MELBOURNE: Shane Watson‘s maiden Test century put Australia in the driver’s seat on day four in the Boxing Day Test against Pakistan at the MCG.
The tourists, however, fought hard in their second innings and ended the day on 170-3, needing to score a record 422 for victory. Captain Mohammad Yousuf (45 not out) and Umar Akmal (27 not out) were at the crease.
After being dismissed for 93 in the first innings following recent knocks of 96 and 89, the all-rounder scratched around for 67 minutes and 39 balls in the 90s on Tuesday. Watson went to lunch on 98 and on 99, he threw the bat at a fuller delivery from Mohammad Aamer, which flew, straight to Abdur Rauf at backward point. But Aamer watched in horror as Abdur grassed a sitter to elude him his sixth scalp of the innings and give Watson the single that was his first in Tests and first for Australia this summer.
Australia had 20 half-centuries this summer without anyone getting triple figures.
Watson ended up unbeaten on 120, having taken his average opening the innings this summer to better than 75. Ricky Ponting called his men in upon the dismissal of Hauritz for 8, Australia compiling 8 for 225 to set Pakistan 422 for victory.
Pakistan lost Imran Farhat (12), Salman Butt (33) and Faisal Iqbal (48) before the close.
