The door is ajar

Here in Sydney, it might seem odd to back a team that is down by 204 runs in the first innings but for the time being, that is what I'm going to do. Pakistan have let Australia back into the game by failing to drive home the advantage from 205-2. Losing eight wickets for 128 runs is not a smart thing to do. Australia will not bat as badly as they did in the first innings (Ponting, North, Hussey and Haddin played some truly bizarre shots). And Pakistan will not like chasing anything more 150.

Some crucial factors for me: 1) Will Ponting score a big ton and lead by example? 2) Will Hauritz continue to turn the ball? 3) Will Australia hold their catches? (Gee, will Pakistan hold theirs in the Aus second innings?) 4) If chasing a smallish target, say 165-175, will Umar Akmal suddenly make it all look easy by blasting a rapid 70?

I'm off to the SCG tomorrow for the fourth day's play. Hopefully, the weather and the players will co-operate, for it should be a cracker.