The Australians continued their wonderful summer with an emphatic series win over the black caps thus re affirming their position as the number 1 ODI team in the world. After achieving an unassailable lead of 3-1, the last game was just a dead rubber and Ricky Ponting’s men to a rarity failed to come up on top. The New Zealander’s rode on ace pace man and attack leader Shane bond who kept up with his jaw dropping record against the Aussies. Bond picked up a 4-for and won New Zealand back some pride—much needed pride.

Michael Clarke headed back to his country after his fiancé Lara Bingle’s nude photo had been published in the magazine. Clarke went home to support her and should return for the test series starting Friday.

It will be a tester for Michael Clarke, perhaps his final hurdle before the Australian cricket board finally, decide on who will captain the test side once Ricky ponting decides to call it a day. Many experts including current and former players are fully backing Clarke on becoming test captain in spite of his off field problems of injuries and now personal.

The aussies were coming off a wonderful home summer and as expected they delivered, perhaps not how well as expected, but nevertheless they did. After not a single loss at home which included over 19 matches (6 tests, 10 ODI’S, 3 T20’S) a similar drubbing of the black caps was expected. But, the black caps gave the aussies a reality check—not to fall ahead of themselves at this stage.

1. 1st T20 International— Wellington— 26th February, 2010
Result: Australia won by 6 wickets with 24 balls to spare

2. 2nd T20 International— Christchurch— 28th February, 2010
Result: New Zealand won (1 over eliminator)

3. 1st One day International— Napier— 3rd March, 2010
Result: New Zealand won by 2 wickets with 4 balls to spare

4. 2nd One day International— Auckland—6th March, 2010
Result: Australia won by 12 runs (D/L Method)

5. 3rd One day International— Hamilton— 9th March, 2010
Result: Australia won by 6 wickets with 16 balls remaining

6. 4th One day International— Auckland— 11th March, 2010
Result: Australia won by 6 wickets with 17 balls remaining (D/L Method)

7. 5th One day International— Wellington— 13th March, 2010
Result: New Zealand won by 51 runs

Clearly, New Zealand have been Australia’s toughest fight. After a sedate start to their campaign the aussies were in for a surprise during the 2nd T20 match where the black caps, McCullum in particular seems to have woke up the right side of the bed that morning. He went on to smack one of the most memorable 100’s this format has seen or will see.

In spite of the short boundaries McCullum played the scoop to great effect, in fact he was seen doing it to perhaps the fastest bowler in the world at the moment, Shaun Tait. The match was a great spectacle for the fans as it went into a super over which the home team eventually won.

That was the best match of the summer, as far as Australia is concerned. It was a close series—some of the numbers put above go to show how close the games were.

The aussies eventually showed their class and went on to win their 3rd one day series of the summer. You’d expect the aussies to cream the black caps in the test series beginning Friday. But, the same was thought about the ODI’s, time will tell…

Mitchell Johnson

It was Mitchell Johnson and Ryan Harris who were Australia’s heroes with the ball at the end of the second ODI. Australia survived a late scare from the new Zealand skipper Daniel Vettori after his he displayed a wonderful array of shots all round the wicket en route his innings of 70 of just 49 balls. Vettori exposed his stumps all day as he moved across his stumps and flicked for boundaries in the square leg, long leg region. New Zealand were in tatters before Daniel Vettori walked in with the score being 131 for 6 and the black caps still needing another 135 off 114 deliveries.

Earlier in the day ponting had called right for the second time in a row and surmisably Australia decided to bat first. The Australians failed to convert another good start provided by their openers Watson (47) and Haddin (53). Both the openers failed to carry on and were dismissed in an attempt to increase the tempo. Ricky ponting and his deputy Michael Clarke both fell to dismal strokes leaving Australia in trouble at 116 for 4. It was up to Cameron white and Michael Hussey to dig them out of the hole that they had created from themselves to a substantial total.

Call him Mr. Cricket or Mr. Fixit, Michael Hussey always comes up with the goods when the Australians need him. And so he did this time around too as he put on a game changing partnership of over a 100 with Cameron white. The duo were flawless and looked set to help Australia put on a score off over 300 before Cameron white holed out in the deep to Brendon McCullum. The wicket fell just against the run off play and halted proceedings for a while as Australia once again posted a below par score off 273.

White fell before hammering two consecutive massive sixes of James Franklin who later stretched his hamstring. He (white) fell in an attempt to clear the boundary on the third instance. The strategy seemed logic less as it was the 43rd over and Australia still had their batting power play in hand. Had they taken it white would possibly have carried on.

New Zealand started their chase with Brendon McCullum attacking Doug Bollinger. Bollinger really had one of his off days, perhaps his worst of the summer. Ponting was very pro-active throughout the day. He saw that, and immediately brought in a change he brought in Mitchell Johnson to bowl in the 5th over of the New Zealand innings.

The crowd with their ‘booing’ tried to put Johnson off his game all day but only inspired him to perform better. Johnson, on the day let the ball do the talking by picking up a 4-for. Before he started his spell, Johnson at the top of his run up turned, faced the west stand and kissed his Australian coat of arms and accounted for McCullum in his first over itself. Ponting in the post match presentation said that the emotional quickie was only spurred on “if anything” by the whole saga today.

Johnson was seen accompanied by a security personnel while fielding at the boundary. Ryan Harris struck with a couple of L.B.W’s off consecutive balls putting Australia in front before the rain finally came. The match was then reduced to 45 over one with the black caps needing 266 to win (D/L method). Australia were in the driver’s seat before Styris (Australia’s undoing the last time round), Hopkins and Tuffey all played well around their skipper Daniel Vettori who gave the Australia some butterflies.

In the end it came down to 13 off 11 balls as Vettori tried another of his flicks only to see his stumps rattled by Ryan Harris. How ironic it was that the match had to end with Vettori playing his, for the day ‘flick’. The anguish was etched on Vettori’s face after he was dismissed for a classy 70. Ponting later said that this wasn’t Australia best performance by any stretch of imagination and they had a lot of work to do. Australia do need to do some “fine tuning” before they go in to Hamilton’s fixture on Tuesday.

New Zealand’s hero was set to miss the match as he decided to rest his neck but was forced to play after Ross Taylor injured his leg during practice. With Oram also missing Vettori had to play. However, Vettori showed “A wounded man can still hurt you”—just.

On the 24th of February 2010, Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar added another jewel to his already priceless crown. Sachin scripted history at the captain Roop Singh stadium as he broke all records smashing the first ever double century in One day international cricket. It’s been nearly 4 decades since the format was recognized, Sachin has been there for nearly half its age and even the master took 20 years before he finally accomplished this humungous task. Shows the grit, the determination, the passion, the love for the game this godlike man still possesses in spite of being in the thick of things for over 20 years now.

The man is simply incomparable when it comes to career to career stat. As Australia’s skipper Ricky Ponting neared Sachin’s test record, the tiger was out of the cage. Sachin was roaring again. 4 consecutive test centuries and he’s back with an 8-ton lead. The stats said it when Ricky Ponting was voted by some websites leading player of the decade. This did not seem to go down to well with the master as he has been seen amassing 3 of his highest scores in One day internationals in the last one year and 4 consecutive test centuries to go with.

The innings was reminiscent of Sachin’s 175 a few months back against the visiting Australian side. The trailer to the movie to be shown was seen there. It would take a lot of courage to call Sachin’s 175 a trailer but, if only a man knew what records were; the ease with which the man breaks it. Not a single South African bowler was spared as Sachin Tendulkar smashed them to all parts of the ground. His cheeky innovativeness along with superb cricketing shots, that can be seen only from the bat of the master.

The current number one ODI bowler in the world, Dale Steyn also couldn’t prevent a hammering as Sachin pummeled him for 89 in his ten Overs. But, it was all okay as the South African’s were to witness what in some eyes was the greatest one day innings of all time.

Critics did raise their point about there being 55m boundaries, an ordinary bowling attack (barring Dale Steyn) and a placid wicket. But, critics are critics—if it’s one man who knows how to answer them, the man is Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar. Sachin endorsed his sponsor (Adidas) beautifully after his mammoth 200 knock proving that indeed ‘Nothing is impossible’.

In spite of all this critics still seem to be shooting their arrows at him comparing him with ponting. Sachin is the greater batsman without a doubt. If a comparison can be made it has to be a decade comparison with ponting being the superior one from 2000-2010. But, the day when Sachin gets a 100 international centuries, he will seal the debate as the best batsman to have played the game.

It was truly an innings of master class an innings which can never be replicated or matched (except by the master himself), the greatness of the man all in one innings. Indeed, Nothing in this world epitomizes god more than Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar.

Spotted by Rod marsh at the age of 17 in the academy and was said to be the best teen player in Australia and rightly so. Ponting made his international debut against South Africa (1995) in a One day international at the basin reserve in wellington. The young 20 year old Tasmanian didn’t raise a lot of eyebrows in his debut innings and fell for a paltry 1 as he was given the number six position to bat. Ponting failed to make amends.

Ponting, much like Sachin Tendulkar never really made a name for himself for about 2-3 years. It wasn’t till 1997-1998 did the current champion announce himself at the international stage. He had a phenomenal year with the bat especially in the ODI Format where he made 1165 runs at an average of 53.

Unknown to many Ponting was a bit of a rebellion something like his former team mate Andrew Symonds. Drinks, pubs and brawls were ‘just the usual’ in Ponting’s case. However, just like Symonds Ponting was given a final chance too, which he accepted and 13 years on since the last incident skipper Ponting has never crossed the Line.

The time still hadn’t come where ponting was good. He was still a talented youngster and not to mention a brilliant fielder who was a regular at point-backward point for Australia. It was 2000. The decade which would not just change this boy to a man but, from talent- to good to great to a champion that he is now.

He averaged above 50 in at least one form of the game every year for the next four years. Ponting was now not just the mainstay but, formed a major chunk of the middle order. He was surprisingly promoted to skipper after Steve Waugh wasn’t picked for the world cup squad in 2003.

It was Adam Gilchrist who served as stand by captain whenever steve Waugh missed out. This was a surprise a big one at that too. Was the ACB looking at the long term future considering gilchrist was 31 and ponting was 27; but it was a risk considering the rebel that ponting had been in his early years.
However, it was a risk that paid off! Ponting brought home the world cup with a splendid performance not just as captain but as batsman too especially in the finals where he let the bat do the talking making 140* against India helping Australia post a huge score of 359.

Ponting had won Australia the world cup! Ricky Ponting had won Australia the world cup without Shane Warne! This was immensely important as it gave Australia the confidence that Shane Warne was not the be all and end all of Australian cricket. Ponting then awaited the Indians where he scored 2 double centuries in a 4 test series including his career best score of 257. 2003 was ponting’s best year with the bat as he scored more then 1500 runs and averaged more than 100 in test match cricket. His ODI performace wasn’t too bad either with over 1100 runs at 46. Ponting was now been seen as a threat to all opponents. His big match performances were making him fearful to bowl at.

Ponting continued his brilliant performance and after this particular series against India took over as Australian test captain too. Ponting was instrumental in handing the Australians the number of wins they did end up with in those two years. The Australians then flew to what was going to be their lowest point in the whole decade. They went to England to defend the ashes. There was something about the England unit- the zeal! Freddie flintoff or KP perhaps something new something refreshing!
Something the England unit never showed before!

The season was going to be a miserable one (foreshadowing) when Australia lost to Bangladesh for the first time and lost a T20 match in an embarrassing fashion to England. The 2005 ashes was now all set to get underway! The series started in typical fashion when Australia ran through England at lords. Ponting had a wonderful game too and Australia were clinical with their performance. It was not until the 3rd test at old Trafford where ponting showed his true class with a fighting last day 156 that ensured that Australia managed to keep the series at 1-1. Ponting was named man of the match for his gutsy effort and it is perhaps ponting’s most defiant innings under pressure.

Again, Come’t the hour! Come’t the man!!

Ponting did not let the ashes defeat get to him as he continued to perform and dominate bowlers at will. Ponting then went on to win Australia their first ever champions trophy in India. The ashes was next. This time in their backyard.
Australia absolutely rammed through England! A whitewash! 5-0!

Ponting’s most satisfying moments as captain I’d say! The guilt had gone. The Australians not just ponting were guilt free. They had had their revenge in the best possible manner. Ponting was prolific through the series scoring 576 runs and was deservingly adjudged Man of the series. The good run continued the run machine continued! He then went on to win Australia their 4th world cup and 3rd consecutive one. He was on a roll.

But, the roll was now about to rock and rock bad. With players namely Justin langer, Damien martyn, Shane Warne and glenn mcgath all gone everything couldn’t be perfect could it.

The Australian team were coming to the realms of things. They were coming to where other teams were. They were coming back to earth!

They thrashed New Zealand thanks to skipper ponting again who hammered 2 centuries in a 3 match ODI series. India were next! Ponting would have loved to repeat his performance the last time round the Indians were there. However, that was not to be as ponting had one of his worst summers not just as batsman but as captain. He was severely criticized and to an extent disowned by the Australian crowd after the Sydney fiasco. Ponting was in tatters with only Senior pro’s Gilchrist and Hayden remaining. Between all this Ishant Sharma was tormenting ponting.

The ODI series came and Adam gilchrist announced it would be his last summer in international cricket. Ponting had just Hayden now. Australia went on to lose against India not just the ODI series but also the test series in India. Australia were facing tough opponents!

First, India than South Africa than- The ashes. The aussies went home and lost their first home test series in a long long time. South Africa had not just created history but had inflicted pain by usurping Australia from the world no 1 throne. The game was changing. Matthew Hayden had gone too.

Ponting was left. This was his true test of character and as they say champions do fight back. Ponting went to South African soil and embarrassed the proteas with his young side and beat them 2-1 in a hard fought test series. The aussies seemed on a high again. They had found sensations in Mitchell Johnson, Marcus North and Philip Hughes. In spite of losing the ODI series the aussies still looked good for the T20 championship and the ashes to follow. Australia were blasted by gayle out of the tournament in the qualifiers itself.
Not the ideal preparation for the ashes, ehh?

Australia went into the first test match at Cardiff and dominated proceedings right from the word go with punter leading from the front with a defiant 150. Australia were extremely close from winning the first test but it was monty panesar and jimmy Anderson who denied them from the same.

England won the second test at lords thus giving Australia their first loss in an ashes test match at lords in 75 years. Ponting went on to lose the ashes thus becoming only the second captain in Australian history after Billy Murdoch to lose the ashes twice in England. Ponting’s team was shattered. The critics were out with their saws ready to drop it on ponting. There were questions about ponting handling just the test side and having Michael Clarke to handle the ODI and T20 format. Ponting returned home for a break and would resume midway through the NatWest ODI series. The critics raised many a question and ponting answered it one by one in humility. He said one thing though ‘If his body prevails he will be prepared to go back to England come 2013 and give it one more shot all be it not as captain”!

Words of a humbled man with a never say die spirit. Ponting returned to England in the 4th ODI and played some wonderful knocks including a century in the 5th ODI. Australia had soaked some of the pain up after giving England a 6-1 drubbing. They then moved to South Africa defending the champions trophy and did it with success. Ponting hit a century in the semi-finals again against England trying to win back some pride. The aussies were back to playing good cricket.

Ponting brought his men to India. He lost brett lee right in the first match of the tournament. Soon, ponting found himself without lee, Haddin, Clarke, bracken, Siddle, paine, ferguson and then hopes. Australia had lost most of their first choice players. In spite of all this Australia still managed to take the series 4-2. Ponting’s captaincy has to be lauded—it’s easy to be a great captain when you have greatness around you.

It’s easy to keep winning. Ponting and his team had suffered a string of losses in the last 12 months. His captaincy and motivation was instrumental in knitting the group together and conquering the once “final frontier”. Australia went back home after what seemed a long-long time. It was an okay tour having won the series in south Africa, the champions trophy, the natwest series and won in India. In the bargain, they had lost the T20 world cup and more importantly the ASHES. Ponting had a poor start to the season and was hit on his elbow by Kemar roach at a pacey perth wicket. This effected his batting and ponting was about to have one of his worst home summers. One match is all it takes to turn things round and so it was in ponting’s case.

One just felt he needed that scratchy 50 or 60. So, in the summers last test match in front of his home crowd at Hobart ponting went on to hit 209 and 89 in the 3rd test against Pakistan. The skipper was back. Having just completed a 5-0 whitewash of Pakistan in the ODI’s Australia seem to be as ominous as ever.

As long as ricky ponting is dawning the Australian colours “All is indeed well”!
Ponting has achieved everything he could’ve asked for. It would only be fitting end if this great man is able to win back or retain the ashes in 2013 against England in their backyard.
Ask for ‘scripted farewell’s’ or what!!
Hats off to the legend –Ricky ponting!

Australia won the toss on a warm and sultry morning at the Adelaide oval and decided as ever to have a bat. Australia aimed to keep their winning streak going and finish off the series by taking an unassailable lead of 3-0.

And so they did! The opening pair of Watson and Marsh started off in a circumspect manner with ‘wickets in hand for the last ten’ being their major priority. The duo put on 63 in 12 Overs with Watson falling for 33 attempting a wild slog. The skipper Ricky Ponting was next to go after misjudging the length of the ball. He was trapped LBW without scoring. Once again falling playing the pull shot. Ponting, one of the best players of short pitch bowling, ironically has been dismissed on quite a few occasions playing the pull Getting older, ehh?

Australia looked to be in a spot of bother at 65 for 2 but it was marsh with 83 who kept the score ticking along. Michael Clarke played another brilliant knock and was there right till the end forming substantial partnerships with marsh, white and Hussey. Clarke eventually fell for 80 in the last over of the innings.

Australia fell away a little in the middle stage of the innings due to some tight bowling from Saeed Ajmal and rana. But, again it was Pakistan’s indiscipline in the field and with extras that was their down bringing. Australia’s Michael Hussey took full toll of this and hammered the Pakistani’s to all parts of the ground en route his 28 ball 49 which gave the Australian innings some much needed impetus. Michael Hussey showed his class and skills once again and bailed Australia out of what would have been an average situation.

What a versatile player he is! Put him in at20 for 3 and he will come up with the goods or like today ask him to slog-he’ll do it for you. Truly, MR. CRICKET! Umar Gul one of the best death bowlers not just from Pakistan but in the world took a pasting on the day and went for 80 in his 10 over spell including a huge over which costed him 23 runs.

The momentum was with Australia when they came on to the field. Salman butt started positively playing some gorgeous flicks and cover drives. He eventually fell prey to Clint McKay LBW for 34. Ryan Harris the 30 year old seamer playing his second ODI bowled with good pace and eventually claimed 5 for 43 in his 10 over spell which included the wickets of Umar Akmal and Shahid Afridi who at a certain point were threatening to take the match away.

Once again it was a failure of the top order. Former captain, Younis khan looks terribly out of form and Pakistan must consider promoting Umar Akmal or Mohd Yousuf to the crucial no 3 spot. Pakistan must try out new things considering they have already lost the series. However, these changes might help them in the long run too especially with England coming up soon.

Pakistan were in a precarious position at 60 for 4 before young guns Umar Akmal and Fawad Alam steadied the ship. They put on 85 before Umar Akmal fell to Harris. Afridi provided some late fireworks with a quick 29 ball 40. But, it was to be all to late in the cause and Pakistan eventually folded for 246 in 47 Overs giving Australia their 3rd straight win and the series.

Want to be a great batsman: Make sure you are not TALL

What distinguishes the good and the great batsmen from each other?

Hours of concentration, determination, hard work and technique.  If one ever needed proof that good things do come in small packages we don’t have to look beyond the cricketing circle. The following statistic proves the above:

These men are not just here proving a point; they have crossed the periphery of greatness. At least 7 out of the 8 batsmen mentioned above featuring in the Top 8 run getters in the world be it in the test or one day format. The only one missing out being Sir Donald Bradman but, who can ever question the greatness of THE “DON”.

What is it with these batsmen? Are they able to pick length better or is it just pure co-incidence. Are the good length balls to short for them? It is important for every bowler to change their length depending on the height and the manner in which a batsman plays. What’s the problem here? Perhaps, the bowlers have just not adapted to these “kind” of batsmen.

Is the recipe to being a great batsman being short? Perhaps, one of the shorties could tell.

Indeed, good things do come in SMALL packages.

Salman Butt

Salman Butt’s third century and his first in four years ensured that Ricky Ponting did not enforce the follow on as Pakistan were bowled out for 301. Australia went in to stumps at 59 for 1 at the end of the third day’s play with a healthy lead of 277.

Pakistan were in dire straits when play resumed but, it were the old foes Butt (102) and Malik (58) who put on a 129 run stand for the 5th wicket which gave the Pakistan total some much needed respect.

Malik batted well in his comeback innings and was decisive with his footwork. Salman butt was exquisite with his shots through the offside and seemed to pierce the field at every attempt he made in doing so. Butt did well to reach a hundred, however his captain wasn’t seen cheering his century.

On display were typical “Asian wrists” as the duo flicked their way to lunch unscathed. The Australian bowlers were disciplined but results never seemed to come until Ponting brought on part timer Simon Katich who accounted for Salman butt and Debutant Sarfraz Ahmed within two overs.

Australia looked all set to enforce the follow on when Pakistan were reeling at 248 for 9. However, the last wicker pair of Umar Gul and Mohd. Asif put on a 50 run stand thus putting enough doubt into Ponting’s mind about the follow on. The Australian pacers were far too short to the tail-enders especially with a new cherry in hand.

After the second day’s play Ponting was quite intent on enforcing the follow on. However, the last wicket partnership took its toll on the Australian seamers as they took a 106 Overs to bowl out Pakistan. In spite of the two major partnerships in the day Pakistan’s batting left a lot to be desired.

Pakistan are missing a number 3; Pakistan are missing YOUNIS KHAN. Ponting then decided to have a bat although the weather forecast over the next couple of days isn’t too good; thus ensuring the match will last five days. Australia lost Shane Watson to early in the mix leaving the score at 1 for 1.

A rare flop for Watson who has had a wonderful season with the bat. Ponting (25*) and Katich (33*) batted through to stumps leaving Australia in a commanding position at the start of day4. The surface looks a good one to bat on as shown by the inability of the Australian bowlers to clean up the tail.

Australia must declare with a sizeable lead between Lunch and tea tomorrow if they want to complete a whitewash. They must consider the unpredictability of the Pakistan batting line-up and the trueness of the surface. The fourth day’s play promises to be an intriguing one.

Ricky Ponting and Michael Clarke continued on their merry ways as play resumed on Day 2 of the 3rd test match at the Bellerive Oval. The duo started the day with Australia in an imposing position at 302 for 3.

The Australian dominance continued as they built up a 352 run partnership with Ricky Ponting scoring his fifth double century (209) and Michael Clarke making his highest test score. (166)

Ponting resuming on his overnight score of 137 looked flawless but was let off again when he drove Kaneria and the ball flew through Farhat’s hands at cover.

Just like the first day; Day 2 also belonged to Australia and the duo of Ponting and Clarke were instrumental in ensuring so. The partnership finally ended when Clarke padded up the wrong line to Kaneria which saw his off stump knocked back.

Pakistan prolonged with their negative line of bowling wide outside the line of off stump; eventually getting the better of Ricky Ponting who slashed at one only to spoon it to his opposite number at cover.

Ponting seemed relentless on Pakistan not just with his batting but kept them on the field for a 143 Overs before he finally declared with Australia having piled up a massive 519 for 8.

Pakistan started off steadily with the opening combination of Salman Butt and Imran Farhat putting on a rare 50 partnership before Imran Farhat succumbed to a Peter Siddle delivery.

Farhat (38) drove away from his body only to be caught behind by Brad Haddin. Pakistan’s Make shift no.3 Khurram Manzoor who was brought in for this match failed to score as peter Siddle accounted for him four balls later.

He attempted to play a drive away from his body and was caught by Ponting chest height at second slip. A very lose shot for an opener (slotted in at no.3) especially an out of form one who was playing his first match in 48 days.

The wickets were much needed more so for Siddle than Australia who had an average of 68 before he pouched these two wickets.

The skipper Mohammad Yousuf was third to go when after a push through mid off he ran hard for the third but was refused late by a overly-casual Butt eventually leading to being run-out at the striker’s hand. Unfortunately for Yousuf it was Mitchell Johnson with his rocket arm chasing the ball.

Pakistan’s frustrations continued when Umar Akmal who took off for a single was sent back only to walk back to the pavilion. At the end of the day Pakistan were down and out at 94 for 4 with Salman Butt and Shoaib Malik at the crease.

Pakistan are still 425 runs adrift Australia and need another 225 to avoid follow on. Australia expectedly should come hard on Pakistan tomorrow morning as Ponting would want to ensure the follow on with the forecast being a bit jittery and considering that the Australian team are on a two month break from tests.

Ricky Ponting roared back to form with a superlative double hundred and Michael Clarke registered his highest Test score of 166 as Australia looked set to hand another whitewash to the helpless, self-destructive Pakistanis, two days into the third and final Test at the Bellerive Oval in Hobart.

Replying to Australia’s mammoth first-innings score of 519 for 8 declared, Pakistan kicked themselves in the foot to have themselves struggling at 94 for 4 at the end of the day’s play. Things looked slightly positive when Imran Farhat and Salman Butt added 63 for the opening wicket. But everyone, including the Pakistanis themselves, knew that this was just the calm before the storm.

The destruction mode was set into action when Farhat, on 38, chased a wide delivery from Peter Siddle, who has been Australia’s least effective bowler in the series.

The result was a simple catch, accepted gleefully behind the wickets. In the same over, Khurram Manzoor, the new number three for Pakistan was also sent back by the Aussie pacer. Manzoor, went for a cut shot way too early in his innings and only managed to slice one into the slips.

With two wickets down, Pakistan were already in the doldrums. But the sorry part was that the worst hadn’t yet arrived. The last two dismissals of the day must have undoubtedly given Butt a horribly sleepless night.

Skipper Mohammad Yousuf wanted an extra run and was rather adamant about it. However, Butt had other ideas and simply refused to complete the run. The end result – Yousuf was stranded short of his crease for just 7.

Not surprisingly, he left only after a long stare at Butt which literally translated into – how dare you do that to me? But , Butt wasn’t done! He meted out similar treatment to Pakistan’s best batsman in the series, Umar Akmal.

The talented youngster wanted a single. However, while Butt responded initially, he back-tracked at the last minute and Akmal had nowhere to go but head back to the pavilion.

If Pakistan want to make a come back into the game now, Butt will have to play a miraculous knock with plenty of help from the others. But for that, he will first need to get over the horrendous mix-ups.

Before the Australian bowlers, it was the Ponting-Clarke duo that made it Australia’s day. The duo, which had come together after the Aussies had lost three early wickets, ended up adding 352 runs for the fourth wicket.

This was Australia’s sixth-highest partnership for any wicket in Tests. Runs came thick and fast. The Pakistani fielders once again aided the Aussie batsmen. Ricky Ponting, who was dropped by Mohammad Aamer on naught on the opening day, got another reprieve on 167, when Farhat dropped a chance at cover. The miss only epitomized Pakistan’s woes.

The grand Clarke-Ponting stand finally ended when Danish Kaneria cleaned up Clarke from around the wickets, the batsman padding up. Ponting left after scoring 209, caught by Yousuf in the cover off Aamer while trying to up the ante.

Brad Haddin and Marcus North notched up cameos before Australia declared and the bowlers took over. Ponting knew he had enough to trouble Pakistan. And he was proved exactly right.