MacGill stars after Butt century

A five-wicket haul from recalled legspinner Stuart MacGill helped Australia reduce Pakistan after a maiden century from opener Salman Butt got the tourists off to a strong start. Pakistan were dominating at 1-193, but a final session rearguard tipped the balance in Australia's favour, 9-292 at the close of play at the SCG.

After a promising 70 in the second Test at the MCG, Salman Butt once again showed his talent early on. Always aggressive but never reckless, 16 strokes found the boundary, again making a point of taking on Shane Warne, despite the favourable conditions for spin. Yasir Hameed looked equally good for the most part, after being dropped twice in successive deliveries off Jason Gillespie, outpacing his partner to fifty but ultimately reaching the dressing room first as well. Hameed became Warne's only victim of the day after an opening stand of 102, throwing away a strong start on 54.

Younis Khan was also guilty of denying himself the chance for a substantial innings, reaching 46 with ease before a reckless stroke brought MacGill his first wicket. His wicket came at a crucial time, with Pakistan looking to dominate at 1-193. The cool head of stand-in captain Yousuf Youhana was reassuring to Pakistani fans, but he too was beaten by MacGill's turn on just 8, edging to slip.

Salman Butt held the innings together, reaching his maiden century with an inglorious swipe which narrowly evaded a diving McGrath. The quick got revenge soon later, however, inducing an edge with the third ball of a new spell to send Salman Butt back to the pavilion for an impressive 108. The inexperience of Kamran Akmal (10) and the impetuousness of Shahid Afridi (12) were easy fodder for Stuart MacGill as he added two more wickets to his tally, sending Pakistan on the familiar road of middle-order collapse.

Glenn McGrath chimed in, snaring two ducks in Naved-ul-Hasan and Shoaib Akhtar, to leave Pakistan 8-261 having lost three for zero. Stuart MacGill struck again, removing Kaneria for 3, to bring up his 10th five-wicket haul in Tests, and his fourth on the ground bearing his initials. Wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal took his side to the close of play on 35 not out.

Score Summary:
PAKISTAN 9 for 292 from 82 overs
Salman Butt 108, Yasir Hameed 54; SCG MacGill 5/87, GD McGrath 3/38.

Posted by Adam