News by “Sana Ullah”
Pakistan made significant strides in the third Test against Australia in Sydney, capturing the crucial wickets of openers David Warner and Usman Khawaja. The second day’s play saw Warner dismissed for 34, leaving the Sydney Cricket Ground to a standing ovation in his farewell Test. Pakistan’s Agha Salman exploited the rough, inducing extra bounce and turn to dismiss Warner, who was visibly annoyed. Despite a potential second innings, Warner’s chances at a cherished century in his final Test were dashed.
In the rain-interrupted match, Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith held the fort for Australia at 116 for two before play was halted due to bad light and rain. Labuschagne, on 23, and Smith, on six, faced the challenge posed by the Pakistani bowlers. With the hosts trailing by 197 runs, the Test hangs in the balance.
Warner, known as ‘the Bull,’ had a reprieve on 20 when young debutant Saim Ayub dropped a catch at first slip, adding to Pakistan’s series of fielding lapses. Khawaja, a stronghold at the SCG, fell for 47 with a gloved catch down the leg-side off Aamer Jamal.
The Sydney Test has been plagued by rain, adding to the ground’s reputation with 26 washed-out days, the most for any Australian Test venue. Despite the challenges, Australia clinched the series with a tense 79-run win in the second Test in Melbourne.
As the match progresses, Australia still boasts a strong batting lineup, with Smith and Labuschagne holding impressive averages at the SCG. The rain interruption and the potential for a second innings for Warner set the stage for an intriguing continuation of the farewell Test.
Scoreboard:
- Pakistan 1st innings: 313 (M. Rizwan 88, A. Jamal 82, A. Salman 53; P. Cummins 5-61)
- Australia 1st Innings: 116 for 2 (D. Warner 34, U. Khawaja 47, M. Labuschagne 23*, S. Smith 6*; A. Jamal 1-26, A. Salman 1-18)
The match is poised for an exciting continuation, with Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh next in line for Australia’s batting lineup.
