The Hindu : Sport : The Australian juggernaut rolls on

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Thursday, Dec 30, 2004

Sport

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The Australian juggernaut rolls on

MELBOURNE, DEC. 29. Australia thrashed Pakistan by nine wickets on Wednesday, becoming the first nation to notch 300 Test wins and capturing a record fifth series for the calendar year.

Ricky Ponting clobbered the winning runs with a six off Danish Kaneria, remaining unbeaten on 62 when Australia achieved the required 126 runs for victory with four full sessions to spare in the second cricket Test.

``It's another great win for us, another great series win,'' said Ponting. ``This side keeps rolling on and keeps breaking records. It's a great team to be a part of at the moment.''

Opener Matthew Hayden, dropped on 11, remained unbeaten on 56 when Australia finished at 127 for one.

Justin Langer (5) was the only Australian wicket to fall in the chase. The leading Test run-maker in 2004 was caught behind off Mohammad Sami with the total at 11.

Langer finished with 1,481 runs in the calendar year, 22 runs behind Ponting's Australian record of 1,503 — set in 2003.

This series win against Pakistan follows triumphs at home and abroad against Sri Lanka, the first series win in India in 35 years and a home defeat of New Zealand.

Australia has played 662 Tests with 300 wins, 176 losses, 184 draws and 2 ties. England is next with 288 victories from 829 Tests.

Injury worries

Pakistan had some chances in both Perth and Melbourne, but struggled with injuries, with some lacklustre batting and without a quality change bowler.

Glenn McGrath picked up two wickets within 13 balls to wipe out Pakistan's tail as the touring side was dismissed for 163 after resuming on Wednesday — the fourth of five scheduled days — at 85 for five.

Just as in Perth, Pakistan had the Australians in trouble in the first innings before its depleted bowling attack let them off the hook.

Pakistan toiled with just three regular bowlers after ailing all-rounders Abdul Razzaq and Shoaib Malik were forced out of the attack.

``Turning up to the ground on Tuesday morning, the game was still in the balance. Pakistan probably had their noses slightly in front,'' Ponting said. ``Once again, as I've said for a long time, when we've been in trouble we've tended to play our best cricket, and we did that again.

The end was similar in Melbourne, but Pakistan coach Bob Woolmer said there was a gulf between performances in the Test matches. ``It was a much more positive attitude,'' he said. ``We had some injuries during the game that you can't do anything about (and) it meant Australia was able to dominate eventually. But, I thought it was a terrific performance. After Perth, I think it was fantastic.'' Malik (split webbing), Razzaq (dizziness and shortness of breath) and Sami (serious bruising and bleeding to his heel), are in doubt for the third Test in Sydney. Razzaq went back to hospital . — AP

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