Justin Langer's pursuit of Ricky Ponting's record for test runs in a calendar year took an unfortunate turn in Perth last night. The West Australian looked to be heading for back-to-back centuries in this test when he was bowled for 97 by Abdul Razzaq.
Not only did the dismissal rob him of the chance to raise his bat in front of his home crowd again, but it means he will have to bat well in the one remaining test of the year to overhaul Ponting's record of 1503 test runs in a year, achieved in 2003.
Langer's total now stands at 1429 with potentially two innings in Melbourne this year.
The only player to score more runs in a year than Ponting is West Indian great Viv Richards, who scored an incredible 1710 runs in 1976.
But Langer's dismissal, and Matthew Hayden earlier for 10, were but minor blips for Australia as they tightened the noose around a disappointing Pakistan.
By tea on the third day they were 247-2, a lead of 449, with Ponting at the wicket on 92 and Damien Martyn on 28.
- HERALD ON SUNDAY
Cricket: No record just yet for Langer
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