The veteran spinner, Nathan Lyon, stood on the brink of a historic milestone, requiring just one more wicket to reach the coveted 500-mark. As 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 score of 487.
Usman Khawaja and Steve Smith’s resilience steers Australia towards dominance
In their second essay Australia faced 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 straightforward catch for Imam-ul-Haq. Marnus Labuschagne also fell cheaply, courtesy of Shahzad’s skillful torment, leaving Australia reeling at 5/2.
However, Khawaja and Smith showcased resilience, forging an unbeaten 79-run partnership, setting the stage for a potential declaration on day four. This partnership not only stabilized Australia’s innings but further heightened the pressure on Pakistan, diminishing their chances of a comeback in the Test.
Pakistan’s struggle against Australia’s bowling prowess
Earlier, resuming at 132/2, Pakistan faced the formidable challenge of Australia’s top-class bowling attack. Opening batter Haq, starting on 38, and debutant nightwatchman Shahzad, with a mere seven runs, took on the relentless Australian bowlers. Unfortunately, Shahzad’s debut was brief as Pat Cummins dismantled his stumps with a precise and full-length delivery in the opening over.
Also WATCH: AUS vs PAK: Mitchell Starc bamboozles Sarfaraz Ahmed’s stumps before Australia bowls out Pakistan for 271
Fight from Babar Azam and Imam-ul-haq
Babar Azam, a pivotal player in his 50th Test, cautiously faced 13 deliveries before elegantly breaking free with a cover drive off Cummins. Despite the challenging conditions on a sun-baked pitch, Azam strategically accumulated runs, adding another boundary in Cummins’ subsequent over. Meanwhile, Haq persevered, achieving a hard-fought milestone with his first Test 50 in Australia, taking 161 balls to reach the feat with a single off Lyon.
Mitchell Marsh triggers Pakistan’s collapse
The turning point came when Mitchell Marsh entered the attack, swiftly removing Azam for 21 as the former captain edged a delivery to wicketkeeper Alex Carey. This triggered a mini-collapse, with Haq succumbing to a stumping for 62 when Lyon returned to the attack. Charging down the wicket, Haq’s lapse in concentration allowed Carey to execute a swift stumping. Sarfaraz Ahmed endured a brief six-ball stint, falling victim to Mitchell Starc‘s swinging delivery that sent the stumps flying.
After lunch, the introduction of the new ball by Australia proved impactful, with Josh Hazlewood delivering a 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 followed for nine, caught low by Khawaja at square leg off Cummins.
Nathan Lyon nears historic milestone
The standout performer among the Australian bowlers was veteran spinner Lyon, securing figures of 3/66. Lyon’s wait for a historic milestone continued as he concluded the day with 499 wickets, setting the stage for a potential entry into the elite club of bowlers. Lyon’s return saw Aamer Jamal stumped by Carey, and Travis Head’s part-time spin accounted for Shaheen Shah Afridi, further highlighting Australia’s dominance with both bat and ball in the Test.
Also READ: Australia veteran Nathan Lyon opens up on his retirement plans amidst Pakistan Tests
Here’s how Twitter reacted:
Nathan Lyon 499* @NathLyon421 pic.twitter.com/O8KvA7h475
— Rashid Latif |(@iRashidLatif68) December 16, 2023
Babar Azam nowadays, surviving Cummins, Starc, Hazelwood, Lyon and getting out to Marsh !! He's not doing justice with his class and especially with his fans.#PAKvAUS #PAKvsAUS #AUSvsPAK #AUSvPAK pic.twitter.com/zYUPRmBvZx
— Irfan Baloch (@Irrfan_Baloch) December 16, 2023
David Warner gone for Duck.
Khurram Shahzad you beauty Bhai. pic.twitter.com/Ihkhdt6u4D
— Nawaz
Typical Pakistani batting collapse after Babar Azam test match to war gya#AUSvsPAK #AUSvPAK #PAKvsAUS pic.twitter.com/9N9sgYq9rd
— Mateen Ullah (@MateenUllah14) December 16, 2023
Came to the crease at 5/2 Khawaja was struggling at other end, but Smith did what he does best, absorb the pressure, that’s why he is the greatest problem solver in the World.pic.twitter.com/ZhrgDVy0gM
— Lubana Warriors (@LovepreetS49) December 16, 2023
Smith and Khawaja steady the ship after a rocky start
A 50-run stand for the pair#AUSvPAK
— Saad Raheel (@SaadRaheel20) December 16, 2023
Stumps on Day Three
Australia extend their lead to 300 runs after Khurram Shahzad's double-blow.#AUSvPAK pic.twitter.com/UiTJgqSDZc
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) December 16, 2023
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