Martyn plays the crucial hand

Shaping into a very interesting Test match, Pakistan continued to fight on against Australia into the second day at the MCG. Resuming on 318/6, the Pakistanis collapsed to lose their last 4 wickets for 23 runs, but then struck back to have Australia 135/4 and then 203/5 at stumps.

Overnight batsmen Abdur Razzaq and Kamran Akmal added just 10 runs to the total and then McGrath claimed the latter as his first and only wicket of the innings, for 24. Razzaq was joined by Sami (12), Akhtar (0) and Kaneria (0) and struggled alongside them whilst Warne wrapped up the tail. Ultimately Razzaq made just 4 runs unbeaten, facing 76 balls and batting for nigh on two hours.

Pakistan was all out for 341. Jason Gillespie took 3/77 and Shane Warne 3/103 to lead the Aussie bowling, as McGrath (1/54) and Kasprowicz (1/66) finished with a wicket each.

Australia's innings started to a burst from Shoaib Akhtar, and he met the rewards of Matthew Hayden (9) and Ricky Ponting (7) within 8.5 overs. The score read 32/2 and Pakistan looked to have definite life. Martyn joined Justin Langer and the two consolidated to the tune of 90 runs until Kaneria struck for the first time to dismiss Langer for 50 - 122/3.

Lehmann came, hit two boundaries, then perished to Shoaib for 11. Now at 135/4 Pakistan tried to press home the advantage. Michael Clarke launched a six and a four, but like Lehmann before him, couldn't get more than a start. He was caught by Shoaib Akhtar for 20, Kaneria the wicket-taker.

Hard-hitting wicketkeeper-batsman, Adam Gilchrist strode to the crease. He then proceeded to give Martyn the support he was searching for to the close. Indeed, all the while Martyn played on with his good form to register a 72-ball half-century and he reached stumps unbeaten on 67. Gilchrist is with him on 26 and the score 203/5.

Proving once again that he is the key to Pakistan's success in Australia, Shoaib Akhtar was very much involved in the events of the day. He took 3 wickets for 56 runs, as well as claimed a catch, thus involving himself in 4 of the 5 wickets to fall. Danish Kaneria (2/70) was also instrumental, but Mohammad Sami (13-2-50-0) and Abdur Razzaq (7-0-27-0) found no joy as only 4 Pakistani bowlers were used.

Score Summary:

Pakistan 1st innings 341 ao (107.3 overs)
Yousuf Youhana 111, Younis Khan 87, Salman Butt 70
JN Gillespie 3/77, SK Warne 3/103

Australia 1st innings 203/5 (54 overs)
DR Martyn 67 not out, JL Langer 50, AC Gilchrist 26 not out
Shoaib Akhtar 3/56, Danish Kaneria 2/70

Posted by Liam