PERTH, Dec 10: Pakistan were facing an uphill battle in their final hit-out before next week's Test after falling 138 runs behind Western Australia at stumps on the second day of their four-day match on Friday.

After being dismissed in its first innings for 262, Pakistan struggled in the field against the host state which clocked up 404-9 declared in reply at the Western Australian Cricket Association ground.

In their second innings Pakistan had faced just one over for four runs with Salman Butt on three and Imran Farhat yet to score the not-out batsmen. The world's fastest bowler Shoaib Akhtar with 2-41 from 17 overs was one of the best in an otherwise lacklustre Pakistan bowling attack which conceded 384 runs during the three sessions.

But even he was unconvincing, appearing lethargic at various stages late in the afternoon and bowling only in short spells before being rested midway between the tea break and stumps.

His fast bowling partner Mohammad Sami was generating good pace on the bouncy wicket but was used into the breeze for many of his 17 overs on Friday while the slower all-rounder Abdul Razzaq bowled downwind.

When he was given a chance to bowl from the other end, Sami made the breakthrough his team desperately needed when he had Marcus North caught behind after lunch to end a 166-run partnership with Michael Hussey.

Part-time spinner Imran Farhat who was brought on to try and break up a middle order partnership between Shaun Marsh and Ryan Campbell finished with Pakistan's best figures of 2-30 off eight overs.

Hussey crafted an innings of 124 and seldom looked troubled as he smacked 14 fours and one six. At one stage he and North took 32 runs off two overs by Razzaq and Sami. Afterwards he was complimentary about the Pakistan attack saying Akhtar had been concentrating on line and length rather than pure speed.

"I think there's some good signs there," Hussey said. "Sami I think could be a very good bowler ... he used the new ball very well and had us in a bit of trouble at times and Shoaib (Akhtar) bowled well at times as well.

Hussey said leg spinner Danish Kaneria was an outstanding prospect, despite finishing with figures of 3-133 off 34 overs. But Hussey said he wasn't sure about the depth of the Pakistan bowling line-up which needed more support for the three bowlers he had singled out.

Western Australia had started the day at 20 for one and it was the partnership between Hussey and Marcus North which carried them to the comfort zone after they had lost two wickets in the morning session to be 140 for 3 at lunch.

North finished with 79 while wicket keeper Ryan Campbell notched 49 in quick time and Chris Rogers made 46. For Pakistan, Sami proved costly with figures of 1-104 from 19 overs which included 10 no balls while Razzaq was belted for 76 for one off 13 overs.

SCOREBOARD