24 Jul 2010

Aussie fight back to stay alive in second test

6:05 am on 24 July 2010

Steven Smith scored a maiden half-century as his late assault on the Pakistan bowling helped Australia set a competitive target of 180 for Pakistan to win the second cricket test at Headingley.

Australia were bowled out for 349 on the stroke of tea on the third day as number eight batter Smith butchered 77 runs in 100 balls.

The battling effort, after they were dismissed for a 26-year low 88 in the first innings, has given Australia genuine hope of an eighth straight test win.