Pakistan need 99 runs with seven wickets in hand at tea

Thanks to a record ninth-wicket partnership of 123 runs between Michael Hussey (134 not out) and Peter Siddle (38), the second Test between Australia and Pakistan is heading for an exciting finish.

At tea on Day Four, Pakistan u2013 chasing a target of 176 runs u2013 were 77 for three. Skipper Mohammad Yousuf (19 not out) and young talent Umar Akmal (8 not out) were at the crease.

Mitchell Johnson was the wrecker-in-chief for Australia as he removed Faisal Iqbal (7) and Salman butt (21) within three balls to leave Pakistan stranded at 51 for three.

Earlier in the morning, Hussey and Siddle added 95 runs to Australia's overnight total of 286 for eight at Sydney Cricket Ground. While both Hussey and Siddle were courageous to give their team a chance of a memorable win, they were immensely helped by Pakistan skipper Mohammad Yousuf's inexplicable tactics.

With Pakistan in with a chance to finish the Australian innings off in a hurry, instead of attacking Hussey and Siddle, Yousuf adopted defensive tactics. The field for Hussey since the first ball was seven fielders on the boundary line, tempting Hussey to take a single. As a result, not only did Hussey get his eye in, Siddle at the other end also grooved in confidence.