Cricket: Waugh leads Australian run glut: Pakistan bowlers struggle to contain middle order on easing wicket

Australia 521-9; Pakistan 48-1

AUSTRALIA, boosted by three century partnerships, increased their first-innings total to a commanding 521 for 9 declared in the second Test against Pakistan in Rawalpindi yersterday.

Pakistan made 48 in reply before the close of the second day but lost Saeed Anwar along the way for 15.

The left-hander was caught in the gully by Steve Waugh off the fast bowler, Craig McDermott, when the total was 28.

With solid middle-order batting spearheaded by Steve Waugh, who made 98, Australia declared shortly after tea. Continuing the hard work put in by their top-order batsmen, Waugh and the reliable Ian Healy added 109 for the sixth wicket in 133 minutes on a pitch that had eased out considerably.

The other century partnerships, as Australia attempted to avenge their one-wicket first Test defeat, involved the openers Michael Slater and Mark Taylor, the captain, with a record 176 and the fourth-wicket pair, Mark Waugh and Michael Bevan with 125.

Steve Waugh was unlucky to depart just two runs short of his eighth Test hundred in his 67th Test.

He was hit on the chest by a rising delivery from the fast bowler, Waqar Younis, and the ball rolled on to his stumps.

(Photograph omitted)