Langer leads Aussie fightback

Justin Langer scored an unbeaten 181, his 21st Test century, to rescue Australia after the top order had been punctured by an inspired bowling performance by Pakistan new ball bowlers Shoaib Akhtar and Mohammad Sami.

Langer's 264-ball innings, included three majestic sixes, supplementary to 17 classic boundaries. He shared a 152-run partnership with fellow West Australian Adam Gilchrist, who himself played a cracker of an innings, but unfortunately for Australia got out at 69.

Langer and Gilchrist came together at a critical juncture, after Australia were injected to bat first on a pacy WACA wicket at Perth, and reduced to 5/78. Akhtar was the chief tormentor for the Aussies, as he finished the day with excellent figures of 4/89, aided by Mohammed Sami, who picked up 2/94.

Langer, on his way to the milestone, passed Brian Lara as the most prolific run-scorer of 2004, ending up at 1319 runs for the calendar year by the close of play.

Later on, Langer shared another vital partnership with Jason Gillespie, who continues his rock-solid batting form, lasting 69 deliveries for his 24. Australia ended the day at eight for 357, clearly in a much better position that what they would have hope at 5/78.

Detailed reporting will resume from tomorrow.

Australia (1st innings) 8 for 357
JL Langer 181*, AC Gilchrist 69, Shoaib Akhtar 4/89, Abdul Razzaq 2/55

Posted by Sudeep