Watson magic puts Australia in commanding position | Thebigtip

Asif, Gul revive Pakistan hopes - from foxsports.com.au

Pacemen Mohammad Asif and Umar Gul have kept Pakistan in the first Test with a flurry of late wickets at Lord's when it looked like Australia might run away with the game.

Ricky Ponting's men marched to a powerful position at 0-61 in their second innings on day two before Asif (2-30) and Gul (2-7) reduced Australia to 4-100 by stumps.

Australia still hold a 205-run lead with Simon Katich (49no) and nightwatchman Mitchell Johnson (2no) unbeaten following a day in which 15 wickets fell.

After dismissing Australia for 253, Shane Watson (5-40) claimed career-best figures as Pakistan succumbed for 148 with Salman Butt (63) producing the only innings of note.

For his efforts, Watson will have his name added to a new honours board in the visiting side's rooms at the famed north London ground.

"Definitely no doubt I am still struggling to get my head around it to be honest,'' said Watson.

The opening batsman said he had been working hard on his bowling, believing it had not been up to scratch in recent months.

Watson was not even used as a bowler in his past four international matches on this tour before his telling performance.

"My pace has probably dropped a little bit,'' he said.

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