By David Di Somma
Australia has wrapped up the Boxing Day test against Pakistan, with nearly two sessions in hand.
Pakistan needed a further 252 runs today, but succumbed meekly, as two Australian bowlers took centre stage with wickets in consecutive deliveries.
Starting at 107 for three, any hopes Pakistan had of winning, or even saving, the test disappeared in the opening over of the day.
It would be the first of two hat-trick attempts the Australians would have in the first session.
Kamran Akmal survived that, and tried to consolidate the innings – along with captain Mohammed Yousuf.
But after being hit for six, off-spinner Nathan Hauritz would too make his impact on the game, and as the off-spinner went for his hat-trick, all 10 players huddled around the bat.
A double straight after lunch gave Hauritz his first five wicket return in test cricket.
Fittingly it was Shane Watson who made the final catch – his double of 93 and 120 not out making him ‘man of the match’.
“To be my first Boxing test was great, and to perform well has been a nice bonus,” Watson says.
The victory was also Ricky Ponting’s 42nd as captain – the most of anyone in the history of the game.
“I’m really proud of the way we played – we made our chances and I couldn’t be happier,” he says.
He has now played in 93 test wins – which is also a record, as the sides now head to Sydney for the second test.
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