Aamer's spell puts Pakistan on top

Sat, Jul 24 10 05:47 PM

Leeds, July 23 -- Steven Smith's scored a maiden half-century as his late assault on the Pakistan bowling helped Australia set a competitive target of 180 for Pakistan to win the second Test at Headingley on Friday. Australia were bowled out for 349 on the stroke of tea on the third day as number eight batter Smith butchered 77 in 100 balls. Pakistan scored 105 runs for the loss of a single wicket at the time of going to press. He began slowly but eventually smashed nine fours and two sixes, including two in succession off leg-spinner Danish Kaneria with the latter finding the roof of the rugby ground stand. Smith was the last man out, bowled by Umar Gul. Australia lost key wickets throughout the day in pleasant batting conditions but managed to eke out enough runs to set up what is likely to be a nervous chase for Pakistan, who have not beaten Australia in a Test for 15 years and must win to draw this two-match series. Australia's battling effort, after they were dismissed for a 26-year low 88 in the first innings, has given their bowlers something to fight with. Mohammad Aamer, the 18-year-old left-arm pace bowler, claimed all three wickets of the morning session and he finished with four for 86 as Australia's last five wickets raised 185 valuable runs. Michael Clarke scored a gritty 77 before he edged Mohammad Asif on the seventh ball after lunch to the wicketkeeper, while Tim Paine added 33. Skipper Ricky Ponting was out for 66 in the third over of the day when he chased a wide Aamer ball. The failure to finish off Australia's late order was a major frustration for Pakistan who saw Smith slap boundaries viciously off Asif and Gul through midwicket. 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. The various momentum swings were appreciated by a crowd that had swelled from the first two days when empty seats were widespread at the neutral venue. The East Stand was two thirds full as fans basked in the sun - a far cry from the overcast conditions of the first two days.

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