29 Dec 2009

Australia tighten grip in Boxing Day test

5:50 am on 29 December 2009

Australia have a firm grip on the first cricket test against Pakistan, in Melbourne.

The homeside is 111 for three in its second innings, an overall lead of 307.

Pakistan were dismissed on day three for 258, 196 runs adrift of Australia's first innings score of 454 for 5 declared.

The opener Shane Watson and Michael Clarke are currently at the crease on 64 and 21 not out respectively.

Watson, who scored 93 in the first innings, will look to push on to his maiden test hundred today.

No Australian batsmen have made it to three figures this Summer, but 21 half centuries have been scored.