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Sydney win a spur

Sydney win a spur

07/22/2010 06:46:39 PM

Shane Watson believes the memories of Australia's remarkable Sydney Test win over Pakistan earlier this year could help his side as it aims to pull off a similarly unlikely success in the second Test at Headingley.

Watson's career-best figures of six for 33 helped Australia storm back into the match on the second day on Thursday, after it had been skittled for 88 yesterday.

Pakistan was bowled out for 258 midway through the day, a lead of 170, however, that advantage had been reduced to 34 runs by the close after an unbeaten stand of 81 between Ricky Ponting (61 not out) and Michael Clarke (32no) for the third wicket.

Australia's fightback evoked memories of that Sydney success in January when it was bowled out for 127 and, after conceding a 206-run lead, completed a stunning 36-run win on the final day.

"We have seen it before and it may bring back some memories for Pakistan of the Test match in Sydney a few months ago," the 29-year-old all-rounder said.

"They know our fighting spirit as a team from how we were able to turnaround that Test match. I think that will start to creep into their minds over the next day or so, especially with Ricky and Michael batting very nicely at the moment.

"We know there is still plenty of hard work to go in this Test match and hopefully we can continue to do that over the next couple of days and get the result like we did in Sydney."

Watson has been an unlikely wicket-taker in the series after he took his first Test five-wicket haul in the 150-run win in the opening Test at Lord's last week.

His wicket-to-wicket style has proved the most threatening of Australia's seam bowlers, raising concerns about the effectiveness of his front-line team-mates.

Doug Bollinger and Mitchell Johnson have both struggled so far in the series, taking just two wickets apiece, but Watson said he was not concerned by their lack of wickets.

"Not really. I have just been lucky the conditions have just suited me a little bit better," he said.

"I haven't been surprised as the conditions have swung about a bit which helps me or Ben [Hilfenhaus] more than it helps Mitchell or Doug who bowl the ball a little bit quicker.

"It was just my turn today."

While content with his own bowling Watson admitted some frustration after missing out with the bat again.

He managed 24 before chopping onto his own stumps off the part-time medium pace of Umar Amin, to leave him with a series average of just 16.

"My mind was on scoring runs before the series but unfortunately it hasn't been my time in the past two Tests," he said.

"The conditions have been really nice to try and swing the ball. It has worked out for my bowling and when that happens it's really nice.

"I'd love to contribute really well with the ball and with the bat, there's no doubt about that.

"It has been disappointing not to contribute with the bat like I really wanted to. The next step is to put them together in a game."

Pakistan coach Waqar Younis believes the game is evenly poised and while he admitted the situation was similar to Sydney, he would not be bringing that Test up with his players.

"It's even at the moment. We didn't really pick up too

 
Photograph Copyright : Getty Images
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