As he reflected on Australia's taut 41-run victory over Pakistan, Steve Waugh admitted that bad weather may have saved his side from a shock defeat. Rain wiped out the final session on the fourth day, when Pakistan were 179 for 3 and in the ascendancy against a rattled Australian side.

"The rain probably helped us and allowed us to regroup for the final day," Waugh said. "With our bowlers fresh, it was never going to be easy for Pakistan to score the remaining 137 runs.

"We felt the Pakistanis were a bit pensive this morning and we knew we had to tighten the screws with a few quick wickets. Warney did that at the start. It was a gamble going for the new ball but I realised Warne was a bit tired."

It was a decision which turned the match. Armed with the second new ball, Glenn McGrath and Jason Gillespie picked up the last five wickets for 32 runs to give the Aussies victory.

Waugh's opposite number Waqar Younis said he was proud of the way his young team had fought the world champions right to the end.

"The younger players stood up in a crisis and that is a good sign for Pakistan," Waqar said. "I think we have a very good chance to stage a comeback at Sharjah where the remaining two Tests will be played."

Both captains were full of praise for Shoaib Akhtar, whose devastating spell of five wickets in 15 balls on the third day threw the match wide open.

"It was one of the great spells of fast bowling," said Waugh, who went second ball for 0. "When a bowler comes at you at 150km an hour and reverse swings the ball, there is bound to be trouble. I think Pakistan should be pleased with the way they played and fought back. I expect a hard series in Sharjah where conditions suit Pakistan."

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