Aussies in trouble

AUSTRALIA was edging closer to defeat late on day four of the first Test against Pakistan in Dubai last night.

After Pakistan declared its second innings at 181-6 for an overall lead of 461 runs, Australia got off to a promising start in the chase thanks to openers Aaron Finch (49) and Usman Khawaja (37 not out).

But Finch’s dismissal with the score on 87 sparked an alltoo-familiar collapse, with Shaun Marsh and brother Mitchell both falling for ducks to leave Australia at 3-88.

Spinner Jon Holland took 3-83 with the ball for the hosts.