ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates: Australia was left staring at a second consecutive defeat after slumping to 239-8 at tea on day three of the second test against Pakistan on Saturday.
The tourists, already 1-0 down in the two-test series after losing the first in Dubai by 221 runs, are chasing Pakistan's first innings 570-6. Australia needs 131 more runs to avoid the follow-on at Sheikh Zayed Stadium.
Mitchell Marsh, playing only his second match for Australia, looked the most comfortable on a fair wicket and was rewarded with his first half century. The 23-year-old son of former Australian star Geoff Marsh was undefeated on 75 with tailender Peter Siddle on 23.
All four frontline bowlers took two wickets each for Pakistan, with leg-spinner Yasir Shah inflicting the most damage in the afternoon session with the wickets of Brad Haddin (10) and Mitchell Johnson (0).
But it was a brilliant delivery from Imran Khan that ended the best resistance from Australia. After putting together 64 for the sixth wicket with Marsh, captain Michael Clarke was dismissed on 47, completely foxed by Khan's delivery that pitched way outside the off stump and swung back to take his middle stump.
David Warner (19) was the first batsman to go Saturday morning, smashing a wide delivery from Ali straight into the hands of Yasir Shah at point. The opener could add only three runs to his overnight score of 16.
Glenn Maxwell, who came into the side at the expense of Alex Doolan, was deceived by Zulfiqar Babar when he stepped out once too often and was clean bowled for 37 which came in just 28 balls.
Nightwatchman Nathan Lyon vigil's came to an end on 15 when Rahat found a way through his forward defensive shot while Steve Smith did not have the time to settle down before he was trapped leg before wicket by Babar.
A draw or a win would give Pakistan a rare series win over Australia. Pakistan has beaten Australia five times before at home, but its last series victory came 20 years ago in 1994.
