Australia pulls off sensational win against Pakistan

Ricky Ponting during a practice session in Mumbai. Australia pulled a sensational win against Pakistan in the second Test in Sydney. File Photo: PTI

Australia completed one of Test cricket’s greatest comebacks to claim the series against Pakistan on Wednesday.

The Australian players celebrated with delight at the Sydney Cricket Ground after turning a 206—run first innings deficit into a 36-run victory.

The unlikely triumph clinched the three-Test series 2-0 with one Test to play.

The Australian team resumed on day four at 8-268, ahead by just 80 runs after trailing on the first innings.

Michael Hussey, the 34-year-old veteran whose position in the team had been under scrutiny, scored a match-turning 134 not out as he combined with Peter Siddle (38) to complete a record- breaking ninth-wicket partnership of 123.

When leg-spinner Danish Kaneria finally wrapped up the innings to claim a five-wicket haul, Australia had amassed 381 and set Pakistan a difficult target of 176.

Pakistan lost wickets at regular intervals during their run chase and the match was sealed when teenage Pakistan batsman Umar Akmal, one short of his half-century, miscued a drive off Australian fast bowler Doug Bollinger.

Australian spinner Nathan Hauritz cleaned up Pakistan’s final batsman to finish with five wickets and dismiss the visitors for a paltry 139.