Ricky Ponting has become only the second batsman in history to score 12,000 Test runs as he led Australia's recovery in the second and final Test against Pakistan at Headingley of England, local media reported on Friday. 'Another career-best bowling performance from Shane Watson, combined with Ricky Ponting's resolute leadership with the bat, has dragged Australia back into contention - favoritism, according to bookmakers - in the second Test,' The Australian Associated Press reported on Friday. Australia was two for 136 in its second innings, just 34 behind, when bad light forced an early close on the second day on Thursday. The Australia captain Ponting was 61 not out - the first fifty of the match on either side - and Michael Clarke 32 not out following a wicket-less final session. 'Ponting's innings saw him get the 40 runs he needed to join India great Sachin Tendulkar as the only other batsman to have broken through the 12,000 Test runs barrier,' ABC reported on Friday. His stand with Clarke was worth 81 - almost as many as Australia made when dismissed for just 88 in a dramatic first innings collapse. Australia had been 170 behind on first innings after Pakistan made 258. According to ABC, all-rounder Shane Watson also took six for 33 runs in 11 overs - the second time in as many matches he had taken Test-best figures - as Pakistan failed to bat Australia out of the game. Australia has won its last 13 Tests against Pakistan and in January triumphed by 36 runs at Sydney despite a first innings deficit of 206. But Pakistan coach Waqar Younis insisted his team still had every chance of breaking a losing streak against Australia dating back to 1995. 'It's sort of even at the moment,' the former Pakistan fast bowler said. 'We've still got 34 runs to play with and if we can pick up a couple of wickets early on (Friday), we can swing the match back in our favor. 'Under 200 is still chase-able on this pitch.' Younis praised Ponting's landmark innings. 'You've got to give him credit, 12,000 runs, he's a class act and a danger-man for us,' Younis told ABC. Australia 88 and 2-136 versus Pakistan 258 at Headingley, Leeds of England on Thursday. 