Cricket: Skipper puts Aussies in driving seat

Ricky Ponting's fifth double-century, a double Peter Siddle breakthrough and two calamitous run-outs yesterday set Australia on the path to a record 12th straight test win over Pakistan.

The tourists went to stumps on the second day in dire straits at 94 for four in reply to 519 for eight declared, after Ponting and Michael Clarke amassed a 352-run stand in the third test at Bellerive Oval.

The Tasmanian's 209 now stands as the record test score in Hobart, surpassing Kumar Sangakarra's 192 two years ago.

Clarke's 166 eclipsed his 151 on test debut against India.

The pair's nine-hour stand ended when the vice-captain misjudged a Danish Kaneria leg-spinner.

But Pakistan's pain of watching Australia's leaders take the game away from them was nothing compared with when their two most dangerous batsmen were needlessly run out.

Salman Butt (34 not out) was the villain for both, as captain Mohammad Yousuf (7) and Umar Akmal (8) were dismissed in a 4-21 collapse.

Looking for a third run from a straight drive, Yousuf was sent back late by Butt and was caught short by a throw by Mitchell Johnson.

Umar was also sent back too late to beat a Mike Hussey throw.

It undid all Butt's good work with Imran Farhat (38) after they resolutely produced a 63-run first-wicket stand.

It was Siddle who started the dramatic afternoon stumble. The Victorian took two wickets in four balls by having Farhat caught behind and Khurrum Manzoor edging to Ponting at second slip for a duck.

HOW THEY STAND

Australia
First innings - 519-8dec

Pakistan
First innings - 94-4

- AAP