed 33 in two hours with five boundaries. But his innings ended when he spooned a Kaneria long hop to Azhar Ali at cover.
Scores: Australia 88 & 349 (S. Smith 77, M. Clarke 77; Aamer 4/86, Kaneria 2/74, Asif 2/83) vs Pakistan 258 and 140/3 (Imran Farhat 67).
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