Pakistan on top but Australia fight on

Pakistan let their foot off the pedal in the final session of the second test against Australia to give the hosts an outside chance of coming back in the Sydney test. The visitors remain in the driving seat, however, after having picked up eight Australian wickets for 286 runs- a lead of 80.

Danish Kaneria's 4-117 from 33 gruelling overs led the Pakistani charge after Umar Gul's initial burst that accounted for a dangerous Shane Watson, Ricky Ponting and Nathan Hauritz. Kaneria could have had another five-for at the SCG had it not been for some shoddy glovework by Kamran Akmal who thrice dropped a determined looking Michael Hussey. Hussey was standing at the crease on 73 after being dropped at 27, 45, 52 along with Peter Siddle who had managed to stand firm for his 10 runs.

Starting the third day at 331-9, Pakistan added just two runs to their total. Australia's second guard looked a lot more assured and barring a few gifts by Pakistan, they looked completely in charge. They were given stability and spunk at the top, particularly by Watson, who looked in ruthless form in his 105-run opening stand with Phil Hughes (37). Watson, who spanked 11 fours and 3 sixes, before falling frustratingly at 97, offered only one chance, at 24 off the bowling of Umar Gul. Danish Kaneria made a meal of it at long leg much to the cheer of the colourful crowd who saw the ball trickle over the rope for six. Karma had its way with Kaneria, although it went a bit too far.

The rest of the Aussie batsmen looked pretty ordinary. Michael Clarke, who has seemed to be in a world of his own during this series, was picked up by a Mohammad Asif in-dipper, a carbon copy of the first innings dismissal expect this time the ball hit the pads rather than the stumps. Opener Phil Hughes, Marcus North, Mitchell Johnson and Brad Haddin were all spun out by Kaneria. The captain could only take the ball out of his leg-spinners hand after the latter apparently suffered cramps. The fact that Pakistan have taken the new ball could mean that Kaneria would not be required to bowl tomorrow. That puts the onus squarely on Asif, Gul and Sami to end the resistance being put up by Hussey and Siddle.

Mohammad Yousuf will be mindful of the fact that any target over a 100 could present a tough challenge, and judging by Pakistan tour of Sri Lanka they do not fancy small totals too much. As ever, Ponting and his men will start day four with the belief that they can still win this test and that is what makes this contest so much more interesting.