Aus Pak T 3 Days 2 & 3: Ponting Ton May Have Sealed Pak's Fate

Pakistan found themselves in neck deep trouble at the end of the third day's play of the third Test at Hobart after Australia applied pressure on the back on a double century from Ricky Ponting.

ponting hands raised

If the Australian captain's knock on the second day pushed Pakistan back, it was the turn of the Australian bowlers to restrict the Pakistan team to take a strong lead in the dead rubber, Australia having already won the series 2-0.

Ponting continued his march from a century to a double century as Pakistan failed to rein in the skipper. While Michael Clarke could not repeat the feats of his skipper, his innings lent sufficient weight with 166 as Australia finally declared on 519 for eight in their first innings.

Pakistan had already lost four wickets at the end of the second day's play with Salman Butt featuring obviously in two unnecessary run outs, including that of the Pakistan captain, Mohammad Yousuf. With the man in form, Umar Akmal, also falling victim, Pakistan were struggling to save face at the end of the third day.

Butt did make a century on the third day with Shoaib Mallik adding his personal contribution of fifty-eight. Umar Gul chipped in thirty-eight runs but in vain as Pakistan failed to avoid the follow on as Nathan Hauritz and Simon Katich pegged Pakistan to 301 all out.

But Ponting decided against enforcing the follow on and while Australia did lost Shane Watson early, they were firmly in the driver's seat with a lead of 277 runs as the hosts ended the day on fifty-nine for one at stumps on the third day.

Can Pakistan escape an ignominious 3-0 defeat? It would appear difficult at this point.

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