Watson misses century again as Australia fight back

Just like the Pakistani openers dominated on Monday morning, their Australian counterparts Shane Watson (97) and Phil Hughes (37) started Australia's charge towards what could be a dream fightback on Tuesday morning at the Sydeny Cricket Ground

Just like the Pakistani openers dominated on Monday morning, their Australian counterparts Shane Watson (97) and Phil Hughes (37) started Australia's charge towards what could be a dream fightback on Tuesday morning at the Sydeny Cricket Ground.

However, Umar Gul's double strike in the second session put brakes on Australia's charge as the hosts were 199 for three at tea on the third day, still seven runs adrift of Pakistan's first innings lead of 206 runs.

Watson was looking good for his second Test hundred. However, Gul came up with a scorcher which rose from good length, forcing Watson to edge it to Faisal Iqbal in the first slip to end another splendid Watson knock.

Just four overs earlier, Gul and Iqbal combined to see the back of the danger man and Australia skipper Ricky Ponting (11).

If Michael Hussey (35 not out) and Michael Clarke (14 not out) stitch out a big partnership, then Australia can hope to wind up the series with a game to spare.

Earlier in the morning, it took Australia just five balls to take the last Pakistan wicket. Pakistan could add just two runs to their overnight total of 331 for nine before Danish Kaneria (4) holed out to Michael Hussey off Doug Bollinger (4-72).

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