Honours To Australia A

Australia A rested the initiative from Pakistan A to finish the day 307-5. Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq had no hesitation in sending the Aussies in on a seaming pitch, and at 166/5, Pakistan A looked in a strong position.

Things changed dramatically in favour of Australia A, when Shane Watson 72* and captain Brad Haddin 68* combined to put on 141 for the sixth wicket. Although never scoring at an excessively fast rate, neither looked in trouble, and seemed set to consolidate on day two of this four day match.

Earlier Pakistan A seamer Mohammad Khalil had Aussie opener Chris Rogers caught at the wicket for just nine. Phil Jacques 60 and Mark Cosgrove 61 then showed great composure in the difficult conditions by adding 117 for the second wicket, before both fell to the bowling of Mohammad Hafeez, who proved to be the most successful of the Pakistani bowlers used on day one.

After Travis Birt fell to Abdur Rehman for a duck, Australia A looked a little vulnerable. When the forgotten man of Australian Test cricket Brad Hodge was dismissed by the same bowler for a sedate 25, Pakistan A looked to be in control, but unfortunately for the visitors the last session belonged to the Aussies.

Australia A 307-5
Shane Watson 72* Brad Haddin 68*
Mohammad Hafeez 2-52 Abdur Rehman 2-70