AUS vs PAK: 1st Test, Day 3 – Australia in box seat with a 300-run lead
Australia are defending the fact why they are termed as the World Champions time and again. On Day 3 of the first Test, Australia drew accolades from every cricket fanatic for their spectacular bowling performance aided perfectly by the deteriorating pitch for the batters.
The Aussies capped off a profitable day, commanding the pitch with precision bowling that restricted Pakistan to 271 all-out. Pakistan put up some promising starts, but their batters struggled to go beyond the 50-run mark, with Imam-ul-Haq’s 62 emerging as the highest score, though his dismissal typified their day. Their patience was evident, yet the inability to accelerate allowed the bowlers to maintain control. However, Nathan Lyon is sitting atop with 499 wickets to his name, one away from achieving the coveted 500-wicket landmark.
With a hefty first innings lead of 216, Pakistan needed quick breakthroughs to prevent the hosts from gaining momentum in their second innings. Khurram Shahzad’s dual strikes early on gave them hope, but it was short-lived as Australia’s batters took charge. The final session witnessed a gripping battle between bat and ball. Pakistan’s tight reins initially stifled the run flow, especially in the initial 10 overs. However, Faheem Ashraf’s contribution eased the pressure, gradually opening up scoring opportunities.
Towards the end, Aamer Jamal and Shaheen Afridi unleashed fiery spells, barraging the Aussies with aggressive bouncers. Yet, Smith and Khawaja weathered the storm, exhibiting resilience against the hostile bowling. Notably, despite enduring some body blows, Smith held his ground. Australia now sit firmly in control in the ongoing first Test of the series, eyeing a lead of approximately 400 runs.
With the pitch exhibiting cracks and erratic ball behaviour, batting is set to become a daunting task. The hosts have ample time, spanning six sessions, to seize victory. The scenario points toward an enthralling culmination, with Australia positioned advantageously. As the cracks deepen and the ball misbehaves, the upcoming sessions promise a challenging contest between bat and ball, ultimately defining the outcome of this Test match.
