Watson’s knock puts Oz ahead

Shane Watson came up with another scintillating half-century as he pushed Australia to an impregnable position against Pakistan during the first Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Shane Watson came up with another scintillating half-century as he pushed Australia to an impregnable position against Pakistan during the first Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground here on Monday.

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Watson, who opened the batting with Simon Katich, was unbeaten on 64. He had helped stretch Australia’s lead to 307 and with seven wickets in hand they would be hoping to put it across Pakistan’s grasp in the first session of Tuesday itself.

Earlier, Pakistan resumed their first innings at 109 for 4 and managed to avoid the follow on by a whisker.

Umar Akmal (51) and Misbah-ul-Haq (65 not out) were the sole contributors in an otherwise disappointing showing by the batsmen. The visitors were bowled out for 258. For the hosts, Doug Bollinger and Mitchell Johnson picked three wickets each while Peter Siddle picked up one wicket.

The Australians began their second innings badly losing three wickets for 40 runs. Mohammed Asif forced Simon Katich to play away from his body as Kamran Akmal took the catch.

Soon, youngster Mohammed Aamer was in action. He picked up the key wicket of Ricky Ponting, who, while going for runs holed out to deep midwicket.

Aamer’s next victim was Michael Hussey who was caught plumb to an incoming delivery for just four. Pakistan have used both their referrals while Australia have used just one.