Australia completed a remarkable 41-run victory over Pakistan in the first test on Monday after they were apparently down and out on the fifth and final day. A spell of express bowling by Shoaib Akhtar on Saturday, during which he took five wickets in 15 balls, appeared to swing the match irrevocably in Pakistan's favour.
Set 316 to win, Pakistan reached 179 for three on Sunday before rain again washed out the final session. They took their total to 248 for five on Monday before Steve Waugh turned to his fast bowlers Glenn McGrath and Jason Gillespie, who answered the call by scything through the lower order.
The remaining two tests in the series, which is being staged outside Pakistan because of security fears, will be played in Sharjah.
Filed by Sinéad Kissane
