Plays of the Day from the fourth day of the first Test between Australia and Pakistan

It may be nothing but a late swish against the inevitability of time, but Misbah-ul-Haq's defiant innings, sandwiched between two vibrant flushes of youth, gave the day a nice touch.

Pakistan's failings with the bat in Melbourne have prompted the team management to send out an SOS for Younis Khan

Pakistan must have many more moments with Umar Akmal and Mohammad Aamer at the centre if they are to stand a chance in the series.

Plays of the day for the third day of the second Test between Australia and Pakistan at the MCG

Through the 2000s the BCCI has seen its power grow exponentially with its bank balance, and the rest of cricket has fallen in line, whether by choice or under duress

Pakistan's ever-nervy batting line-up was left to rue another poor display that left their side in considerable trouble at the end of the second day at the MCG

Pakistan must overcome the fear of playing in Australia by displaying more aggression if they wish to meet with any success in the series

Plays of the day for the second day of the second Test between Australia and Pakistan at the MCG

Pakistan's plans to test Ricky Ponting's elbow with short-pitched bowling were scuppered by an MCG surface, according to Mohammad Asif

If there is ever a day worse in than others in Pakistan's context to drop catches it is probably on the first day of a series against Australia in Australia

A nervy newbie, wonky selection, Farhat's form and two more missed tons - presenting the plays of the day from the MCG

Pakistan are seriously pondering the prospect of playing two spinners against Australia in the Boxing Day Test at the MCG

For the first time in nearly 15 years, Pakistan have their best chance to do anything other than be thrashed by Australia

Steven Smith, the Australian legspinner, is eager to make a mark if given an opportunity to play on Boxing Day against Pakistan

Ricky Ponting is likely to continue his streak of not having missed a Test for Australia since October 2004, after his left elbow showed no ill effects from two days of batting in the nets ahead of the Boxing Day Test

Non-contracted Pakistan players hoping to be in the next IPL auction will have to contact the league directly to be put into the pool for the next edition of the league

The IPL opened its doors a little to players from Pakistan once again, though it was made more difficult for the four players with suspended contracts to take part in the league's next edition

Four Pakistan players have been cleared for Indian visas by the Indian ministry of external affairs, possibly paving the way for their return to the IPL next season

It would be a shame for this series to end with a stalemate run-fest, even if you suspect strongly that neither side - unused to winning of late - will mind that too much