Katich & Hilfenhaus Strengthens Australia's Hold on Pakistan

London: Simon Katich scored his second fifty of the match, while Hilfenhaus make is maiden Test fifty as Australia cemented their grip on the first Test against Pakistan at Lord's on Thursday.

Australia bowled out 334 in their second innings at tea on the third day, set a target of 440, as they chased a 13th straight Test victory over Pakistan.

Hilfenhaus was 56 not out and Katich caught behind on 83 on Umar Gul bowling, following his first innings 80.

Second time around, the left-handed opener had so far faced 174 balls balls with 14 boundaries in nearly four hours at the crease.

Tim Paine score 47 in his first Test. Australia, after a day where 15 wickets fell, resumed on 100 for four in their second innings - a lead of 205.

Katich was 49 not out and nightwatchman Mitchell Johnson two not out after medium-pacer Shane Watson, with a Test-best five wickets for 40 runs, had led the way as Pakistan were dismissed for 148 in reply to Australia's first innings 253.

If Pakistan's largely inexperienced top-order were to have a realistic target to chase, they badly needed their attack to take early wickets Thursday.

Conditions, as they had been throughout the match, were overcast and helpful to swing bowling but Katich and Johnson still compiled a fifth-wicket partnership of 52.

Johnson was the main aggressor, making 30m featuring five fours, before he was bowled by an inswinging full toss from Umar Gul that dipped sharply late in its flight to give the seamer his 100th wicket in his 27th Test.