Pakistan 0 for 14 trail Australia 127 (Johnson 38, Asif 6-41, Sami 3-27) by 113 runs
Comeback man Mohammad Asif registered a six-wicket haul as Australia were dismissed for 127 in the first innings of the second Test against Pakistan at the Sydney Cricket Ground here on Sunday. In reply, Pakistan reached 14 for no loss with Imran Farhat, batting on 9 in the company of Salman Butt (3) as play came to an end for the opening day. Asif returned his career best six for 41 after the hosts elected to bat in a rain-hit match. The hosts lost their first two wickets for three runs only.
Mohammad Sami claimed the first breakthrough of the day, getting rid of Phillip Hughes who had replaced an injured regular openerSimon Katich. Skipper Ricky Ponting was the next man to go. Both fell for duck as the Pakistani fast bowlers successfully exploited the wet condition after overnight rain. Sami struck again soon to send the other opener Shane Watsonpacking. As Australia were struggling to recover from the top order collapse, Asif struck at regular intervals, thus not allowing the hosts to settle in the middle.
Michael Clarke fell first to Asif who dealt a double blow in the 22nd over to get rid of Mike Hussey and Marcus North in two consecutive deliveries. Hussey contributed 28 runs. Asif got rid of three more in Brad Haddin, Nathan Hauritz andMitchell Johnson soon after. Umar Gul claimed the last Australian wicket of Bollinger. Hauritz and Johnson put up some resistance with 44 runs for the eighth wicket stand. But that was not enough to save the hosts in absence of any formidable fight from the top order. Johnson top scored for the hosts with 38 runs to his credit. Australia are leading the series 1-0 after winning the previous encounter at Melbourne by 170 runs.
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