AUS vs PAK 3rd Test, Day 3: Visitors in danger of Aussie washout after epic collapse

Australia vs Pakistan 3rd Test LIVE Score, Day 3: In a stunning turn of events, the last session on Day 3 of AUS vs PAK proved to be nothing short of extraordinary. The pendulum swung dramatically as Australia, cruising at 289 for 5 just before tea, experienced a sudden collapse. Sajid Khan’s crucial dismissal of Alex Carey signaled tea, setting the stage for a dramatic turn of events.

After tea, both teams witnessed a staggering downfall, with a total of 12 wickets tumbling for a mere 78 runs. Australia, once comfortably positioned at 289 for 5, lost 5 wickets for just 10 runs, ultimately getting bowled out for 299. Meanwhile, Pakistan faced their own batting woes, losing 7 wickets for 68 runs.

As the dust settled, Pakistan found themselves with a narrow lead of 82 runs and only three wickets in hand. The unpredictable nature of the pitch makes it challenging to predict the final outcome, but Australia now holds a commanding position in this seesaw battle.

The stage is set for an enthralling conclusion, leaving cricket enthusiasts eagerly anticipating the unfolding drama on the field.

What happened on Pakistan vs Australia Day 3?

Aamer Jamal wreaked havoc with the ball, securing a sensational six-wicket haul as Australia crumbled, losing their last five wickets for a mere ten runs. Pakistan, riding on Jamal’s heroics, took a slender 14-run lead in the ongoing Test match at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

However, Pakistan’s joy was short-lived as they faced early setbacks in their second innings, with both Abdullah Shafique and Shan Masood departing without troubling the scorers. The pressure was palpable, but young guns Saim Ayub and Babar Azam formed a resilient fifty-run partnership to steady the ship.

Australian spinner Nathan Lyon found his rhythm, breaking the crucial partnership by dismissing Ayub, caught leg-before-wicket. Travis Head, the part-time bowler, then claimed the prized wicket of Babar Azam, who once again fell short of converting a promising start into a substantial score.

Pakistan’s hopes took a further blow when Pat Cummins, Australia’s skipper, made a strategic bowling change, bringing in Josh Hazlewood. The tall pacer delivered an exceptional over, taking wickets in consecutive balls—W 0 W 0 W 0! The visitors found themselves reeling at 82/7, with Aamer Jamal and Mohammad Rizwan tasked with rescuing them from a precarious situation.

As the match hangs in the balance, Australia currently holds the upper hand. However, the challenging pitch conditions, marked by variable bounce and significant turn, suggest that batting remains an arduous task. The upcoming day promises intense action, and cricket enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating how the unfolding drama will shape the fate of this closely contested Test match.

Morning session: Recap

In a gripping morning session at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Day 3, Pakistan displayed remarkable discipline with the ball, offering no freebies to the Australian batsmen. The first half-hour witnessed an extraordinary feat as Pakistan bowled five consecutive maiden overs, setting the tone for a session marked by strategic prowess.

With 33 overs, 83 runs, and 2 crucial wickets, Pakistan’s bowling attack kept the pressure on Australia, showcasing both skill and tactical acumen.

The initial phase saw Pakistan adopting a short-ball strategy, with an abundance of fielders on the leg-side. Despite a couple of pull shots tempting fate, Pakistan’s disciplined approach denied the Australians any significant chances. Marnus Labuschagne reached a well-deserved half-century, and the partnership seemed poised for a substantial stand.

However, Pakistan’s dynamism came to the forefront as they strategically placed three catching fielders in the cover, creating an opening. The plan bore fruit when Steve Smith drove a delivery straight into the hands of one of the fielders, providing Pakistan with a crucial breakthrough.

Salman Ali Agha continued to shine as he delivered a spectacular ball to castle Marnus in the very next over, emerging as Pakistan’s standout bowler of the day.

Australia vs Pakistan: Day 2 recap

The drama at the SCG continued on Day 2 of the Australia vs Pakistan 3rd Test. The gripping contest witnessed a total of 33 overs, yielding 83 runs and claiming 2 crucial wickets. Pakistan’s disciplined bowling and strategic field placements kept Australia on their toes.

Salman Ali Agha emerged as the standout performer, showcasing his bowling prowess. As the day unfolded, the battle between bat and ball intensified, setting the stage for a riveting continuation of the Test match. The ebb and flow of the game left fans eagerly anticipating the upcoming sessions, eager to see which team would seize the advantage in this tightly contested encounter.