Australia build lead over Pakistan in Hobart

AUSTRALIA'S bid for a record-equalling 12th successive Test victory against Pakistan is at the mercy of Hobart's notoriously fickle weather as well as a flat Bellerive pitch after skipper Ricky Ponting surprisingly elected not to enforce the follow-on on day three.

Australia ended day three at 59 for one – with Shane Watson the man out for one – an overall lead of 277 with two days remaining.

A victory by Australia here would equal the world record for most Test wins in a row against the same opponent – 12 currently held by Sri Lanka against Bangladesh – as Australia look to complete their fourth successive 3-0 whitewash against Pakistan.