On the third day of the primary Take a look at in Perth, Usman Khawaja and Steve Smith showcased outstanding resilience, extending Australia’s lead and firmly placing them in management in opposition to Pakistan.
The veteran spinner, Nathan Lyon, stood on the point of a historic milestone, requiring only one extra wicket to succeed in the coveted 500-mark. Because the day concluded with Australia at 84/2, their lead swelled to an imposing 300, following the conclusion of Pakistan first innings for 271 in response to Australia’s first innings rating of 487.
Usman Khawaja and Steve Smith’s resilience steers Australia in the direction of dominance
Of their second essay Australia confronted early setbacks with the departure of first-innings centurion David Warner for a duck. Warner’s mistimed pull shot off Khurram Shahzad resulted in a simple catch for Imam-ul-Haq. Marnus Labuschagne additionally fell cheaply, courtesy of Shahzad’s skillful torment, leaving Australia reeling at 5/2.
Nonetheless, Khawaja and Smith showcased resilience, forging an unbeaten 79-run partnership, setting the stage for a possible declaration on day 4. This partnership not solely stabilized Australia’s innings however additional heightened the strain on Pakistan, diminishing their probabilities of a comeback within the Take a look at.
Pakistan’s battle in opposition to Australia’s bowling prowess
Earlier, resuming at 132/2, Pakistan confronted the formidable problem of Australia’s top-class bowling assault. Opening batter Haq, beginning on 38, and debutant nightwatchman Shahzad, with a mere seven runs, took on the relentless Australian bowlers. Sadly, Shahzad’s debut was transient as Pat Cummins dismantled his stumps with a exact and full-length supply within the opening over.
Additionally WATCH: AUS vs PAK: Mitchell Starc bamboozles Sarfaraz Ahmed’s stumps earlier than Australia bowls out Pakistan for 271
Battle from Babar Azam and Imam-ul-haq
Babar Azam, a pivotal participant in his fiftieth Take a look at, cautiously confronted 13 deliveries earlier than elegantly breaking free with a canopy drive off Cummins. Regardless of the difficult situations on a sun-baked pitch, Azam strategically accrued runs, including one other boundary in Cummins’ subsequent over. In the meantime, Haq persevered, attaining a hard-fought milestone along with his first Take a look at 50 in Australia, taking 161 balls to succeed in the feat with a single off Lyon.
Mitchell Marsh triggers Pakistan’s collapse
The turning level got here when Mitchell Marsh entered the assault, swiftly eradicating Azam for 21 as the previous captain edged a supply to wicketkeeper Alex Carey. This triggered a mini-collapse, with Haq succumbing to a stumping for 62 when Lyon returned to the assault. Charging down the wicket, Haq’s lapse in focus allowed Carey to execute a swift stumping. Sarfaraz Ahmed endured a quick six-ball stint, falling sufferer to Mitchell Starc‘s swinging supply that despatched the stumps flying.
After lunch, the introduction of the brand new ball by Australia proved impactful, with Josh Hazlewood delivering a top quality bouncer that led to Saud Shakeel’s dismissal as he lobbed the ball to Warner at slip. Shakeel departed for 28, and Faheem Ashraf adopted for 9, caught low by Khawaja at sq. leg off Cummins.
Nathan Lyon nears historic milestone
The standout performer among the many Australian bowlers was veteran spinner Lyon, securing figures of three/66. Lyon’s watch for a historic milestone continued as he concluded the day with 499 wickets, setting the stage for a possible entry into the elite membership of bowlers. Lyon’s return noticed Aamer Jamal stumped by Carey, and Travis Head’s part-time spin accounted for Shaheen Shah Afridi, additional highlighting Australia’s dominance with each bat and ball within the Take a look at.
Additionally READ: Australia veteran Nathan Lyon opens up on his retirement plans amidst Pakistan Assessments
Right here’s how Twitter reacted:
Nathan Lyon 499* @NathLyon421 pic.twitter.com/O8KvA7h475
— Rashid Latif | 🇵🇰 (@iRashidLatif68) December 16, 2023
A horrible day for Pakistan. From 133/2 to 271 all out. Fairly just a few poor photographs resulting in comfortable dismissals.
Australia now 300 forward, it will take a miracle to avoid wasting this match#AUSvPAK #Cricket
— Saj Sadiq (@SajSadiqCricket) December 16, 2023
“498 wickets from the large man” says Wasim Akram on Nathan Lyon. There it’s Gaz, the best praise you possibly can get – the legend Wasim calling you large man is epic. #AUSvPAK
— Roy Ward (@rpjward) December 16, 2023
Babar Azam these days, surviving Cummins, Starc, Hazelwood, Lyon and getting out to Marsh !! He isn’t doing justice along with his class and particularly along with his followers. 💔 #PAKvAUS #PAKvsAUS #AUSvsPAK #AUSvPAK pic.twitter.com/zYUPRmBvZx
— Irfan Baloch (@Irrfan_Baloch) December 16, 2023
David Warner gone for Duck. 🦆
Khurram Shahzad you magnificence Bhai. pic.twitter.com/Ihkhdt6u4D
— Nawaz 🇵🇰 (@Rnawaz31888) December 16, 2023
Usman Khawaja and Steve Smith take Australia’s result in 300
Scorecard: https://t.co/rlybjCri2W#UsmanKhawaja #SteveSmith #AUSvPAK #cricket #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/aEaKmGfx7G— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) December 16, 2023
Typical Pakistani batting collapse after Babar Azam check match to warfare gya 😭#AUSvsPAK #AUSvPAK #PAKvsAUS pic.twitter.com/9N9sgYq9rd
— Mateen Ullah (@MateenUllah14) December 16, 2023
Got here to the crease at 5/2 Khawaja was struggling at different finish, however Smith did what he does greatest, take up the strain, that’s why he’s the best downside solver within the World. 🐐 pic.twitter.com/ZhrgDVy0gM
— Lubana Warriors (@LovepreetS49) December 16, 2023
Smith and Khawaja regular the ship after a rocky begin
A 50-run stand for the pair 🤝#AUSvPAK
— Saad Raheel (@SaadRaheel20) December 16, 2023
Khurram Shahzad having the time of his life. He has thus far dismissed Steve Smith, Mitch Marsh, David Warner (for a duck) and Marnus Labuschagne.
That could be a dream debut.
— Shafqat Shabbir (@Chefkat23) December 16, 2023
Stumps on Day Three 🏏
Australia prolong their result in 300 runs after Khurram Shahzad’s double-blow.#AUSvPAK pic.twitter.com/UiTJgqSDZc
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) December 16, 2023
