Swing bowler Mohammad Asif's spell of three wickets in seven balls tilted day one of the first Test in Pakistan's favour, as Australia collapsed to 229 for nine at Lord's before bad light stopped play on Tuesday (July 13th).
Australia were in a promising position at 171 for two just before tea, but lost seven wickets for just 51 runs in 23 overs as Asif (three for 53) and new-ball partner Mohammad Aamer (three for 66) impressed in bowler-friendly, overcast conditions in London.
Play started 90 minutes behind schedule for the first MCC 'Spirit of Cricket' Test match between hosts Pakistan and Australia at Lord's on Tuesday.
Shahid Afridi won the toss and elected to bowl on a green-top wicket in overcast conditions. But Shane Watson soon had a good measure of Mohammad Asif.
But the 19-year-old Mohammed Aamer, Asif's fellow opening bowler, got his prized wicket with a beauty.
Ricky Ponting had some unsteady moments but the Australian skipper recovered enough to go past Brian Lara's record - and assume the mantle of the second highest run-scorer in Tests after surpassing the 11,953-run mark.
But Aamer persisted and a brilliant catch at short leg by debutante Umer Amin dismissed Ponting for 26. New man Michael Clarke looked sure and solid as he dealt with the Pakistani bowling attack.
While, at the other end, Simon Katich was playing his typical patient knock and notched his 23rd Test half-century. Clarke, who faced problems with Asif, was then a little unlucky to be adjudged l.b.w. with the ball seeming to leave the leg stump.
On 47, he had missed out on his 19th half-century and Australia lost their third wicket with the last ball before tea. The tea break seemed to have inspired Mohammad Asif as he produced another beauty to end the resistance of Katich.
Marcus North, playing in his 16th Test match, then failed to deal with Asif who scattered the stumps as North fell for a three-ball duck. 174 for five, and Australia had lost three wickets in the space of three runs.
Undeterred by the loss of partners, Michael Hussey then heaved Danish Kaneria over mid-wicket. But Tim Paine, Steven Smith - both making their debuts - and Mitchell Johnson all then departed in quick succession.
Aamer, who bowled brilliantly the whole day, then came in for the kill and removed the unsteady Ben Hilfenhaus with ease.
With bad light present for the third time during the day, the umpires called for the end of play with Australia on 229 for nine - Michael Hussey remaining unbeaten on 39 and Doug Bollinger on nought.
Scores on Tuesday at close after bad light stopped play on day one of the first test between Pakistan and Australia at Lord's: Australia 1st Innings: Shane Watson b Aamer 4, Simon Katich c K Akmal b Asif 80, Ricky Ponting c Amin b Aamer 26, Michael Clarke lbw b Asif 47, Mike Hussey not out 39, Marcus North b Asif 0, Tim Paine c K Akmal b Gul 7, Steven Smith lbw b Kaneria 1, Mitchell Johnson b Kaneria 3, Ben Hilfenhaus b Aamer 1, Doug Bollinger not out 0, Extras: (2lb, 10b, 8nb, 1w) 21 TOTAL: (for 9 wickets) 229
