Cricket: Australia wilt as Inzamam feasts
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Your support makes all the difference.A TYPICALLY belligerent century from Inzamam-ul-Haq put Pakistan in a dominant position in the Second Test against Australia here. Inzamam was unbeaten on 116 at the close of the third day, with Pakistan on 351 for 7, 327 runs ahead of the Australians.
"This hundred is important because of two reasons - because Australia are the top team in the world and it also could set up the match for us," Inzamam said. "We are all pumped up because Pakistan have never won a series in Australia. We think we're in with a chance."
Having lost the First Test in Brisbane by 10 wickets, the Pakistanis needed to bounce back quickly and, thanks to Inzamam - who was supported by 78 from Saeed Anwar and 82 from Ijaz Ahmed - they have done exactly that.
Inzamam came to the crease before lunch with Pakistan on 122 for 3 after the Australians, who led by 24 on the first innings, had picked up the wickets of nightwatchman Saqlain Mushtaq for eight and opener Anwar for 78.
He began cautiously but soon found his rhythm, and brought up his first Test hundred against Australia, and his eighth overall, 40 minutes before stumps when he worked Shane Warne through mid-wicket. His day's work spanned 272 minutes and 186 balls and featured 12 fours.
The only bright spot for Australia was the form of Shane Warne, who took three wickets, but the signs of wear in the pitch will only have encouraged off-spinner Saqlain, whose 6 for 46 in the first innings brought Pakistan back into the series. With rain forecast for Monday's final day, Inzamam said the Pakistanis would press on for quick runs on the fourth day and then go for an early declaration.
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