Shane Watson targets unlikely win

ALL-rounder Shane Watson remains convinced Australia can pull off an unlikely victory over Pakistan in the second Test, reminding his team-mates of one of the darkest days in the nation's cricketing history.

Australia head into the fourth day at the SCG with a slender 80-run lead and with just two wickets in hand, tail-ender Peter Siddle (ten not out) at the crease with Mike Hussey (73no).

Watson believes his side, who trailed by 206 runs after the first innings, can still conjure up a miracle win if Siddle and Hussey are able to push the lead to around 150.

Pointing to South Africa's remarkable SCG victory in 1993/94 when the Proteas bowled Australia out for 111 chasing 117, the optimistic Watson can sense an unlikely escape route.

"It's obviously not the day that we were hoping for – it would have been nice to get at least 200 in front – but while Mike Hussey and Peter Siddle are there we still have a chance," he said.

"Best-case scenario, 150 would be a target, and if everything goes well and we bowl well, there's a chance we could give ourselves an opportunity to win the game.

"In '94, South Africa bowled us out us out for around 120 or less so we've got to still give ourselves a chance to be able to try and have a decent enough target to bowl at. The new ball's still seaming and bouncing and some are keeping a bit low, so there's still enough there for the bowlers."