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Sunday, December 27, 2009

Pakistan fall for 258 after Misbah half-century



Australia's pacemen ruthlessly exposed the length and frailty of the Pakistani tail, claiming five wickets after lunch to terminate the tourists' first innings for 258. Pakistan's second session capitulation left them with a 196-run deficit, and facing an improbable task to stave off defeat.
Doug Bollinger proved the chief destroyer on Monday, reaping the rewards for probing lengths and attacking lines. His removal of Pakistan's stubborn nightwatchman, Mohammad Aamer, two deliveries after accepting the second new ball was a classic fast bowlers' dismissal - the batsman fending a short, snarling delivery to the body - and triggered a collapse in which Pakistan lost 5 for 99 in 18 overs.
Bollinger favoured a fuller length to remove Kamran Akmal and Abdur Rauf, both caught in the cordon attempting to push forward, showcasing a shrewd fast-bowling intellect to complement his bullyboy capabilities. In the space of just four Tests, Bollinger's overt aggression, tactical discipline and general consistency have pushed him to the front of Australia's pace queue, presenting selectors with a difficult task when Ben Hilfenhaus recovers from knee

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