Australia take charge

Shane Watson hit his first Test century as Australia set Pakistan a daunting total of 422 to win the opening Test in Melbourne after today’s fourth day.



The all-rounder was unbeaten on 120 when Ricky Ponting declared Australia’s second innings on 225 for 8.



Left-arm seamer, Mohammad Aamer was the pick of the bowlers, collecting his first five-wicket Test haul with 5 for 79.



Salman Butt 33 and Faisal Iqbal 48 made useful starts as Pakistan finished the day on 170 for 3 with Mohammad Yousuf 45 and Umar Akmal 27 unbeaten.



The pair shared a 54-run fourth-wicket partnership in the final session, but will need to occupy the crease for most of the final day to stand a chance of overhauling a world record fourth innings target.



West Indies currently hold the record, successfully chasing down 418 to defeat Australia in Antigua in 2003.



Scores in the game so far are Australia 454 for 5 declared and 225 for 8 declared, Pakistan 258 and 170 for 3.