Australia, with a substantial lead, aims to further extend their dominance on Day 4 in the first Test against Pakistan (AUS vs PAK) at Perth. The resilience of Pakistan’s batsmen will be tested later in the day on how they will articulate the chase.
Earlier, Australia maintained their stronghold, closing Day 3 with an imposing 300-run lead. The batting prowess of Steven Smith (43) and Usman Khawaja (34) showcased Australia’s dominance as they look to pile more runs on Day 4.
Pakistan, trailing by 216 runs, faced a formidable Australian attack that bowled them out for 271 just before tea on Day 3. Veteran spinner Nathan Lyon, with figures of 3-66, approached the historic 500-wicket milestone, positioning himself alongside a select group of elite players.
AUS vs PAK: What happened on Day 3?
Starting the day at 132-2, Pakistan struggled against Australia’s top-class bowling lineup. Nightwatchman Khurram Shahzad, making his debut, fell victim to Pat Cummins in the first over of the day. Babar Azam, the dangerman for Pakistan, showed resilience but was eventually dismissed for 21 by Mitchell Marsh, denting Pakistan’s hopes.
Opener Imam-ul-Haq reached a hard-fought 50, his first in Australia, but fell for 62 when Lyon returned to the attack, inducing a lapse of concentration. The collapse continued, with Mitchell Starc dismissing Sarfaraz Ahmed (3), and Josh Hazlewood’s quality bouncer accounting for Saud Shakeel (28).
Australia’s bowlers maintained pressure, with Cummins and Lyon chipping in with crucial wickets. Lyon’s 499th scalp came with another stumping by Alex Carey, dismissing Aamer Jamal, while Travis Head’s part-time spin accounted for Shaheen Shah Afridi.
As Australia took the new ball and tightened their grip on the game, Pakistan faced an uphill battle. The series of wickets before and after lunch on Day 3 highlighted the challenge of negotiating Australia’s relentless bowling attack on a pitch showing signs of bounce and speed.
The first AUS vs PAK Test in Perth promises more cricketing drama as the battle between bat and ball unfolds in the quest for supremacy.
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