cricketrulz

Shane Watson's quest for a maiden Test century ended in an awful mix-up even as Australia dominated the first two sessions on the opening day of the Boxing Day Test against Pakistan at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Saturday.

Australia, who went to tea on 177 for no wicket, returned for the final session only to witness Watson walk back for 93 after he scampered for a single only to be left stranded by Simon Katich five runs later.

Pakistan, touring Australia on the back of a closely fought drawn Test series in New Zealand, were woeful on the field, dropping catches of both openers.

Australia, who won the toss and elected to bat at the MCG saw off a cautious first session adding 73 runs, before the two openers began scoring freely in the second.

Pakistan were missing the services of pace spearhead Umar Gul who was out injured. Abdur Rauf replaced him for the Test while off-spinner Saeed Ajmal was preferred over leg-spinner Danish Kaneria.

Australia, on the other hand, were boosted by captain Ricky Ponting's return to fitness while paceman Peter Siddle returned from injury to replace Clint McKay.