AUS vs PAK 3rd Test: Jamal, Rizwan’s fighting knocks take Pakistan to 313

AUS vs PAK 3rd Test: In a dramatic turnaround, Pakistan’s lower-order batters, Aamer Jamal and Mir Hamza, orchestrated a stunning 86-run final-wicket partnership, guiding their team to breach the 300-run mark after a shaky start at 47/4. Facing the formidable Australian pace trio of Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Pat Cummins, Pakistan’s top order struggled, losing both openers for ducks. Cummins wreaked havoc, dismissing Babar with a fiery inswinger and quickly removing Shakeel.

Despite the early setbacks, Muhammad Rizwan and Salman showcased resilience, counter-attacking the Australian bowlers to construct a vital 94-run partnership. Rizwan, in particular, displayed fluent strokes but fell victim to Cummins, missing out on a well-deserved century.

Cummins, continuing his impressive form, seemed poised for another five-wicket haul as he dismantled the lower order.

However, the last-wicket pair of Jamal and Hamza defied expectations, displaying remarkable resolve. Jamal contributed crucial boundaries while Hamza showcased solid defensive skills. The No. 11’s ability to hold the crease frustrated the Australian bowlers, and a couple of dropped catches off Jamal added to their woes. The resilient partnership finally ended with Jamal’s dismissal for 82, caught in the deep off Lyon.

With this resilient effort, Pakistan managed to post a fighting total on the board. Aussie openers faced only single tricky over before stumps were called.

Australia vs Pakistan: Shan wins Toss

In the much-anticipated third Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), Pakistan’s captain, Shan Masood, won the toss and chose to bat against Australia. The Test holds special significance as it marks the farewell match for Australian opener David Warner, who has had a remarkable career spanning 112 Tests.

Despite the sunny conditions at the SCG, Masood’s decision to bat first was driven by the expectation of turn on the dry surface later in the match. Pakistan made strategic changes to their lineup after facing a 79-run defeat in the Boxing Day Test, resulting in them losing the series.

Spearhead Shaheen Shah Afridi was rested due to a heavy workload in the previous Tests, making way for specialist spinner Sajid Khan. Additionally, legspinner Abrar Ahmed remained unavailable due to a leg injury. Opener Imam-ul-Haq, who struggled against Australia’s pace attack, was dropped, and debutant Saim Ayub took his place at the top of the order.

Australia, with a full-strength squad, remains unchanged for the entire series. The focus of the match, however, is on Warner, who is set to play his final Test. Notably, there was a bit of pre-match drama for Warner as his baggy green cap went missing in transit.

Despite Pakistan‘s challenging history in Test matches in Australia, having lost 16 straight games, the team aims for a turnaround. The last time they tasted victory in Australia was at the SCG in 1995.

The weather forecast for the traditional New Year’s Test looks promising, with mostly clear conditions expected throughout the match, except for a brief period in the afternoon on day two.

AUS vs PAK 3rd Test Playing XIs:

Australia 1 David Warner, 2 Usman Khawaja, 3 Marnus Labuschagne, 4 Steven Smith, 5 Travis Head, 6 Mitchell Marsh, 7 Alex Carey (wk), 8 Mitchell Starc, 9 Pat Cummins (capt), 10 Nathan Lyon, 11 Josh Hazlewood.

Pakistan 1 Abdullah Shafique, 2 Saim Ayub, 3 Shan Masood (capt), 4 Babar Azam, 5 Saud Shakeel, 6 Mohammad Rizwan (wk), 7 Agha Salman, 8 Hasan Ali, 9 Aamer Jamal, 10 Sajid Khan 11 Mir Hamza.