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Following a suspended second day, the third Test
between Australia and Pakistan was evenly poised as retiring opener David
Warner rode his luck before being dismissed for 34.
Due to poor light and rain, only 46 overs were bowled
throughout the day’s play, despite Australia’s modest progress against a
well-organized Pakistani assault. Steven Smith was six runs off the run and
Marnus Labuschagne was undefeated at 23. On day three, they will have another
opportunity to regroup in better conditions.
Play paused in the second session immediately after
drinks, despite the SCG’s light towers being on, as Pakistan declined to bowl
their spinners alone.
The customary New Year’s Test in Sydney is still beset
by terrible weather, with heavy afternoon rain making play unplayable. However,
the rest of the match is expected to be largely clear weather.
The solitary wicket of the second session was to
untiring quick Aamer Jamal after opener Usman Khawaja dropped for a steady 47
off 143. Australia was restricted by a precise Pakistani attack and only
managed to score at a pace of 2.46 runs per over.
Prior to now, Warner—who is participating in his 112th
and final Test—was the centre of attention. After being given a guard of
respect by the Pakistani squad, he made it through a difficult final over
before stumps on the opening day. He began the innings by hitting a first-ball
boundary off spinner Sajid Khan, and then he narrowly avoided playing the ball
onto his stumps.
On the second day, Warner emerged to a standing
ovation once more, hugged his close mate Khawaja, and then made his way to the
crease. There was curiosity about Warner’s potential to strike early, but he
seemed to be considering the long term as he played cautiously.
After being heavily dropped by debutant Saim Ayub off
Jamal on 20 at first slip, Warner was certain to bat through to lunch. However,
he was unable to take advantage of the opportunity and was dismissed when he
edged a fast delivery with bite from offspinner Agha Salman, who spun sharply
as Babar Azam made a superb catch at slip.
It moved slowly at first, then suddenly Khawaja sent
Jamal a brief, angled delivery down the side of his thigh. Replays revealed
that Khawaja had gloved it, therefore wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan’s belief was
validated after Khawaja was initially declared not out.