Michael Hussey reached his 11th Test hundred in style early on day four of the second Test against Pakistan at the Sydney Cricket Ground, as Australia fought to post a competitive target.After leg spinner Danish Kaneria brought Australia's middle order to its knees in the final session on Tuesday, Hussey conquered batting with the tail and a turning pitch to keep the home side's innings alive.
The left-hander resumed on 73 and he and Siddle took advantage of Pakistan captain Mohammad Yousuf's passive field placements and a fourth-day pitch that looked ideal for batting on.
Yousuf's men were pushed back, presumably to allow the batsmen to take quick singles to rotate Siddle to the strike, and the Australians did just that, cautiously making runs when they could.
The pair brought up their 50 partnership in 109 balls when Hussey turned a single off Umar Gul, and the left-hander opted not to let Shane Watson's "90s nerves" transfer to his innings.
Hussey faced just 11 balls between 90 and 100, striking three elegant boundaries including a deliberate jab over the slips cordon and the shot that brought up his ton.
Watson said yesterday that if Hussey and Siddle can keep building a lead for Australia, anything is possible.
"I definitely think we're still in it, obviously not the day that we really were hoping for," he said.
"It would have been nice to get at least 200 in front, I think while Mike Hussey and Peter Siddle are there we're still a chance," he said.
"Best-case scenario I reckon maybe 150 would be a target that would, I think, if everything goes well and we bowl well, there's a chance that we could give ourselves an opportunity to win the game."
Australia's steady, patient ninth-wicket stand is staving off what could become Pakistan's first win in Australia in more than 14 years.
The last time it was victorious in this country was in November 1995 at this ground, when Wasim Akram's team won by 74 runs thanks in part to a first-innings 137 by Ijaz Ahmed.
0 comments