Australia Struggle Against Spin in Abu Dhabi

Australia are 4/58 in their second innings and will need a final day miracle to avoid defeat against Pakistan who hold a commanding 378 run lead.

After losing 4-wickets for 5 runs from 4 overs in the final session of the day, the tourists were left scratching their heads in the face of a dominant spin attack. 

Both Yasir Shah and Zulfiqar Babar did the damage again for Pakistan taking two-wickets each and bowling with good, impenetrable line on a turning wicket. 

Australia by contrast, were only able to take two wickets from Pakistan in their second innings. Centuries to Ahmed Shehzad and Younis Khan came at a good rate and at times looked easy against a deflated Australian spin attack. Khan became the first man to score a century in both innings against Australia in 40 years.

David Warner looked comfortable in his second innings, hitting 29 runs from 27 balls until he advanced down the wicket and was beaten, stumped by Ahmed off the bowling of Babar.

Michael Clarke struggled to hit the ball again, desperate to spend some time in the middle after an absence with injury. He survived a shout second ball after the review agreed with the umpires decision. Perhaps rattled by the commotion, Clarke decided not to challenge another appeal soon after, walking off the field after consulting with Chris Rogers. The television replay showed that he did get an inside edge onto the pad. 

Losing night-watchman Nathan Lyon for 0 at the close of play put a lot of pressure on in-form batsman Steve Smith. He faced 17 balls to remain at the crease with Rogers at 4/59 to begin the 5th day tomorrow. 

Australia will be hoping to finish the game well with another test match still to play against Pakistan next week. 

TRENDING

X