| 0.0 : The famous Boxing Day Test has arrived as Australia will be locking horns against Pakistan at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. The hosts lead the 3-match Test series 1-0 and would be looking to seal the deal and provide the fans with a perfect present on this special occasion. |
| Pakistan on the other hand will be riding high on confidence despite the loss in the opening game. Scoring the highest fourth innings total in Brisbane and nearly chasing down 490 is a proud moment in itself. The Asian team needs their opening pair to fire and set the platform for the rest. The hosts have announced an unchanged XI, let's wait and see if there is any change for Pakistan. But for that the toss needs to happen. Stay with is as it is coming up in a short while... |
| TOSS - Steven Smith flips the coin and Misbah-ul-Haq calls it correctly. PAKISTAN OPT TO BAT! |
| TEAM CHANGES - Australia are unchanged from the last game. Pakistan have made 1 change - SOHAIL KHAN replaces Rahat Ali. |
| It's time to get underway. And as expected the big crowd is in to watch this game. They are brimming in anticipation as the umpires and players make their way out to the middle. AZHAR ALI and SAMI ASLAM are the Pakistan openers. MITCHELL STARC to begin proceedings with the ball. Here we go... |
| 0.1 : M Starc to Aslam, Not a good start! Starc comes steaming in and sprays this one down the leg side. Aslam tries to flick it on its way but fails to do so. |
| 0.2 : M Starc to Aslam, Very full and hurls it on off, Aslam tries to jam it out but is a bit late in doing so. |
| 0.3 : M Starc to Aslam, Fuller and curling back in from outside off, Sami stays in line and defends it off the front foot. |
| 0.4 : M Starc to Aslam, Keeps it full and serves it around off, SA stays behind the line once again and defends it down solidly. |
| 0.5 : M Starc to Aslam, Touch short and around middle and leg, Sami hops a bit in the crease and tucks it towards short mid-wicket. |
| 0.6 : M Starc to Aslam, Nice carry! On a length and just outside off, Sami Aslam lifts his bat and allows it to go through to the keeper. A maiden to start the Boxing Day Test then. |
| JOSH HAZLEWOOD to share the new cherry from the other end! |
| 1.1 : J Hazlewood to Ali, Starts with a good length delivery on off, Ali gets across and defends it towards mid-wicket. |
| 1.2 : J Hazlewood to Ali, Beaten! Hazlewood pitches this one up and lures Ali into a drive. He obliges but without any foot movement as the ball moves away a touch and just whizzes past the outside edge to the keeper. Perfect length to bowl at the MCG says the commentator on air. |
| 1.3 : J Hazlewood to Ali, Fuller in length and once again moves away a bit, this time Azhar shows patience and lets it go. |
| 1.4 : J Hazlewood to Ali, Fuller and hurled on the pads, Ali gets across a bit and flicks it through mid-wicket. It was hit in the gap but the boundary is too big here. The fielder cuts it off and they take three. Pakistan are underway. |
| 1.5 : J Hazlewood to Aslam, Fuller length delivery outside off, Aslam prods forward and then leaves it alone. |
| 1.6 : J Hazlewood to Aslam, Fullish length ball on off, Sami presses forward and defends it down on the track. |
| 2.1 : M Starc to Ali, Brilliant bowling! And the outfield is lightening quick! Starc fires in a yorker on middle, it curls back in a bit. Ali brings his bat down in time and just about manages to jam this one out. It goes through mid-wicket and Jackson Bird chases it down just near the boundary rope. Another three picked up. |
| 2.2 : M Starc to Aslam, Bangs in a short ball on middle, Sami ducks under it to let that one sail over him to the keeper. Wade does well to collect it with a leap. |
| 2.3 : M Starc to Aslam, Back of a length delivery outside off, SA makes a good leave to the keeper. |
| 2.4 : M Starc to Aslam, The southpaw shoulders arms to let that one through. |
| 2.5 : M Starc to Aslam, Short of a length ball and angling in, Sami hops and fends it away on the off side. |
| 2.6 : M Starc to Aslam, Similar to the very first ball of the match. Sprays it down the leg side, Aslam tries to flick it down the leg side but fails to do so. |
| 3.1 : J Hazlewood to Ali, Fuller in length and angling in, worked towards the man at mid on. |
| 3.2 : J Hazlewood to Ali, A LOUD SHOUT FOR LBW! Hazlewood serves a length ball on off and it nips back in sharply after pitching. Ali brings his front foot across and looks to leave this one alone. But the inward movement beats him and hits him on the pads. Josh turns back to appeal but the umpire shakes his head. They think about reviewing it but Smith from slips signals it might be a bit high and hence goes with the onfield call. |
| 3.3 : J Hazlewood to Ali, Peach! Shane Warner on air screams - THIS IS THE LENGTH TO BOWL AT THE MCG! Fuller and angling in from outside off, Ali looks to drive it through covers but is beaten all ends up. Hazlewood is troubling him big time. |
| 3.4 : J Hazlewood to Ali, in the corridor outside off, Ali lets it go. |
| 3.5 : J Hazlewood to Ali, Fuller and comes back in again, Azhar looks to work it through the leg side but the bat twists in his hands and he ends up driving it back to the bowler. |
| 3.6 : J Hazlewood to Ali, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| A short leg is in place... |
| 4.1 : M Starc to Aslam, Fuller in length and outside off, Sami presses forward and defends it with a solid straight bat. |
| 4.2 : M Starc to Aslam, Good length delivery, angling down leg, Aslam looks to clip it but the ball goes off something to the keeper. There was surely some noise but not of the wood. |
| 4.3 : M Starc to Aslam, SA has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 4.4 : M Starc to Aslam, Stays behind the line and keeps it out. |
| 4.5 : M Starc to Aslam, Angles in a length delivery on the hips, it's clipped towards backward square leg for an easy couple. |
| 4.6 : M Starc to Aslam, Good length delivery on off, Aslam defends it watchfully. |
| 5.1 : J Hazlewood to Ali, Outside off, Ali doesn't look at this one. |
| 5.2 : J Hazlewood to Ali, Fuller in length and moves away a bit, double A makes a good leave to Wade. |
| 5.3 : J Hazlewood to Ali, Fuller and angling in, it's driven towards the man at mid on who dives to his left to stop it. |
| 5.4 : J Hazlewood to Ali, Hits the deck hard and angles it down the leg side. Ali sits under it. |
| 5.5 : J Hazlewood to Ali, Very full and angling in, Ali drives it on the up back to the bowler who tries to stop it with his right hand but it bursts off his fingers towards mid off. |
| 5.6 : J Hazlewood to Ali, Angles a length ball on middle, tucked towards short mid-wicket for nothing. |
| First bowling change of the day then, JACKSON BIRD is brought into the attack, replacing Starc. |
| 6.1 : J Bird to Aslam, Begins his spell with a length ball on middle and leg, Sami gets across and tucks it towards the man at short mid-wicket. |
| 6.2 : J Bird to Aslam, Angles away a length ball outside off, Aslam shoulders his arms to that one. He will have to reload it again as he oversteps. So a no ball is called by the umpire. |
| J Bird to Aslam, Fuller and on the pads, flicked towards square leg. |
| 6.3 : J Bird to Aslam, On a good length and just outside off, coming back in a touch as Sami looks to defend it off the front foot. Gets an inside edge on the pads as the ball rolls away towards the off side. |
| 6.4 : J Bird to Aslam, Comes a bit forward and keeps it out towards covers. |
| 6.5 : J Bird to Aslam, FOUR! Beautiful drive! Sami Aslam gets his first boundary and it's first of the match as well. Slight overpitched and hurled outside off, Sami Aslam leans into it and drives it through extra cover. Warner sprints behind the ball but the lightening outfield fetches the southpaw a boundary. |
| 6.6 : J Bird to Aslam, Leg bye! Good length ball, angling in, Sami looks to flick but it goes off his pads towards the leg side and they take a leg bye. |
| 7.1 : J Hazlewood to Aslam, Good length delivery on off, SA lifts his bat and lets it through. |
| 7.2 : J Hazlewood to Aslam, Comes on the front foot and blocks it out solidly. |
| 7.3 : J Hazlewood to Aslam, Dishes out a sharp bouncer, Sami Aslam ducks to let that one sail over him to the keeper. |
| 7.4 : J Hazlewood to Aslam, Very full and outside off, the batsman comes forward and decides to let that one go. |
| 7.5 : J Hazlewood to Aslam, Comes from around the wicket now and angles it on the pads, worked towards short mid-wicket. |
| 7.6 : J Hazlewood to Aslam, Chance of a run out! Fuller in length and outside off, Aslam prods forward and taps it towards point. Lyon comes running in, picks up the ball and makes an underarm throw at the striker's end. Ali puts in a dive and even that wouldn't have been enough had the ball hit the stumps. He survives here as it goes well over the stumps. Risky running but gets the single in the end. |
| 8.1 : J Bird to Aslam, Fuller and angling in, worked towards mid on for a single. |
| 8.2 : J Bird to Ali, Gets on the front foot and defends it down towards covers. |
| 8.3 : J Bird to Ali, AA defends it from within the crease. |
| 8.4 : J Bird to Ali, Fuller in the channel outside off, Azhar lets it go. |
| 8.5 : J Bird to Ali, Touch fuller and around off, defended towards Lyon at point who moves quickly to his right to stop it. |
| 8.6 : J Bird to Ali, Too full and too wide outside off to make Ali play at it. |
| 9.1 : J Hazlewood to Aslam, Good length delivery outside off, Aslam thinks about going after it but then changes his mind as he drops his wrists down and lets it go. |
| 9.2 : J Hazlewood to S Aslam, Fuller in length and outside off, driven straight to mid off. |
| 9.3 : J Hazlewood to Aslam, Outside off, Sami doesn't feel for it. |
| 9.4 : J Hazlewood to Aslam, Back of a length ball outside off, Sami arches back to let it go. |
| 9.5 : J Hazlewood to Aslam, Fuller and angles it in on middle, Aslam prods forward and defends it towards covers. The bottom hand comes off in the process in the process as well. He wanted a single but Lyon is quick to deny him with it. |
| 9.6 : J Hazlewood to Aslam, Good length delivery on off, the southpaw taps it in front of point and once again won't be allowed to take the single. |
| 10.1 : J Bird to Ali, Stays behind the line and taps it towards point. |
| Nathan Lyon is seen warming up... Early spin at the MCG coming up? |
| 10.2 : J Bird to Ali, On a length and in the corridor outside off, Ali has got nothing to do with that one. |
| 10.3 : J Bird to Ali, Covers the line and answers it with a straight bat. |
| 10.4 : J Bird to Ali, Azhar defends it from within the crease. |
| 10.5 : J Bird to Ali, Touch fuller and around off, the batsman lifts his bat to make another leave. |
| 10.6 : J Bird to Ali, Length delivery outside off, AA stays inside the line to let it go through to the keeper. |
| Here comes another bowling change, NATHAN LYON to roll his arm now. He has a short leg and a slip in place. |
| 11.1 : N Lyon to Aslam, Floats it up around middle and leg, Aslam comes forward and works it past short leg to get off the strike. |
| 11.2 : N Lyon to Ali, Loopy ball around off, turning in, Ali flicks it through fine leg for a single. The crowd is right behind Nathan Lyon here. |
| 11.3 : Lyon to S Aslam, OUT! Nathan Lyon draws first blood. He has provided the breakthrough his skipper wanted him to. Lyon serves a loopy ball around off, turns away a touch. Sami Aslam presses forward to defend but the ball bounces a bit more than he anticipated, takes some part of the glove and pops up towards first slip where Smith takes a dolly. He throws the ball skywards and everyone is over Lyon here. The crowd was right behind the offie and he has delivered in his very first over. |
| BABAR AZAM is the next man in, replacing Aslam! |
| 11.4 : N Lyon to Azam, Gets across and defends it towards short leg. |
| 11.5 : N Lyon to Azam, Full and around off, defended off the front foot gently. |
| 11.6 : N Lyon to Azam, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 12.1 : J Bird to Ali, Fuller in length and outside off, driven with soft hands towards short extra cover. |
| 12.2 : J Bird to Ali, Touch fuller and outside off, Ali defend sit down watchfully. |
| 12.3 : J Bird to Ali, Comes forward and slices it between point and gully. But couldn't get the single. |
| 12.4 : J Bird to Ali, Fullish in length and outside off, Ali opens the face of the bat and pushes it towards point. |
| 12.5 : Bird to A Ali, Top edge but safe! Bird bangs in a short ball on middle, Ali swivels a bit as he looks to pull. Seems to have misread the length and ends up getting a top edge towards mid-wicket. The fielder runs towards the ball but it falls safely. A single taken but Ali would have his heart in his mouth. |
| 12.6 : J Bird to Azam, Fuller and around off, zipping in sharply as Azam looks to defend but gets a thick inside edge on the pads. Bird spots it and hence doesn't go up in an appeal. |
| Drinks are on the field. Pakistan did manage to see off the first hour but Smith handed over the cherry to the offie, Nathan Lyon who struck in his very first over. It's a good batting surface and let's wait and see if the visitors make the most of it in the next hour. They have to be a bit careful against Lyon though. |
| 13.1 : N Lyon to Ali, Loopy ball around off, Ali presses forward and defends. |
| 13.2 : N Lyon to Ali, Tosses it up on off, Ali comes down the track and drives it firmly back to the bowler. |
| 13.3 : N Lyon to Ali, Sees the flight and Ali once again comes down the track to clip it towards mid on for a quick single. |
| 13.4 : N Lyon to B Azam, Edged away! Lyon loops it up around off, it straightens a bit after pitching. Azam prods forward, playing for the turn which isn't there. Gets a thick outside edge past Smith at first slip towards third man. Bird in the deep puts in a dive but the batsmen complete three runs till then. |
| 13.5 : N Lyon to Ali, Darts it around middle and leg, worked behind square on the leg side for a single. |
| 13.6 : N Lyon to Azam, Full around off, pushed back to Lyon. |
| 14.1 : J Bird to Ali, Angles it down the leg side, Ali looks to flick but misses. |
| 14.2 : J Bird to Ali, Good length ball on middle and off, defended with a straight bat. |
| 14.3 : J Bird to Ali, In the channel outside off, double A leaves it alone. |
| 14.4 : J Bird to Ali, Fuller and angling in, Ali gets across and closes the face of the bat a bit too early. Gets a safe leading edge towards Warner at covers. A single is taken. |
| 14.5 : J Bird to Azam, Stays behind the line and taps it towards covers. |
| 14.6 : J Bird to Azam, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 15.1 : N Lyon to Ali, Flatter around middle and leg, Ali gets across and flicks it with soft hand towards fine leg for a couple. |
| 15.2 : N Lyon to Ali, Loopy ball, spinning in, Ali comes down the track to flick but is beaten by the turn and is hit on the pads. |
| 15.3 : N Lyon to Ali, Around middle and leg, flicked straight to the man at short mid-wicket. |
| 15.4 : N Lyon to Ali, Quicker around middle and off, skidding through, Ali goes back and pushes it towards covers. |
| 15.5 : N Lyon to Ali, Tossed up delivery around middle and leg, Ali covers the line and tucks it towards the leg side. |
| 15.6 : N Lyon to Ali, Loopy ball around middle and leg, Ali flicks it in front of FSL. |
| 16.1 : J Bird to Azam, Good length delivery on middle and off, Babar covers the line and defends it down. |
| 16.2 : J Bird to B Azam, FOUR! Sweet! Fuller in length and pitched up on off, Azam comes a bit forward and nails the drive through wide mid off. It rocketed towards the fence before I could blink my eye. |
| 16.3 : J Bird to Azam, Length delivery outside off, defended solidly off the front foot. |
| 16.4 : J Bird to Azam, Shortish outside off, Azam sways away from the line to let it be. |
| 16.5 : J Bird to Azam, Superb bowling! Fuller in length and moves away a touch, Azam looks to drive but gets beaten as the ball goes just past the outside edge to the keeper. |
| 16.6 : J Bird to Azam, Back of a length ball outside off, Azam punches it straight to Lyon at point. |
| 17.1 : N Lyon to Ali, Drifting in around middle and leg, clipped towards fine leg for an easy couple. |
| 17.2 : N Lyon to Ali, Full and around off, Azhar defends it back to the bowler. |
| 17.3 : N Lyon to Ali, Ali comes down the track and flicks it through mid on for a single. |
| 17.4 : N Lyon to Azam, In the air... safe! Lyon sees Azam coming down the track and hence bowls a quicker one around middle, Azam who is down the track is a bit cramped for room and as a result gets it off the inner part of the bat and is lucky as the ball falls safely in front of Handscomb at short leg. |
| 17.5 : N Lyon to Azam, Fuller around off, blocked out well. |
| 17.6 : N Lyon to Azam, Comes forward a bit and pushes it towards mid off. |
| MITCHELL STARC is back into the attack, replacing Bird. |
| 18.1 : M Starc to Ali, Comes from over the wicket and hurls a length ball across the batsman. Ali watches it till the last moment and then leaves it alone. |
| 18.2 : M Starc to Ali, Almost chops it! Angles in a length ball from outside off, Ali looks to defend it down but gets a thick inside edge just past the leg pole towards fine leg for a single. |
| 18.3 : M Starc to Azam, Back of a length on middle, Azam hops and fends it on the leg side. |
| 18.4 : M Starc to Azam, Short of a length ball on off, Azam once again hops and punches it towards point. |
| 18.5 : M Starc to Azam, Good length ball, it's curling back in sharply as Azam is beaten completely here. He fails to defend and is hit on the thigh pad. |
| 18.6 : M Starc to Azam, Lets out another length ball outside off, Babar is happy to leave it for Wade. |
| 19.1 : N Lyon to Ali, Flatter and short around off, punched off the back foot towards covers for a single. |
| 19.2 : N Lyon to Azam, Around middle and leg, turned towards short leg. |
| 19.3 : N Lyon to Azam, FOUR! Lovely use of the feet! Tosses it up around middle, Azam wears his skates, gets close to the pitch of the ball and goes over mid on. Clears the man easily and finds the fence as well. |
| 19.4 : N Lyon to Azam, More runs! Short and flat around off, Azam camps back and punches it through covers. The ground is too big as the batsmen get three. |
| 19.5 : N Lyon to Ali, Loopy ball around off, Ali pushes it towards covers and calls for a quick single. |
| 19.6 : N Lyon to Azam, The batsman defends it from within the crease. |
| 20.1 : M Starc to Ali, Fuller outside off, driven through covers for a single. |
| 20.2 : M Starc to Azam, On middle and leg, worked towards the on side for nothing. |
| 20.3 : M Starc to Azam, Good length delivery on middle, Azam stays behind the line and defends it down. |
| 20.4 : M Starc to Azam, Back of a length ball on off, Babar once again defends it with a straight blade. |
| 20.5 : M Starc to Azam, That took off! Starc comes running in and dishes out a short ball outside off, it shoots off the deck as Azam arches back to let it go. Wade behind the stumps leaps as much as he could and collects it well over his head. |
| 20.6 : M Starc to Azam, Length delivery on middle, BA defends it down. |
| JOSH HAZLEWOOD is back into the attack! |
| 21.1 : J Hazlewood to Ali, Fuller in length and outside off, pushed straight to the man at mid off. |
| 21.2 : J Hazlewood to Ali, In the channel outside off, Azhar shoulders his arms to that one. |
| 21.3 : J Hazlewood to Ali, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 21.4 : J Hazlewood to Ali, Flicked through the leg side for a single. |
| 21.5 : J Hazlewood to Azam, Outside off, BA doesn't fiddle with it. |
| 21.6 : J Hazlewood to Azam, On a good length and around off, defended off the back foot. |
| 22.1 : M Starc to Ali, Risky running! Fuller and angling away, Ali taps it in front of covers and calls for a quick single. Azam responds late as there is a shy at the striker's end but Babar makes it in time. |
| 22.2 : M Starc to Azam, FOUR! Deliberately done! Starc angles it away outside off, Azam stays in the crease, allows it to come on the bat, opens the face and steers it past a diving gully fielder for a boundary towards third man. |
| 22.3 : M Starc to Azam, Good length wide outside off, pleasing Azam to go after it but he shows some patience and lets it go through. |
| 22.4 : M Starc to B Azam, Fuller in length and outside off, Azam slices this one through covers. It's not off the middle of the bat but will get two. |
| 22.5 : M Starc to Azam, Too wide and outside off, Azam doesn't have a go at it. |
| 22.6 : M Starc to Azam, Shortish in length on off, Babar hops and defends it away on the off side. |
| The lights are turned on as it has gone dark out there... |
| 23.1 : J Hazlewood to Ali, Angling in sharply on middle and leg, Azhar Ali looks to flick it across the line but is caught high on the pads instead. |
| 23.2 : J Hazlewood to Ali, Good line from Josh Hazlewood, in the channel outside off, Azhar Ali leaves it alone. |
| 23.3 : J Hazlewood to Ali, Banged in short on middle and leg, ducked and evaded. |
| 23.4 : J Hazlewood to Ali, A bit of inswing on that occasion, it's worked away on the on side with gentle hands. |
| 23.5 : J Hazlewood to Ali, Fires this right up there, once again there's some swing into the batsman. Azhar Ali strides forward and drives it straight back in Hazlewood's direction. The big pacer does well to bend low and get his right hand on it. |
| 23.6 : J Hazlewood to Ali, On a good length and just around the off stump, it's hit back down the track off the back foot. That'll be the end of the over. |
| 24.1 : M Starc to Azam, Starc comes charging in and fires across a length delivery, Babar Azam plants his front foot across and makes a watchful leave. |
| 24.2 : M Starc to B Azam, Much tighter from Mitchell and it's speared in on a full length, Babar Azam drives it back down the ground. The timing on that wasn't perfect but it's enough to get him three runs. |
| A forward short leg is in place now... |
| 24.3 : M Starc to Ali, Superman-like dive from Matthew Wade! It's banged in short and going down leg, way down leg and the ball seems like it will run away to the fence. But Matthew Wade dives a full stretch to his left and somehow catches the ball. Brilliant effort. |
| Leg slip in place now too... |
| 24.4 : M Starc to Ali, Back of a length delivery coming in to the body, it's blocked. |
| 24.5 : M Starc to Ali, Aimed at the hips, it's glanced down to fine leg for a single. |
| 24.6 : M Starc to Azam, Sharp bumper from Mitchell Starc. Babar Azam arches back a bit and watches as the ball whizzes past his helmet. |
| 25.1 : J Hazlewood to Ali, Fuller and strayed on the pads, it's flicked towards square leg where the fielder dives to his right to stop that one. |
| 25.2 : J Hazlewood to Ali, In the channel outside off, Ali lifts his bat and lets it go through to the keeper. |
| There are too many flies buzzing around the grill of Ali's helmet. Josh Hazlewood comes running and delivers the ball only to see he's being pulled off at the last moment as Azhar was distracted by the flies. Poor bowler has to go back and the look on his face says it all. |
| 25.3 : J Hazlewood to A Ali, Overpitched on off, Ali drives it past covers. Once again the fielder gives it a chase and keeps them down to three. |
| 25.4 : J Hazlewood to Azam, Back of a length ball on off, Azam waits for it to come on the bat and dabs it towards gully. Fails to beat the man there who dives to his left to stop that one. |
| 25.5 : J Hazlewood to Azam, Short of a length ball on middle, Azam covers the line and defends it back to the bowler. |
| 25.6 : J Hazlewood to B Azam, OUT! Edged and taken! Steven Smith once again is in the picture but credit to Hazlewood here. He kept on luring the batsmen to go after him and finally reaps the dividends. Hurls a length delivery on off, moves away a shade. Azam thinking it's the last ball before lunch goes after it to defend and sees the ball catching the outside edge of his willow. It flies towards the Aussie skipper at second slip who dives to his right to pluck it inches above the ground. Josh H |
| A perfect session for the home side as they have begun the Boxing Day Test on the right note. They lost the toss but will be happy to sneak in a couple of wickets. It is a good batting surface and the Pakistan openers braved well to see off the new ball. You got to give it to Smith who handed over the cherry to Nathan Lyon very early in the innings and he didn't let his skipper down. He removed Aslam in his very first over and got the crowd right behind him. |
| Babar Azam and Azhar Ali then steadied the ship and almost saw off the session before the former fell prey to Hazlewood just at the stroke of lunch. He bowled probing lines and lengths since the start and finally has something to show in the wicket column. Azhar Ali is still out there and will have the hero of the first Test, Asad Shafiq for company next. Can the duo make the most of the toss and a good batting surface in the next session? Or will the Aussie bowlers chip in with wickets regularl |
| Join us in a bit for the post-lunch session as it is surely going to be an interesting one. It's gloomy out there, the lights have been turned on and one can expect the ball to move around. Let's see what do we have in store next. Don't go anywhere as we will be right back at 0740 IST... |
| ...DAY 1, SESSION 2... |
| We are back for the second session. Starc will start the proceedings after lunch. Younis Khan joins Azhar Ali in the middle. Here we go... |
| 26.1 : M Starc to Ali, Back of a length delivery, Ali camps back and defends it. |
| 26.2 : M Starc to Ali, Short delivery outside off, Ali lets it go. |
| 26.3 : M Starc to Ali, Straying on the hips this time, Azhar nudges it round the corner for a couple. |
| 26.4 : M Starc to Ali, Well directed bouncer! Dug in short around off at 140.4 clicks, Ali has to sway away from the line to evade it. |
| 26.5 : M Starc to Ali, 4 Byes! Bowls it shortish outside leg, keeps angling down leg. Wade dives to his left full length but fails to stop it. Races to the fence and four byes signaled by the umpire. |
| 26.6 : M Starc to Ali, In the channel outside off, left alone. |
| Josh Hazlewood to bowl from the other end. |
| 27.1 : J Hazlewood to Khan, Younis Khan is off the mark! Back of a length ball outside off, Khan punches it through point and comes back for a double. |
| 27.2 : J Hazlewood to Khan, Fuller and strayed on the pads, YK flicks it through mid-wicket for a single. |
| 27.3 : J Hazlewood to Ali, Fuller in length again and angling in, Ali gets across and defends it towards the leg side. |
| 27.4 : J Hazlewood to Ali, Good length ball on off, tapped in front of covers for a single. |
| 27.5 : J Hazlewood to Khan, Leg bye! Hazlewood tries to be a bit more straight and ends up spraying it on the pads, Khan tries to clip it but gets it off the pads towards square leg. A leg bye is taken. |
| 27.6 : J Hazlewood to Ali, Length delivery hurled in the channel on off, AA makes a leave to the keeper. |
| 28.1 : Starc to Khan, Well bowled! Starc is right on the money! He fires in a very full delivery, coming back in sharply. Younis Khan does well to jam it out on the off side. |
| 28.2 : M Starc to Khan, Now he keeps it short on off, YK arches back to let it go over him to Wade. |
| 28.3 : M Starc to Khan, Angles in a length delivery, moving away from the batsman. He is happy to stay inside the line and let it go again. |
| 28.4 : M Starc to Khan, Fuller in length and coming in from outside off. Khan comes forward and pushes it towards mid off. |
| 28.5 : M Starc to Khan, On a length and some bounce as well, it's just outside off. YK lifts his bat and makes another good leave. |
| 28.6 : M Starc to Khan, Hits the deck hard again on middle, the batsman bends down to let it go over him to the keeper. |
| 29.1 : J Hazlewood to Ali, Ali gets across and works it through mid-wicket for nothing. |
| 29.2 : J Hazlewood to Ali, Fuller on the pads, clipped through mid-wicket again and this time he gets it past the fielder for one. |
| 29.3 : J Hazlewood to Khan, Angles in a length ball on middle, Younis stands tall and defends it off the front foot solidly. |
| 29.4 : J Hazlewood to Khan, Good length delivery outside off, defended off the back foot to the off side. |
| 29.5 : J Hazlewood to Khan, Pitches it up this time on off, punched down the track as the man from mid on comes to his left to stop that one. |
| 29.6 : J Hazlewood to Khan, Fuller in length on off, Younis comes forward, lifts his bat and keeps Wade busy. |
| 30.1 : M Starc to Ali, Back of a length ball on middle, Ali covers the line and defends it down the track. |
| 30.2 : M Starc to Ali, On a length and outside off, pushed off the back foot towards point. |
| 30.3 : M Starc to Ali, Good length ball on off, Ali gets across and tucks it towards the leg side. |
| 30.4 : M Starc to Ali, Bouncer! The batsman ducks under the bouncer at the last moment. |
| 30.5 : M Starc to Ali, Back of a length ball on off, Ali stands tall, fends it towards covers and scurries across for a brisk single. |
| 30.6 : M Starc to Khan, Fuller in length and slants it across the batsman, Khan has got nothing to offer on that one. |
| 31.1 : J Hazlewood to Ali, Angles it on the pads, clipped towards fine leg for an easy single. |
| 31.2 : J Hazlewood to Khan, Presses forward and shows a straight bat to bunt it back to Josh. |
| Younis Khan is adjudged LBW and it looks plumb to the naked eye. He opts for the review. Let's wait and see. |
| 31.3 : Hazlewood to Khan, NOT OUT! Excellent use of the review by the veteran here! The decision has to be overturned! Hazlewood angles in a length delivery on middle, Younis shuffles far to across to flick it down the leg side but is completely beaten and is hit on the pads. Josh turns back to appeal for an LBW and the umpire raises his finger. It looked plumb to the naked eye but Younis opts for the review. Replays show it was in line and would have gone on to miss the stumps. Oooos and Ahhss a |
| 31.4 : J Hazlewood to Khan, On a length and just outside off, YK shoulders his arms. |
| 31.5 : J Hazlewood to Khan, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 31.6 : J Hazlewood to Khan, Khan chooses to leave the ball outside his off stump. |
| JACKSON BIRD is back into the attack now! |
| 32.1 : J Bird to Ali, Bird angles it in and sprays on the pads, Ali clips it through mid-wicket and some good running between the wickets allows them to come back for the third. |
| 32.2 : J Bird to Khan, Good length delivery outside off, Khan defends it towards the off side. |
| 32.3 : J Bird to Khan, Gets forward and defends it off the front foot gently. |
| 32.4 : J Bird to Khan, Fuller in length and angling in, pushed off the front foot towards mid off. |
| 32.5 : J Bird to Khan, YK gets across to tuck it but gets an inside edge on the pads as the ball dies down. |
| 32.6 : J Bird to Khan, Younis isn't forward nor backward so does well to defend it off the soft hands back to the bowler. |
| 33.1 : J Hazlewood to Ali, Digs it short and down the leg side, Ali tries to pull but fails to get going with the shot. |
| 33.2 : J Hazlewood to Ali, Good length delivery on middle, driven with a straight bat towards mid on. |
| 33.3 : J Hazlewood to Ali, Fuller and angling in on the pads, flicked behind square on the leg side for a single. |
| 33.4 : J Hazlewood to Khan, Beaten! Fuller in length and served outside off, YK looks to drive but without any foot movement he nearly ends up nicking one behind. |
| 33.5 : J Hazlewood to Y Khan, Fuller on middle and leg, flicked straight to mid on. |
| 33.6 : J Hazlewood to Khan, Angles in a length delivery from outside off, Khan tries to defend but is beaten and is hit on the thigh pad. |
| 34.1 : J Bird to Ali, FOUR! Just a flick of the wrists! This is the first boundary for Ali! Bird angles in a full length delivery on the pads, Ali gets across a touch and just flicks it through square leg for a boundary. |
| 34.2 : J Bird to Ali, Fuller in length and wide outside off, Ali gets forward and drives it through covers and gets back for the third. |
| 34.3 : J Bird to Khan, Lovely stop! Short and a little bit of width on offer, Khan cuts it towards point where Lyon dives full length to his left to stop a certain boundary. |
| 34.4 : J Bird to Khan, Short and similar to the last ball, Khan rides the bounce as he pierces the gap through point and gully. They pick up another three. |
| 34.5 : J Bird to Ali, Fuller on off, it's left alone. |
| 34.6 : J Bird to Ali, In the channel outside off, double A makes another leave to the keeper. |
| 35.1 : J Hazlewood to Khan, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 35.2 : J Hazlewood to Khan, On a good length and around middle, Khan stays behind the line to defend it down. |
| 35.3 : J Hazlewood to Khan, Leg bye! Fuller and angling in, Khan once again shuffles across to flick but misses to get any wood on it. The ball brushes his pads and rolls towards the leg side. A leg bye taken. |
| 35.4 : J Hazlewood to Ali, Miscued! Fuller in length and angling in, Ali tries to drive but ends up playing it a bit too early. He chips it and can consider himself lucky as the ball falls well short of Warner at mid off. |
| 35.5 : J Hazlewood to Ali, Fuller on middle and leg, defended on the leg side. |
| 35.6 : J Hazlewood to Ali, Ali bunts it back to the bowler who tries to stop it with his right hand but fails to make it cleanly. |
| 36.1 : J Bird to Khan, Goes back and punches it towards the square of the wicket on the off side. |
| 36.2 : J Bird to Khan, Gets across and works it towards mid-wicket. |
| 36.3 : J Bird to Khan, Lyon takes a crowd catch! Fuller in length and outside off, Younis leans into it and drives it on the up towards Lyon at point who takes it. |
| 36.4 : J Bird to Khan, YK lets the ball go outside his off stump. |
| 36.5 : J Bird to Khan, Good length on off, punched through covers for a single. |
| 36.6 : J Bird to Ali, Fuller in length and on off, defended down gently. |
| NATHAN LYON is brought back into the attack! |
| 37.1 : N Lyon to Khan, Tossed up on the stumps, Younis gets across and forward to flick it towards mid-wicket. |
| 37.2 : N Lyon to Khan, On middle and leg, flicked towards short fine leg for a single. |
| 37.3 : N Lyon to Ali, Loopy ball around middle and leg, flicked towards the leg side. |
| 37.4 : N Lyon to Ali, Ali drives it towards long on for a single. |
| 37.5 : N Lyon to Khan, Gets forward and defends it down watchfully. |
| 37.6 : N Lyon to Khan, Loops it up around middle and leg, Khan flicks it a bit uppishly towards short mid-wicket for a single. |
| 38.1 : J Bird to Khan, Fuller in length and angling in, flicked through mid-wicket for a single. |
| 38.2 : J Bird to Ali, Good shot! Fuller in length and outside off, Ali comes forward and caresses it past Warner at mid off who gives it a chase and does well to keep them down to three. |
| 38.3 : J Bird to Khan, A shout for LBW! On a length and angling in, Khan is beaten by the inward movement and is hit on the thigh pad. Bird appeals for LBW but the umpire's turns it down. The height was an issue there. |
| 38.4 : J Bird to Khan, Good length delivery on middle, YK hops, has his one leg up and chops it towards point. |
| 38.5 : J Bird to Khan, Defended off the back foot towards covers. |
| 38.6 : J Bird to Khan, Very full and wide outside off, driven through covers for a couple. |
| 39.1 : N Lyon to Ali, Loopy ball around middle, driven towards mid on for a single. |
| 39.2 : N Lyon to Khan, Good fielding, Josh! Tossed up outside off, Younis makes a good stride forward and drives it through extra cover. Hazlewood gives it a chase and does well to scoop the ball back in play. They check it upstairs if his legs made contact with the rope when he had the ball in his hands. He didn't, three taken. |
| 39.3 : N Lyon to Ali, Ali milks it down to long on for a single. |
| 39.4 : N Lyon to Khan, Full and around off, defended off the front foot. |
| 39.5 : N Lyon to Khan, Short and turning in, Khan goes back and cuts it towards point. |
| 39.6 : N Lyon to Y Khan, Makes a good stride forward and pushes it towards mid on for a single. |
| Drinks break! |
| 40.1 : J Bird to Khan, Fuller in length and outside off, YK shoulders his arms to that one. |
| 40.2 : J Bird to Y Khan, Very full outside off, driven straight to the man at short extra cover. |
| 40.3 : J Bird to Khan, FOUR! Exquisitve! Fuller in length and around off, it was in his slot. He comes forward a bit, shows a full face of the bat and drills it through extra cover. The ball races away to the fence for a gorgeous-looking boundary. |
| 40.4 : J Bird to Khan, Fuller in length and on the stumps, driven back to the bowler. |
| 40.5 : J Bird to Khan, Khan doesn't fiddle with the delivery outside off this time. |
| 40.6 : J Bird to Khan, Gets on the front and drives it firmly but finds Khawaja at extra cover. |
| 41.1 : N Lyon to Ali, Shortish delivery on the stumps, worked to short fine leg. |
| 41.2 : N Lyon to Ali, Stays back and defends it towards short mid-wicket. |
| 41.3 : N Lyon to Ali, Ali plays it with the spin through mid-wicket and takes a single. It has been a composed knock and he needs to convert it into a big one. |
| 24th Test Fifty up for Azhar Ali. |
| 41.4 : N Lyon to Khan, Prods forward to this one and defends it. |
| 41.5 : N Lyon to Khan, Khan leans ahead and drives it with the spin towards mid on for a single. |
| 41.6 : N Lyon to Ali, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 42.1 : J Bird to Khan, OUT! GREAT BOWLING FROM BIRD! Bowls a fullish delivery outside off, talis back in just a shade. Khan is tentative as he looks to block it out but the ball passes between the gate of his bat and pad and crashes into the stumps. Bird is elated and Khan's uncomfortable stay at the crease comes to an end. It's a big, big wicket for the Aussies. Can they trigger a collapse now? |
| 0.0 : Misbah-Ul-Haq is the next man in. |
| 42.2 : J Bird to Misbah, Fullish delivery outside off, driven to the covers to Warner. He has a shy at the non-striker's end but misses. |
| 42.3 : J Bird to Misbah, Bowls a back of a length ball shaping back in. Misbah looks to clip it but is rapped on the thigh pad. Stifled appeal for LBW turned down. |
| 42.4 : J Bird to Misbah, Well bowled! Bowls it fullish outside off, swinging back. Misbah comes forward to defend but gets an outside edge towards the slip region. |
| 42.5 : J Bird to Misbah, Pushed to the cover region by the batsman. |
| 42.6 : J Bird to Misbah, Bird is bowling beautifully! Bowls a short of a length ball outside off, Misbah hops back to defend but gets an edge towards the slip region. A wicket maiden from Bird. |
| 43.1 : N Lyon to Ali, Bowls it shortish around leg stump, Ali closes his bat face early as he looks to work it but gets a leading edge towards the off side. |
| 43.2 : N Lyon to Ali, Goes back in his crease and works it with the spin through backward square leg for a run. |
| 43.3 : N Lyon to Misbah, SIX! WHAT A SHOT! Tosses it outside off, Misbah kneels and slog sweeps it over deep mid-wicket. That made a really cracking sound of the bat! The umpires check whether its' a boundary or maximum and the replays show that it has crossed the ropes. |
| 43.4 : N Lyon to Misbah, Misbah sweeps this one towards square leg but fails to find the gap. |
| 43.5 : N Lyon to Misbah, Shortish outside off, punched through covers for a run. |
| 43.6 : N Lyon to Ali, The batsman flicks it away with a wristy shot. The batsmen have run through for a single. |
| 44.1 : J Bird to Ali, Fullish delivery outside off, shaping back in. Ali is tentative as he gets an inside edge onto his pads. Great channel from Bird! |
| 44.2 : J Bird to Ali, Fullish delivery outside off, Ali makes a watchful leave. |
| 44.3 : J Bird to Ali, Overpitched outside off, driven firmly to the man at covers. |
| 44.4 : J Bird to Ali, Bowls a short of a length ball on middle and leg, Azhar looks to tuck it but is rapped on the thigh pad. |
| 44.5 : J Bird to Ali, Comes forward to the fullish delivery and plays it with an angled bat towards point. |
| 44.6 : J Bird to Ali, Fullish delivery attacking the stumps, clipped behind squae leg for a run. |
| 45.1 : N Lyon to Ali, Ali camps back and works it to the leg side with the spin. |
| 45.2 : N Lyon to Ali, Tossed up delivery, Ali comes forward and pushes it back towards the bowler. |
| 45.3 : N Lyon to A Ali, Comes down the track and defends it to towards mid on. |
| 45.4 : N Lyon to Ali, The batsman works it down the leg side. |
| 45.5 : N Lyon to Ali, Shortish delivery, Ali camps back and defends. |
| 45.6 : N Lyon to Ali, Comes forward and blocks it with the spin into the ground. |
| 46.1 : J Bird to Misbah, Short of a length ball angling into Misbah. He rides the bounce and defends it in front of short leg. |
| 46.2 : J Bird to Misbah, FOUR! Streaky runs! Short of a length ball outside off, Misbah camps back and looks to play it with an angled bat gets an outside edge in between slips and gully and the ball races to the third man fence. |
| 46.3 : J Bird to Misbah, Stays back to the similar length delivery and defends it towards cover-point. |
| 46.4 : J Bird to Misbah, Fullish delivery outside off, Misbah comes forward and defends it down the track. |
| Misbah has been caught at short leg by Nic Maddinson. The umpire refers it upstairs to check whether he has been caught cleanly or not. The soft signal is out. |
| 46.5 : Bird to Misbah, OUT! THE SKIPPER DEPARTS! The floodgates have opened! Fullish delivery around off, shaping in a touch. Misbah comes forward half-heartedly and looks to defend it but gets a thick inside edge onto his pads. The ball lobs towards Maddinson at short leg and he bends low to his left to take a sharp reflex catch. The umpires consult with each other and refer it upstairs. The soft signal is out. Has Maddinson taken it cleanly? Time for the replays. They show that Maddinson has t |
| ASAD SHAFIQ walks out to bat. |
| 46.6 : J Bird to Shafiq, In the channel outside off, left alone. |
| 47.1 : N Lyon to Ali, Played to the point region by the batsman. The batsmen have run through for a single. |
| 47.2 : N Lyon to Shafiq, Gets right behind this one and defends it. |
| 47.3 : N Lyon to Shafiq, Gets forward and blocks this one. |
| 47.4 : N Lyon to Shafiq, Shafiq comes forward and helps it with the spin to backward square leg. |
| 47.5 : N Lyon to Shafiq, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 47.6 : N Lyon to Shafiq, Quicker one, defended nicely off the back foot to short leg. |
| 48.1 : J Bird to Ali, Length delivery around off, defended off the front foot solidly. |
| 48.2 : J Bird to Ali, Shortish delivery into the stumps, Ali hops back and keeps it down on the track. |
| 48.3 : J Bird to Ali, Camp back to the length delivery and defends it to the off side solidly. |
| 48.4 : J Bird to A Ali, FOUR! LUCKY RUNS! Back of a length around off, Azhar shuffles and goes back to defend it but gets a thick outside edge past the slip cordon and races to the fence. |
| 48.5 : J Bird to Ali, Fullish delivery tailing into the stumps, driven nicely to mid on for nothing. |
| 48.6 : J Bird to Ali, On a length outside off, Azhar leans forward and plays it with an angled blade to the off side. |
| STARC is back into the attack. |
| 49.1 : M Starc to Shafiq, Fullish delivery attacking the stumps, Shafiq puts his head down and defends it down the track calmly. |
| 49.2 : M Starc to Shafiq, Fuller length ball on off, defended solidly off the front foot. |
| 49.3 : M Starc to Shafiq, On a length angling across Shafiq. he points his bat skywards and lets it go. |
| 49.4 : M Starc to Shafiq, Length delivery angling across Asad. he feels for it and is beaten all ends up. Good channel from Starc. |
| 49.5 : M Starc to Shafiq, Camps back to the length delivery on off and defends it to the left of Starc. |
| 49.6 : M Starc to Shafiq, FOUR! SHOT! Bowls a back of a length ball outside off, Shafiq rises with the bounce and upper cuts it over gully. Good shot and he gets a boundary to his name. |
| 50.1 : J Bird to Ali, FOUR! Short of a length outside off, Ali pokes at it but gets a thick outside edge past the slip cordon and the ball races to the fence. Bird has his tail up and is really bending his back. |
| 50.2 : J Bird to Ali, FOUR! Back-to-back boundaries! Too straight and full on this ocassion, Azhar is well balanced as he clips it beautifully through mid-wicket. Timed that really well and the ball whistles to the fence. |
| 50.3 : J Bird to Ali, Fuller length ball tailing in, clipped to mid-wicket. |
| 50.4 : J Bird to Ali, Back of a length ball outside off, left alone. |
| 50.5 : J Bird to Ali, Back of a length ball around off, Ali camps back and tucks it towards mid on. |
| There was a slight drizzle in the air and now it has picked up. The umpires have made a sensible call and have taken an EARLY TEA as the covers are rushed on to the ground. |
| Australia's session again as they have nipped out two huge wickets of Younis and Misbah. The duo never looked comfortable at the crease as Bird and Starc swung the ball around in overcast conditions. The former has been terrific after lunch and he has reaped rewards for bending his back and bowling his heart out. These are testing conditions to bat on and Azhar Ali has been the only one who has battled it out and has played a fighting knock so far. |
| Ali is holding one end up and he will need support from Shafiq, who was the star for Pakistan in the first Test. Can both of them bail the visitors out of trouble or will the Aussies keep on nipping wickets and push them further into a hole? Let's hope the weather clears out and we get to witness some exciting cricket in the final session. |
| ...DAY 1, SESSION 3... |
| UPDATE 1000 IST - The tea break has passed but it is still raining at the MCG. Let's hope the showers stop and we get some play soon. |
| UPDATE 1105 IST - It's still raining at the MCG and chances of having any more play today looks bleak. We will keep you posted with further updates. |
| UPDATE 1118 IST - The inevitable has happened and rain has had its final say as the umpires have DECIDED TO CALL IT A DAY. |
| A sorry end to an opening day of Boxing Day Test. Final session has been completely washed out which means we have lost almost 40 overs, many more events could have happened had the rain not interrupted. The Test is poised perfectly at the moment but the home side slightly has an upper hand as Jackson Bird removed both the veterans Younis Khan and Misbah before the rain gods appeared. However, Azhar Ali has kept hold at one end and is unbeaten on 66. He has Asad Shafiq, the star of the previous |
| Pakistan would be pinning their hopes on the current pair to add as many possible so that they can post a good total on the board on what is an extremely a good batting surface. While the Aussies would be itching to go out and continue from where they left off today, their pacers bowled some tight lines and have reaped dividends for the same. Just a reminder - There will be an early start tomorrow at 0430 IST to cover up for the overs lost today. The forecast for the remaining days isn't pleasi |
| ...DAY 2, SESSION 1... |
| Hello and a warm welcome for Day 2 of the second Test between Australia and Pakistan. We lost almost 40 overs yesterday and let's hope that the weather gods stay merciful and we get the extended allotted quota of overs for today. Australia have begun well and would look to stamp their authority further with the ball. Hazlewood and Bird have bowled brilliant lines and lengths and have reaped the rewards. The latter deserves a special mention as he has continued to put relentless pressure on the P |
| Though it is a pretty good track to bat on, the overcast conditions have made it a stern test for the batsmen. Only Azhar Ali has looked composed in the middle and he would need to play a big one to steer the visitors to safe harbours. On the other hand, the home side would look to keep on nipping away at the wickets and keep them under the lid. Will the tourists put up a brave fight and put up a decent score on the board? Let's see who comes out on top. |
| We are all set to get underway. The umpires and players have made their way out to the middle. AZHAR ALI and ASAD SHAFIQ to continue from where they left off. JACKSON BIRD to finish his pending over. Let's play... |
| 50.6 : J Bird to Ali, On a length outside off, holding its line. Ali makes a watchful leave. |
| HAZLEWOOD to bowl from the other end. |
| 51.1 : J Hazlewood to Shafiq, In the channel outside off, Shafiq points his bat skywards and lets it through. |
| 51.2 : J Hazlewood to Shafiq, Length delivery angling in to Shafiq. He camps back and defends it stoutly. |
| 51.3 : J Hazlewood to Shafiq, Good carry on that one! Fullish delivery outside off, zips through the pitch as Asad lets it go through. |
| 51.4 : J Hazlewood to Shafiq, In the corridor of uncertainty, third leave of the over. |
| 51.5 : J Hazlewood to Shafiq, On a length shaping back into the stump, Asad hangs back and defends it towards mid on. Shane Warne on air mentions, that the Pakistani batsmen haven't kept the scoreboard ticking. They have allowed the Australian bowlers to dictate terms. |
| 51.6 : J Hazlewood to Shafiq, In the channel outside off, Shafiq doesn't flirt with it. A good steady maiden over by Hazlewood. |
| MITCHELL STARC comes into the attack. Three slips, gully and a point in place. |
| 52.1 : M Starc to Ali, Fullish delivery angling across Ali. He doesn't flirt with that one. |
| 52.2 : M Starc to Ali, Fuller length ball outside off, angling away. Ali is drawn into the drive but gets it off the inner half back towards the bowler. |
| 52.3 : M Starc to Ali, Fullish delivery attacking the stumps, Ali puts his head down and defends it nicely. |
| 52.4 : M Starc to Ali, Fullish ball outside off, driven to mid off. |
| 52.5 : M Starc to Ali, FOUR! BEAUTIFUL! Bowls a fuller length ball outside off, Ali leans forward and times his drive beautifully down the ground and the ball whistles away to the fence. That was delightful to watch! |
| 52.6 : M Starc to Ali, Bowls a short one outside off angling across Azhar. He sways away from the line of the delivery. |
| 53.1 : J Hazlewood to Shafiq, On a length on middle, Shafiq tucks it to the leg side. |
| 53.2 : J Hazlewood to Shafiq, Back of a length outside off and hits the deck hard. Shafiq points his bat skywards and allows it through safely. Great carry on that one! |
| 53.3 : J Hazlewood to Shafiq, Short of a length ball outside off, Shafiq hangs back and plays it with an angled blade through gully. Good running between the wicket allows them to come back for three. |
| 53.4 : J Hazlewood to Ali, In the channel outside off, holds its line after pitching. Left alone. |
| 53.5 : J Hazlewood to A Ali, Goes a bit wider of the crease and angles in a fullish delivery, Ali lunges forward and drives it to mid off |
| 53.6 : J Hazlewood to Ali, Tests him with the short ball on middle and leg, angling down. Azhar ducks under the bumper. |
| 54.1 : M Starc to Shafiq, Excellent running between the wickets! Fuller length ball well outside off, Shafiq extends his arms and caresses it through the covers. Warner sprints after it but the batsmen come back for three. |
| 54.2 : M Starc to Ali, A bit straighter on this occasion, Ali drives it nicely through the covers. This time Warner chases it with spring in his stride and keeps it down to a couple. He is a great athlete. Bill Lawry on air reckons, 'The wicket has quickened up this morning. There is good carry.' |
| 54.3 : M Starc to Ali, Shortish delivery into the stumps this time, Azhar tucks it to the man at square leg. |
| 54.4 : M Starc to Ali, Straying on the hips, tucked round the corner for a run. |
| Mid on comes to slip. |
| 54.5 : M Starc to Shafiq, Dug in short outside off, Shafiq arches back and lets it sail through to the keeper. |
| 54.6 : M Starc to Shafiq, The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot. |
| 55.1 : J Hazlewood to Ali, On a length angling into Ali. He hangs back and defends it to short mid-wicket. |
| 55.2 : J Hazlewood to Ali, Fullish delivery just outside off, Ali puts his head down and defends it down the track. |
| 55.3 : J Hazlewood to Ali, Short of a length ball angling into Ali. He moves across and looks to clip it but is struck on the thigh pad. A stifled appeal for LBW was made but the Aussies pulled out of it. It was going down leg. |
| 55.4 : J Hazlewood to Ali, Played to mid-wicket region by the batsman. |
| 55.5 : J Hazlewood to Ali, Fullish delivery outside off, Ali lunges forward and defends it confidently. |
| 55.6 : J Hazlewood to Ali, Fuller length ball attacking the stumps, Ali clips it through mid-wicket and gets a couple to his name. |
| 56.1 : M Starc to Shafiq, Comes around the wicket and hurls in a length delivery outside off, holds its line. Shafiq lets it go. |
| 56.2 : M Starc to Shafiq, Fullish delivery angling in, Asad comes forward and defends it. |
| 56.3 : M Starc to Shafiq, Hurls this one wider outside off, Shafiq doesn't flirt with it. |
| 56.4 : M Starc to Shafiq, Dug in short outside off, angling in. Shafiq arches back and sways away from the line to evade it. |
| 56.5 : M Starc to Shafiq, Bowls a very full ball at 143.8 clicks outside off, Shafiq jams it out down the track. |
| 56.6 : M Starc to Shafiq, Fuller length ball outside off, Asad looks to drive it hard but gets an outside edge that falls in front of the man at cover-point. |
| 57.1 : J Hazlewood to Ali, On a length outside off, holds its line. Asad points his bat skywards and allows it through. |
| 57.2 : J Hazlewood to Ali, Back of a length ball angling in sharply, Azhar is caught in the crease as he looks to tuck it but misses and is struck on the thigh pad. Hazlewood is probing around here. |
| 57.3 : J Hazlewood to Ali, On a length around off, Ali strides forward and defends it back towards the bowler. |
| 57.4 : J Hazlewood to Ali, Bowls a short delivery around leg stump, Azhar ducks under it. |
| 57.5 : J Hazlewood to Ali, Hurls it wide outside off this time, Ali doesn't bother to play at that one. |
| 57.6 : J Hazlewood to Ali, Length delivery outside off, Ali hangs back and defends it towards point. A maiden by Hazlewood. |
| 58.1 : M Starc to Shafiq, Fullish delivery angling in on off, Shafiq comes forward, open his bat face and plays it towards point. |
| 58.2 : M Starc to Shafiq, On a driving length outside off, Shafiq is drawn into a full blooded drive but gets beaten. This is good Test match stuff! |
| 58.3 : M Starc to Shafiq, Invites him to drive again and bowls it outside off, Shafiq resists the temptation and lets it go this time. Starc has a look at him and smiles. Shafiq nods his head and acknowledges the delivery. |
| 58.4 : M Starc to Shafiq, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 58.5 : M Starc to Shafiq, Digs it short around leg stump this time, Shafiq ducks underneath it. |
| 58.6 : M Starc to Shafiq, On a length angling into Asad. Looks to find the gap between his bat and pad but Asad comes forward and defends it. |
| Silly mid on in place now. |
| 59.1 : J Hazlewood to Ali, Camps back to the back of a length ball and plays it to point. |
| 59.2 : J Hazlewood to Ali, Fuller length ball outside off, Ali strides forward and blocks it. |
| 59.3 : J Hazlewood to Ali, Ali covers the line to the length delivery and pushes it to mid off. |
| 59.4 : J Hazlewood to A Ali, Good match awareness! Short of a length ball, Ali hangs back and looks to tuck it but gets an inside edge onto his pads and the ball rolls towards the right side of the pitch. Maddinson comes sprinting in but the batsmen complete the run in a flash. |
| 59.5 : J Hazlewood to Shafiq, In the channel outside off, left alone. |
| 59.6 : J Hazlewood to Shafiq, Fullish delivery angling in, Asad clips it through mid-wicket for a single. |
| 60.1 : M Starc to Shafiq, Length delivery on off, Shafiq defends it towards Maddinson at short leg who makes a good reflex stop. |
| 60.2 : M Starc to Shafiq, Fuller length ball outside off, pushed off the front foot to the covers. |
| 60.3 : M Starc to Shafiq, Length delivery outside off, Azhar taps it with soft hands towards point and scurries through for a brisk single. Excellent running! |
| 60.4 : M Starc to Ali, Short of a length ball attacking the body, Azhar is surprised by it but does well in the end to tuck it round the corner. Single taken! |
| 60.5 : M Starc to Ali, Fuller length ball shaping back in, Azhar comes forward and check drives it down the ground. Gets it past Bird at mid on. Three runs taken! |
| 60.6 : M Starc to Shafiq, Length delivery outside off, Shafiq hangs back and defends it to the off side. |
| 61.1 : J Hazlewood to Ali, On a length on off, Azhar defends it off his back foot to the man at short mid-wicket. Calls a loud no to his non-striker. |
| 61.2 : J Hazlewood to Ali, Length delivery outside off, curls in a shade. Ali stays back and lets it through. Warner is looking to shine one end of the ball. The rain last night is not helping the cause. |
| 61.3 : J Hazlewood to Ali, Slips this one down the leg side, Azhar looks to clip it but misses. |
| 61.4 : J Hazlewood to Ali, Straying on the pads, nudged to fine leg for a single. |
| 61.5 : J Hazlewood to Shafiq, Bowls a bouncer on middle, Ali ducks under it and evades the bumper. |
| 61.6 : J Hazlewood to Shafiq, On a length outside off, Shafiq taps it towards gully for nothing. |
| JACKSON BIRD is into the attack. |
| 62.1 : J Bird to Ali, In the channel outside off, left alone. |
| 62.2 : J Bird to Ali, Shortish delivery wide outside off, Azhar cuts it to Lyon at point. The crowd cheers up for him. He is also warming up. Might be in with a spell soon. |
| 62.3 : J Bird to A Ali, Full length ball outside off, driven firmly to mid off. |
| 62.4 : J Bird to Ali, Similar length ball outside off, Azhar lunges forward confidently and pushes it to Khawaja at short cover. He is looking good for a century. |
| 62.5 : J Bird to Ali, Fullish ball angling in, Ali lunges forward and blocks it down on the track. |
| 62.6 : J Bird to Ali, Length delivery outside off, Azhar hangs back and defends it to the covers. Maiden for Bird to start with! |
| NATHAN LYON to bowl now. Can he strike? |
| 63.1 : N Lyon to Shafiq, Gives it a lot of air outside off, Shafiq drives it towards mid off. |
| 63.2 : N Lyon to Shafiq, Spinning into Asad. He helps it past short leg for a run. |
| 63.3 : N Lyon to Ali, Ali comes forward to the loopy ball and works it with the spin through mid-wicket for a run. |
| 63.4 : N Lyon to A Shafiq, Tossed up around off, driven to mid off. |
| 63.5 : N Lyon to Shafiq, Loopy ball outside off, Shafiq puts his head down and defends it down the track calmly. |
| 63.6 : N Lyon to Shafiq, Fullish ball on the stumps, clipped with the spin through mid-wicket for an easy single. |
| 64.1 : J Bird to Shafiq, On a length around off, Shafiq prods forward and defends it to the off side. |
| 64.2 : J Bird to Shafiq, Good shot! Bowls it fullish outside off, Shafiq leans ahead and creams it through the covers. Lyon sprints after it and puts in a slide at deep cover. Keeps it down to three and the crowd is right behind him. It must be a great feeling to have so many passionate people cheering for you. |
| 64.3 : J Bird to Ali, Bowls a fullish delivery, Ali defends it towards mid-wicket. |
| 64.4 : J Bird to A Ali, Comes forward and pushes it off the front foot to mid on. |
| 64.5 : J Bird to Ali, Fuller length ball angling in, Azhar covers the line and defends it to mid on. |
| 64.6 : J Bird to Ali, On a length on leg stump, Azhar shuffled there and plays it towards square leg. |
| 65.1 : N Lyon to Shafiq, Quicker one spinning into the stumps, defended solidly off the back foot to short leg. |
| 65.2 : N Lyon to Shafiq, That was a very optimistic shout! Shafiq advances down the track and looks to play it with the spin but misses it and is rapped on the pads. It would have been going down leg! |
| 65.3 : N Lyon to Shafiq, Asad clips it with the spin to the leg side for a run. |
| 65.4 : N Lyon to A Ali, Tossed up delivery, pushed to mid on off the front foot. |
| 65.5 : N Lyon to Ali, A bit short this time, Ali wait for it and turns it to short fine leg. Looks for the single but won't get it. |
| 65.6 : N Lyon to Ali, This time he plays it a bit finer to the same region and completes a brisk single this time. |
| 66.1 : J Bird to Ali, Length delivery around off, defended to the leg side. |
| 66.2 : J Bird to Ali, That's a loose shot! Bowls a shortish delivery wide outside off, Azhar slashes at it hard but misses. Perhaps a lapse in concentration. He needs to play a big one for the visitors. |
| 66.3 : J Bird to Ali, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 66.4 : J Bird to Ali, FOUR! Shot of the morning! Bowls a fullish delivery outside off, Ali lunges forward confidently and drives it down the ground. The timing is of the highest quality and the ball races to the fence. Moves to 88. |
| 50-run stand up between Ali and Shafiq. |
| 66.5 : J Bird to Ali, That's a brave leave! Bowls it on a length just outside off, shapes back in a touch. Ali covers his off pole and the ball zips through to the keeper. |
| 66.6 : J Bird to Ali, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 67.1 : N Lyon to Shafiq, Fetches this from around off and sweeps it to fine leg. Single taken! |
| 67.2 : N Lyon to Ali, Fullish delivery on off, defended off the front foot to short mid-wicket. |
| 67.3 : N Lyon to Ali, FOUR! SHOT! Ali kneels down to the loopy delivery and sweeps it hard round the corner. He hit it really well and gets the desired result. Moves into the nineties. He is growing in confidence! |
| 67.4 : N Lyon to Ali, Azhar plays it with the spin to the leg side for a run. |
| 67.5 : N Lyon to Shafiq, Shortish outside off, Shafiq rocks back and punches it through the off side for a run. Good footwork there! |
| 67.6 : N Lyon to Ali, Gives this one plenty of air and bowls it on off, Ali prods forward in defense. |
| 68.1 : J Bird to Shafiq, On a length angling back in. He puts his head down and defends calmly. |
| 68.2 : J Bird to Shafiq, Short of a length wide outside off, Shafiq slashes at it hard. Perhaps a risk free shot as he gave it his all. |
| 68.3 : J Bird to Shafiq, Fuller length ball this time, pushed off the front foot to mid on. |
| Australia have taken a review against Asad Shafiq. It is for a caught behind appeal. |
| 68.4 : J Bird to Shafiq, WASTE OF A REVIEW! On a length and angling back sharply. Shafiq is tentative in his foot work as he looks to block it but seems to have missed it as the ball brushes something and carries through to Wade. There is a loud appeal for a catch but the umpire shakes his head. Wade is not sure and so is Smith but he opts to take the review. The replays show that it brushed the thigh pad. The snicko also doesn't spot any edge there. The on-field call stays! |
| 68.5 : J Bird to Shafiq, On a length outside off, Shafiq is again caught in his crease as he inside edges it onto his pads. Good back to back deliveries from Bird. |
| 68.6 : Bird to Shafiq, A BIT OF A BLIP BY THE TV UMPIRE! Bowls a fullish ball that tails back in, Shafiq comes forward and drives it towards Bird who manages to get a hand on it. Deflects it towards the non-striker's stumps and hits it. Azhar Ali dived in to get back. Is he in? The run out appeal is referred upstairs. Ali did brilliantly there to dive back into his crease. Ooh. wait! The TV umpire has ruled it OUT on the big screen by mistake. The crowd bursts into a loud cheer but it is quickly |
| Time for Drinks. |
| 69.1 : N Lyon to Ali, Around off, turning in, flicked off the back foot towards short mid-wicket. |
| 69.2 : N Lyon to Ali, Loopy ball around middle and leg, flicked past short leg. |
| 69.3 : N Lyon to A Ali, Full and around off, Ali comes forward and drives it towards deep mid on for a single. |
| 69.4 : N Lyon to Shafiq, Comes down the track and flicks it towards short mid-wicket. |
| 69.5 : N Lyon to A Shafiq, Tossed up around off, Shafiq makes a good stride forward and drives it towards mid off. |
| 69.6 : N Lyon to Shafiq, Tossed up on the stumps, Shafiq looks to defend but gets it off the inner part of the bat towards short leg. |
| 70.1 : J Bird to Ali, Good length ball on off, defended off the back foot. |
| 70.2 : J Bird to Ali, Ali stays behind the line and shows a straight bat. |
| 70.3 : J Bird to Ali, Good stop, Khawaja! Fuller in length and around off, Azhar gets forward and looks to drive it through covers. Khawaja stationed there dives full length to his left to stop some runs for his side. |
| 70.4 : J Bird to Ali, Good length ball, angling in, defended back to Bird. |
| 70.5 : J Bird to Ali, Very full and outside off, Ali somehow manages to dig it out down the track. |
| 70.6 : J Bird to Ali, Angles away on a length outside off, Ali drops his wrists and lets it go. |
| 71.1 : N Lyon to Shafiq, Flatter and short around middle and leg, flicked through square leg by Shafiq. He wanted another one as well but Ali is happy with one. |
| 71.2 : N Lyon to Ali, Worked behind square on the leg side for a single. |
| 71.3 : N Lyon to Shafiq, Short and outside off, Shafiq camps back and punches it through the gap at covers. Bird does well in the deep to keep them down to three. |
| 71.4 : N Lyon to Ali, Ali shuffles a bit and tucks it towards fine leg for a single. |
| 71.5 : N Lyon to Shafiq, Tosses it up around off, Shafiq presses forward in defense. |
| 71.6 : N Lyon to Shafiq, Loopy around middle and leg, Asad comes down the track and works it straight to the man at short mid-wicket. The fielder returns a throw at the striker's end and it hits but Shafiq's bat was grounded. |
| 72.1 : J Bird to Ali, Back of a length ball outside off, Ali hops across and tucks it towards mid-wicket. |
| 0.0 : Just at the start of the over, umpire S Ravi went towards the square leg umpire, Ian Gould, to have a word as it was drizzling. And now it is enough to ask the players to leave the field. The groundsmen rush in to cover the square. It isn't much at the moment and let's hope we get back in quickly... |
| Hurrah! We are back, folks! The drizzle has stopped and the covers come off. The players and the umpires are back in the middle. Ali will take strike and Bird will continue his over. Here we go... |
| 72.2 : J Bird to Ali, Fuller and tailing back in, Ali presses forward and pushes it with soft hands towards mid on. |
| 72.3 : J Bird to Ali, Length ball on the hips, AA tucks it behind square on the leg side to get off the strike. |
| 72.4 : J Bird to Shafiq, Back of a length delivery in the channel outside off, Shafiq stays tall and taps it towards the off side. |
| Shafiq calls for an arm-guard... |
| 72.5 : J Bird to A Shafiq, Fuller and pretty much outside off, Asad drives it straight to mid off. |
| 72.6 : J Bird to A Shafiq, Bird once again pitches it up on the stumps, Shafiq looks to drive but is not off the middle of the bat and it rolls towards mid on. |
| Surprise! Surprise! Captain STEVEN SMITH wants to have a go with the cherry now. Can he get a breakthrough? |
| 73.1 : S Smith to Ali, Short and around off, punched off the back foot towards covers. |
| 73.2 : S Smith to Ali, A loopy full toss around middle, flicked towards square leg for a single. |
| 73.3 : S Smith to Shafiq, Flatter and shorter in length, Shafiq pulls it towards mid-wicket for a single. |
| 73.4 : S Smith to Ali, Floats it up around off, Ali makes a good stride forward, brings his bat and pad together to defend it down. |
| 73.5 : S Smith to Ali, Full and going down leg, Ali clips it towards the leg side for a single. Moves to 99! |
| 73.6 : S Smith to Shafiq, Around middle and leg, nudged straight to the fielder at short mid-wicket. |
| Now we have another change. NIC MADDINSON into the attack now. |
| 74.1 : Nic Maddinson to Ali, Quicker through the air around off, Ali stays back and defends it off the back foot. |
| 74.2 : Nic Maddinson to Ali, Loopy ball around off, Ali drives it past extra cover but he sees Warner coming from mid off and shouts NO. |
| 74.3 : Nic Maddinson to Ali, AZHAR ALI GETS TO HIS TON! Such an impressive knock by this man. He played the patience game and then attacked when it was needed. Leaps a bit in the air, removes the helmet and has his hands aloft. The entire Pakistan team in the dressing room lauds the effort. Coming to the ball, around middle and leg, it's worked towards fine leg for a couple. |
| 12th Test ton for Azhar Ali, 3rd vs Australia! |
| 74.4 : Nic Maddinson to A Ali, Full around off, driven through covers for a single. |
| 74.5 : Nic Maddinson to Shafiq, AS has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 74.6 : Nic Maddinson to Shafiq, Fuller outside off, driven towards mid off. |
| 75.1 : S Smith to Ali, Full on the pads, flicked towards backward square leg for a single. |
| 75.2 : S Smith to Shafiq, Fuller around middle, Shafiq jams it back to the bowler. |
| 75.3 : S Smith to Shafiq, Shafiq presses forward and defends it down. |
| 75.4 : S Smith to Shafiq, Drops it short, a customary delivery by every leg spinner. Shafiq camps back and pulls it towards deep mid-wicket for a single. |
| 75.5 : S Smith to Ali, That's a ripper shouts an excited Bill Lawry on air. Smith pushes it quicker through the air and it zips in a touch, Ali does well to defend it down. |
| 75.6 : S Smith to Ali, The batsman plays a sweep shot. One run added to the total. |
| 76.1 : Nic Maddinson to Ali, Flicked through the on side for a single. |
| 76.2 : Nic Maddinson to Shafiq, Tossed up around off, Shafiq makes a bit of room to drive it through the off side but gets an inside edge past the stumps towards fine leg for a single. |
| 76.3 : Nic Maddinson to Ali, Tossed up around off, driven straight to covers. |
| 76.4 : Nic Maddinson to Ali, Shortish in length, punched towards mid on for one. |
| 76.5 : Nic Maddinson to Shafiq, Short and outside off, AS gets back and punches it towards cover-point for a single. |
| 76.6 : Nic Maddinson to Ali, FOUR! Easy pickings! No one in the deep and Maddinson bowls a half-tracker and was asking for trouble. Ali camps back and pulls it over mid-wicket for a boundary. |
| 77.1 : S Smith to Shafiq, Shafiq taps this delivery towards covers and scurries across for a quick single. |
| 77.2 : S Smith to Ali, Full around off, eased down to long off for one. |
| 77.3 : S Smith to Shafiq, Gets forward and pushes it past the Aussie skipper for a single. |
| 77.4 : S Smith to Ali, Nicely floated around off, Ali defends it off the front foot. |
| 77.5 : S Smith to Ali, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 77.6 : S Smith to Ali, Flighted ball around middle and off, tucked towards short mid-wicket. |
| 78.1 : Nic Maddinson to Shafiq, Full and angling in, defended by making a good stride forward. |
| 78.2 : Nic Maddinson to Shafiq, An arm ball from around off, Shafiq hangs back in defense. |
| 78.3 : Nic Maddinson to Shafiq, Shortish in length and around off, Asad defends it off the back foot. |
| 78.4 : Nic Maddinson to Shafiq, FOUR! You can't bowl him short, he will make you pay all day and night! Another long hop from Maddinson and he sees it getting pulled in front of square for a boundary all the way. |
| 78.5 : Nic Maddinson to Shafiq, Prods forward and keeps it out on the off side. |
| 78.6 : Nic Maddinson to Shafiq, Short and turning away, Shafiq gets back and cuts it wide of the fielder at backward point. Running is not an issue and they get three more. |
| NATHON LYON back into the attack. |
| The ball has been swapped as it got wet. |
| 79.1 : N Lyon to Shafiq, FOUR! It's a ripper, it's a four! Lyon bowls a loopy ball outside off, Shafiq gets down and fetches it from outside off to sweep it through mid-wicket for a boundary. The fielder tries to stop it with a dive but fails to do so. |
| 79.2 : N Lyon to Shafiq, FOUR! Back-to-back boundaries! Lyon is taken for runs here. Tossed up outside off, it's a bit short from around the wicket. Shafiq camps back and thwacks the punch through covers for another boundary. |
| 100-run stand between Shafiq and Ali! |
| 79.3 : N Lyon to Shafiq, Full and around off, blocked. |
| 79.4 : N Lyon to Shafiq, AS has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 79.5 : N Lyon to Shafiq, Around off, turning in, Shafiq keeps it out with a solid defense. |
| 79.6 : N Lyon to Shafiq, Charge, oops straight to the man at mid off but. |
| JACKSON BIRD comes back for a bowl. The new ball is due now but it's still not been taken. The reviews are refreshed now. |
| 80.1 : J Bird to Ali, Fuller in length and angling in, defended off the front foot. |
| 80.2 : J Bird to Ali, In the channel outside off, Ali leaves it alone. |
| 80.3 : J Bird to Ali, Angles in a length ball on middle and leg, flicked towards fine leg for a single. |
| 80.4 : J Bird to Shafiq, Gets right behind the line of the ball and defends. |
| 80.5 : J Bird to Shafiq, Keeps it full and comes back in a shade, Shafiq presses forward and blocks it down the track. |
| 80.6 : J Bird to Shafiq, Lovely! Fuller and angling in on the pads, Shafiq gets across and flicks it past Starc at mid on. He goes for the chase but couldn't prevent three. |
| Both the umpires have a chat between themselves and ask the players to head to their dressing rooms. Lunch is still 10 minutes away but since it has gone gloomy out there the umpires have called for AN EARLY LUNCH! The covers are hauled in too... |
| A session which is completely bagged by Pakistan! They have seen off the session unscathed under the overcast conditions and that is some thing to take confidence from. The highlight of the session was Azhar Ali who has dug himself in well out there and in the process has also registered a much-deserved ton. Asad Shafiq at the other end has given ample support to the centurion and has shown the Aussies he is a force to be reckoned with. |
| The Australians have had a tough outing this morning. They tried everything they could, Smith made as many bowling changes and to add to it he brought himself into the attack as well but it was to no avail. The Pakistan batsmen have dealt with the pace attack nicely and have scored runs at will too. There are chances of rain as it is pretty dark out there which is why Smith didn't take the second new ball as he had fear of it getting wet. We had a mini-halt in play in the first session and let' |
| ...DAY 2, SESSION 2... |
| UPDATE 0735 IST - There will be an inspection at 0745 IST. We should have started the second session by now but the covers are still on. There is a bit of drizzle still around, hope the weather clears out soon. Stay tuned for further updates. |
| UPDATE 0745 IST - More covers are coming on. The inspection which was supposed to happen hasn't. Looks like there will be further delay due to the drizzle. Stay tuned for further updates. |
| UPDATE 0810 IST - Some good news as the big cover is off. The one on the pitch still remains, though. There will be another inspection at 0820 IST. |
| UPDATE 0820 IST - Just minutes before the inspection, the rain increased a little and that has made the groundsmen bring the covers back on. The waiting game continues... |
| UPDATE 0915 IST - Still gloomy scenes from the MCG and the drizzle has settled into a steady mode. Covers are being put on the bowler's run up area as well. In a while, we will get news whether early tea would be taken or not. It has been a frustrating day for the cricketing fans so far. Let's hope we got some positive news soon. |
| UPDATE 0930 IST - The word is that the next inspection will take place at 0940 IST, 1510 local time. That time is also the time when tea is scheduled to be taken. Let's hope for better news this time 'round. |
| UPDATE 0945 IST - News is coming in that Tea has been taken. Play is set to resume at 1000 IST if there is no further rain interruption. Final 3 hour session is coming up. |
| Welcome back for the final session after a long rain delay. The players and the umpires come out in the middle. AZHAR ALI and ASAD SHAFIQ will continue their innings. Will they continue to frustrate the Aussies and soldier on or will the home side bounce back hard? NEW BALL HAS ALSO BEEN TAKEN and JOSH HAZLEWOOD willl bowl first up. Here we go... |
| 81.1 : J Hazlewood to Shafiq, WELL BOWLED! Back of a length outside off, shapes away late after pitching. Shafiq is in two minds and looks to play at it initially but withdraws his bat at the last moment. |
| 81.2 : J Hazlewood to Shafiq, Fullish delivery wide outside off, Shafiq doesn't flirt with that one. |
| 81.3 : J Hazlewood to Shafiq, That one swung away appreciably! It was on a driving length outside off luring Asad into the drive but he resisted the temptation. |
| 81.4 : J Hazlewood to Shafiq, On a length shaping back in. Shafiq camps back and defends it to the off side. |
| 81.5 : J Hazlewood to Shafiq, In the corridor of uncertainty, curving away after pitching as Asad watches it closely and lets it go through to the keeper. |
| 81.6 : J Hazlewood to Shafiq, Fullish delivery outside off, swinging away. Shafiq points his bat skywards and lets it through. 8th maiden over for Hazlewood. |
| MITCHELL STARC to bowl from the other end. |
| 82.1 : M Starc to Ali, ALI WAS IN A TANGLE THERE! Bowls it on a length on leg stump, Ali looks to tuck it but closes his bat face early and the ball catches him high on the bat. Lobs safely towards the short mid-wicket region. |
| 82.2 : M Starc to Ali, Dug in short outside off, Azhar sways away from the line of the delivery. |
| 82.3 : M Starc to Ali, Fullish delivery outside off angling away. Driven nicely to mid off. |
| 82.4 : M Starc to Ali, WELL BOWLED! Hurls it on a channel outside off, zips through the pitch after landing. Ali covers his off pole and lets it through. |
| 82.5 : M Starc to Ali, BRILLIANT EFFORT BY WADE! Searches for a yorker but ends up a bowling a low full toss well outside off, Ali looks to jam it out but gets an under edge towards the left of Wade. He moves briskly and leaps athletically in the air to make a goal keeper like save. |
| 82.6 : M Starc to Ali, In the channel outside off, left alone. Second maiden in a trot. |
| 83.1 : J Hazlewood to Shafiq, In the channel outside off, left alone. |
| 83.2 : J Hazlewood to Shafiq, On a length shaping in, Shafiq camps back and plays it with an angled blade to point. |
| 83.3 : J Hazlewood to Shafiq, THAT'S A PEACH! Angles in a length delivery from wider of the crease, Shafiq is squared up a bit and looks to defend it but is beaten by the sharp away movement. Perfect line and length to bowl on this track. |
| 83.4 : J Hazlewood to Shafiq, Wider outside off this time, Shafiq makes an easy leave. |
| 83.5 : J Hazlewood to Shafiq, Gets his radar wrong this time as he hurls it wide outside off, Shafiq is not bothered to play at that one. |
| 83.6 : J Hazlewood to Shafiq, On a length attacking the stumps, Asad defends it off the inner half towards the covers. A good start with the new ball for the Aussies. |
| 84.1 : M Starc to Ali, Hurls in a length ball and angles it away at 145 clicks from Ali. He lets it go through. |
| 84.2 : M Starc to Ali, He is maintaining a consistent channel outside off and Ali continues with his circumspect approach as he leaves this one. |
| 84.3 : M Starc to A Ali, RUN OUT CHANCE MISSED! Bowls a length delivery around off, Azhar taps it towards covers and sets off for a run. Lyon sprints in from point, cuts off the angle and gets to it in a flash. Picks it up and hurls in a throw at the non-striker's end but misses. Azhar was diving to get back in and looked like he would been a goner. The replays confirm that he was a mile out. |
| 84.4 : M Starc to Shafiq, FOUR LEG BYES! Straying on the hips, Shafiq looks to clip it but misses and the ball brushes his thigh pad and runs to the fine leg fence. Four leg byes signaled by the umpire. |
| 84.5 : M Starc to Shafiq, The batsman works it down the leg side. One run added to the total. The scoreboard is moving now. |
| The umpires refer a caught behind appeal upstairs. Is it a bump ball or has Wade taken it cleanly? The soft signal is not out. |
| 84.6 : M Starc to Ali, NOT OUT! Bowls a full length ball wide outside off, Ali looks to jam it out but seems to have nicked it and Wade moves to his right and dives full length to grab it. There is a loud appeal for a caught behind from the Aussies but the umpires are not sure. They decide to refer it upstairs. Has Wade taken it cleanly? The hotspot confirms that it is off the bat but the replays are inconclusive whether Wade has taken the catch cleanly or not. Seems that the ball has kissed the |
| 85.1 : J Hazlewood to Shafiq, Slips this one down the leg side, Shafiq looks to clip it but misses. |
| 85.2 : J Hazlewood to Shafiq, In the channel outside off, left alone. |
| 85.3 : J Hazlewood to Shafiq, Another left alone outside off. |
| 85.4 : Hazlewood to Shafiq, A LOUD SHOUT FOR LBW TURNED DOWN! Bowls a fullish delivery tailing in and attacking the stumps, Shafiq looks to flick it but plays down the wrong line and is rapped low on the pads. The umpire shakes his head and turns down the LBW appeal. Smith thinks about the review but does not take it. The replays show that it would have probably gone down the leg side. |
| 85.5 : J Hazlewood to Shafiq, Outside off, Shafiq lets it go. |
| 85.6 : J Hazlewood to Shafiq, SHAFIQ SURVIVES AGAIN! Bowls a fullish delivery shaping back in on middle and leg, Shafiq falls over a bit and looks to play across the line but is rapped flush on the front pad. Another huge roar from the Aussies for a LBW but the umpire stays unmoved. Smith consults with Wade and Hazlewood and thinks about the review but doesn't take it. Good decision not to review it as the replays show that was going down leg. |
| 86.1 : M Starc to A Ali, Short of a length ball angling away, Ali plays it with an angled blade to gully. |
| 86.2 : M Starc to Ali, The batsman has played it to the point region |
| 86.3 : M Starc to Ali, Angles it in the channel across Ali. Left alone! |
| 86.4 : M Starc to Ali, Hurls this one wide outside off, Ali doesn't flirt with it. |
| 86.5 : M Starc to Ali, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 86.6 : M Starc to Ali, Yorker length ball on the stumps, dug out nicely towards mid off. |
| JACKSON BIRD is back on. |
| 87.1 : J Bird to Shafiq, Straying on the hips, Shafiq glances it down to fine leg for a single. It has been a well constructed knock and he needs to carry on. |
| 0.0 : 18th Test Fifty up for Asad Shafiq. |
| 87.2 : J Bird to Ali, Back of a length ball on middle and off, Ali tucks it behind square on the leg side for a run. |
| 87.3 : J Bird to Shafiq, On a length angling across Asad. He strides forward and pushes it to the off side. |
| 87.4 : J Bird to Shafiq, Fuller length ball outside off, shaping away. Shafiq lets it go. |
| 87.5 : J Bird to Shafiq, BRAVE LEAVE! Hurls this one closer to the off pole as Shafiq comes forward and lets it go through. |
| 87.6 : J Bird to A Shafiq, OUT! BIRD GETS HIS THIRD! Removes him with a ripper! Bowls a back of a length delivery around off, moves away a shade after pitching. Asad has no choice but to go for a block and ends up getting a thick outside edge that flies at a fast pace towards Smith. It comes off at a comfortable height to the Aussie skipper and he pouches it safely at second slip. Shafiq departs just after reaching his fifty. The hosts have bowled well with the new ball and troubled the batsmen |
| SARFRAZ AHMED walks in next. |
| 88.1 : M Starc to A Ali, FIVE WIDES! That's a wayward delivery as it's dug in too short outside off, Wade leaps high in the air but to no avail and races to the fence. Five wides signaled by the umpire. |
| M Starc to Ali, Fullish delivery outside off, pushed off the front foot to the off side. |
| 88.2 : M Starc to Ali, FOUR! DELIGHTFUL! Bowls a fuller length ball around off, Ali prods forward and drives it elegantly down the ground and the ball whistles away to the fence. Great timing on that one! |
| 88.3 : M Starc to Ali, Fullish delivery outside off, driven with an open face to the off side. |
| 88.4 : M Starc to Ali, Stays back to the length delivery and defends it to the off side. |
| 88.5 : M Starc to Ali, In the channel outside off, left alone. |
| 88.6 : M Starc to Ali, Camps back and plays it with an angled blade to point. |
| 89.1 : J Bird to Ahmed, BEAUTIFULLY BOWLED! Bowls it back of a length outside off, Ahmed comes down the track and looks to block it but is beaten by the away movement. |
| 89.2 : J Bird to Ahmed, Short of a length on the stumps, Ahmed looks to tuck it but is rapped on the thigh pad. The ball rolls to the leg side as the batsmen cross over. Leg bye signaled by the umpire! |
| 89.3 : J Bird to Ali, Back of a length delivery rising up on Ali. He rises with the bounce and defends it nicely. |
| 89.4 : J Bird to Ali, The batsman works it down the leg side. The batsmen have run through for a single. |
| 89.5 : J Bird to Ahmed, Shortish delivery wide outside off, Sarfraz camps back and punches it towards Lyon at point. He dives to his right to stop the ball but misfields a bit. Couple taken! |
| 89.6 : J Bird to Ahmed, Fullish delivery and it's straying on the pads, nudged round the corner for a run. |
| 90.1 : M Starc to Ahmed, Bowls a short of a length delivery at 144.3 clicks and it's slanting across Ahmed. He hangs his bat out tentatively but is beaten all ends up. |
| 90.2 : M Starc to Ahmed, Fullish delivery on leg stump, clipped nicely through widish mid on for a run. |
| 90.3 : M Starc to Ali, Slips the length delivery down the leg side, Sarfraz fails to work it around. |
| 90.4 : M Starc to Ali, Fullish delivery attacking the stumps, driven nicely to Starc who stops it on his follow through. |
| 90.5 : M Starc to Ali, SUPERB EFFORT BY WADE! Bowls a very short delivery on middle and leg, Ali ducks underneath it comfortably and Wade has to leap high in the air like a goal keeper to stop it. He does that to perfection! |
| 90.6 : M Starc to Ali, Fuller length ball around off, Ali comes forward and defends it to the off side. |
| 91.1 : J Bird to Ahmed, The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot. |
| 91.2 : J Bird to Ahmed, Fullish delivery outside off, Ahmed lets it through. |
| 91.3 : J Bird to Ahmed, Sees him coming down the track and bowls a short delivery but it's going down leg as Sarfraz ducks and evades it. |
| 91.4 : J Bird to Ahmed, On a length outside of, holding it's line. Ahmed lets it go. |
| 91.5 : J Bird to Ahmed, FOUR! STREAKY RUNS! Short of a length ball outside off, Sarfraz hangs back and plays at it but gets a thick outside edge that flies in between the slips and gully and races to the third man fence. |
| 91.6 : J Bird to Ahmed, On a length around off, played to point by Ahmed. |
| JOSH HAZLEWOOD comes back to bowl. |
| 92.1 : J Hazlewood to Ali, Fuller length ball on the stumps, it's flicked to the square leg region for nothing. |
| 92.2 : J Hazlewood to Ali, Another delivery which is fullish in length, around off, blocked off the front foot and into the track. |
| 92.3 : J Hazlewood to Ali, Hazlewood fires this one right up there, around off, Azhar Ali pushes it to the cover region for a couple of runs. |
| 92.4 : J Hazlewood to Ali, Good length delivery outside off, Azhar has nothing to do with that one. |
| 92.5 : J Hazlewood to Ali, Extremely full and attacking the stumps, driven to the mid on region. No run taken though. |
| 92.6 : J Hazlewood to Ali, Some decent carry on that as Josh Hazlewood pitches this on an excellent length outside off, AA covers the line well and makes a rather watchful leave to end the over. |
| 93.1 : J Bird to Ahmed, Sarfraz walks down the track and taps the length delivery to point for a quick single. Good batting by Sarfraz. |
| 93.2 : J Bird to Ali, FOUR! LOVELY SHOT! Overpitched around off, Azhar strides forward confidently and drives it down the ground. The timing is delightful on that stroke and the ball races to the long on fence. |
| 93.3 : J Bird to Ali, Back of a length ball angling in, Ali closes his bat face early as he looks to tuck it but gets a leading edge that falls safely to the covers. Single taken! |
| 93.4 : J Bird to Ahmed, Hurls this one wide outside off, Ahmed doesn't flirt with it. |
| 93.5 : J Bird to Ahmed, Straying on the pads, worked round the corner for a run. |
| 93.6 : J Bird to Ali, Fullish delivery outside off, Ali comes forward and pushes it with soft hands to Warner at mid off. |
| Time for Drinks. The Australians have made the new ball talk and swung it around appreciably. The Pakistani batsmen have looked tentative at the crease. This is the last recognized pair for the away side and they would hope that they string in a big partnership. Can the Aussies nip away two or three more wickets before stumps today or will the visitors go on to post a reasonable total on the board? |
| 94.1 : J Hazlewood to Ahmed, Fuller length ball on off, driven to mid off. |
| 94.2 : J Hazlewood to Ahmed, On a length angling back in. Ahmed shuffles across his off pole and defends it towards mid on. |
| 94.3 : J Hazlewood to Ahmed, RASH SHOT BY AHMED! Bowls it on a length wide outside off, Ahmed bends low and goes for an ambitious drive on the up but gets beaten. |
| 94.4 : J Hazlewood to Ahmed, The batsman has played it towards mid-wicket. |
| 94.5 : J Hazlewood to S Ahmed, OUT! GREAT COMEBACK BY AUSTRALIA! Sticks to his line and length in the corridor of uncertainty, Ahmed comes forward tentatively and pokes at it but gets a thick outside edge that flies towards Renshaw at first slip. He moves nicely to his right, crouches and takes a good low catch. Ahmed's short stay at the crease comes to an end. Can the Aussies bowl the visitors out under 300? |
| MOHAMMAD AMIR comes to bat. |
| 94.6 : J Hazlewood to Amir, Fullish delivery, driven to mid off. |
| 95.1 : J Bird to Ali, In the channel outside off, left alone. |
| 95.2 : J Bird to Ali, Short of a length ball, curving away. Ali shoulders his arms to let that through. |
| 95.3 : J Bird to Ali, Fuller length ball around off, driven to mid off. |
| 95.4 : J Bird to Ali, Leg bye! On a length angling into Ali. He looks to clip it but is rapped on the thigh pad. The ball rolls to the leg side and the batsmen take a leg bye. |
| 95.5 : J Bird to Amir, Angles across a length delivery from Amir. He comes forward and leaves it alone. |
| 95.6 : J Bird to Amir, Straying on the pads, Amir nudges it round the corner to get off the mark! |
| 96.1 : J Hazlewood to Amir, Fullish delivery on the stumps, Amir plants his front foot forward and defends it towards mid on. |
| 96.2 : J Hazlewood to Amir, Short of a length delivery around off, guided to gully. |
| 96.3 : J Hazlewood to Amir, On a length outside off, Mohammad points his bat skywards and leaves it alone. |
| 96.4 : J Hazlewood to Amir, FOUR! LOOSE SHOT! Bowls it a little bit wide and short of a length outside off, Amir slashes at it hard but gets a thick outside edge that flies over Khawaja at second slip and runs through to the third man fence. Khawaja indicates to his teammates that he didn't pick it up. |
| 96.5 : J Hazlewood to Amir, On a length around off, Amir taps it towards covers and scurries through for a quick single. The running between the wickets has been really good today. |
| 96.6 : J Hazlewood to Ali, The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot. |
| STARC is back on for a bowl. |
| 97.1 : M Starc to Amir, FOUR! GOOD SHOT! Bowls a fullish delivery on the stumps, Amir prods forward and drives it through mid off and gets a second boundary to his name. |
| 97.2 : M Starc to Amir, Slips this one on a length and down the leg side, Amir looks to clip it but misses and Wade pouches it safely. There is an appeal for a caught behind but the umpire is unmoved. Ooh.. wait! however, the hotspot shows there was a bit of a nick on that one. Amir survives! |
| 97.3 : M Starc to Amir, FOUR! AMIR IS LUCKY AGAIN! Bowls a shortish delivery wide outside off, Amir slashes at it and gets an outside edge. Beats Khawaja in the slip region and also eludes the diving man at fly slip and races to third man fence. |
| 97.4 : M Starc to Amir, Defended off the back foot by the batsman. |
| 97.5 : M Starc to Amir, FOUR! Bowls a short of a length ball and it's going down leg, Mohammad gets a tickle on it and the ball rolls across to the fine leg fence. Moves to 18 off 13 deliveries! Handy runs for Pakistan. |
| 97.6 : M Starc to Amir, Fullish delivery, Amir drives it towards Starc who stops it on his follow through. |
| 98.1 : J Hazlewood to Ali, Dug in short outside off, Ali sways away from the line of the delivery to evade it. |
| 98.2 : J Hazlewood to Ali, Played through mid-wicket by the batsman. One run added to the total. |
| 98.3 : J Hazlewood to M Amir, On a length on off, Amir mistimes his drive towards covers and gets a single. |
| 98.4 : J Hazlewood to Ali, Back of a length outside off, punched to the covers. |
| 98.5 : J Hazlewood to Ali, Fullish delivery outside off, Azhar comes forward and defends it to gully. |
| 98.6 : J Hazlewood to Ali, Short of a length directed at the body, Ali shuffles and tucks it towards square leg. A brisk single taken! |
| 99.1 : M Starc to Ali, FOUR! BEAUTIFUL! Fractionally overpitched outside off, Azhar strides forward and plays a punchy drive down the ground. Didn't hit that hard but just timed it beautifully! Gets the desired result. |
| 99.2 : M Starc to Ali, Very full and well outside off, dug out to the off side by Ali. There was a massive gap between his bat and body there. |
| 99.3 : M Starc to Amir, WELL DIRECTED SHORT DELIVERY! Comes around the wicket and angles in a shortish delivery, Amir hops back and fends at it. The ball brushes his gloves and falls in front of the slip region. |
| 99.4 : M Starc to Amir, On a length on the stumps, defended solidly off the back foot. |
| 99.5 : M Starc to Ali, Comes back over the wicket to Ali and hurls in a fuller length ball outside off, Ali leans forward and creams it through the covers. Good running between the wickets to come back for a couple. |
| 99.6 : M Starc to Ali, Short of a length ball on off, Ali hops back uncomfortably and fends it to the leg side. |
| JACKSON BIRD to bowl now. |
| 100.1 : J Bird to M Amir, FOUR! CRUNCHED! Amir is racing along! Bowls a full length ball wide outside off, Mohammad comes forward and drives it on the up through the covers. The fielder sprints after it and slows down near the fence but has enough legs to cross the boundary in the end. |
| 100.2 : J Bird to Amir, The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot. |
| 100.3 : J Bird to Amir, Back of a length around middle and leg, Amir rises with the bounce and defends it solidly. |
| 100.4 : J Bird to Amir, FOUR! FRUSTRATION FOR AUSTRALIA! It has been all aggression from Amir and he gets his sixth boundary. Bowls a back of a length ball outside off, Amir slashes at it hard but gets a thick outside edge. The ball flies over Khawaja's head at second slip and races to the fence. Smith is not pleased at all. |
| 100.5 : J Bird to Amir, WELL BOWLED! Bowls a slower one well outside off, Amir throws the kitchen skin at it but gets beaten. |
| 100.6 : J Bird to Amir, Fullish on the stumps, driven to mid on. |
| 101.1 : M Starc to Ali, Digs this one short and angles it across Ali. He arches back and sways away from the line of the delivery. |
| 101.2 : M Starc to Ali, FOUR! ALI IN COMPLETE CONTROL! Shortish delivery wide outside off, Azhar rises with the bounce and places it between backward point and gully to perfection. He bisected the field to perfection as the ball races across the turf to the fence. |
| Oh sigh! Here comes the drizzle again and Ian Gould calls for the covers to come back on. The players walk off the field slowly. It has been a start-stop day and continues to remain so. The groundsmen are covering the pitch and the surrounding area completely. Let's hope the weather clears out soon. |
| UPDATE 1215 IST - It continues to rain and the umpires have decided to call it a day. Only 50.3 overs were roped in on this start-stop kind of day! Stumps on Day 2! |
| Good day for Pakistan as they have scored 168 runs and lost only two wickets. Azhar Ali has been rock solid and has batted with grit and determination. He is unbeaten on 139 and looks hungry for more. The second new ball did the trick for the home side as the seamers utilized the overcast conditions smartly. Bird was again the pick of the bowlers as he bowled terrific lines and lengths and kept the batsmen on their toes. He broke the crucial 115-run stand between Ali and Shafiq. Hazlewood played |
| After the tourists lost Sarfraz rather quickly, Amir came in and made his intentions clear from the start. He threw caution to the wind and played a breezy knock. He has pushed the bowlers on the back foot with his aggressive approach. The visitors are poised nicely at the moment at 310/6 and with rain forecast for the remainder of the Test, it will be interesting to see for how long Pakistan bat. On the other hand, the Aussies would look to nip out Ali quickly tomorrow morning and clean the tai |
| Let's hope the weather clears out tomorrow and we get in a full day's play or this Test could be heading towards a draw. There will be another half an hour early start tomorrow at 0430 IST to rope in the extra overs. We hope you enjoyed our coverage today. Till then, goodbye and take care! |
| ...DAY 3, SESSION 1... |
| Hello and a warm welcome for Day 3 of the second Test between Australia and Pakistan. The weather has been dodgy so far with only over 100 overs bowled in two days and to add to the misery, it is drizzling at the moment at the MCG. The entire square has been covered up and the waiting game begins early in the morning. The early start that was scheduled to be at 0430 IST won't be possible. Let's hope we get some positive news soon and the weather clears out. Stay tuned as we will keep you posted. |
| UPDATE 0430 IST - Good news, folks! The rain has stopped at the moment but there will be a bit of delay as the conditions will be assessed. Let's see when the covers are taken off. |
| UPDATE 0440 IST - Great news! The covers are coming off and the word is that if there is no further interruption from the rain, play will start at 0505 IST. |
| We are ready to start the first session. Let's hope we don't have any further rain delays today. AZHAR ALI will take strike and MOHAMMAD AMIR is at the non-striker's end. MITCHELL STARC to continue his over. Here we go... |
| 101.3 : M Starc to Ali, Fullish delivery on middle and off, Ali shuffles a touch and defends it to short mid-wicket. |
| 101.4 : M Starc to Ali, Fullish and straying on the pads, clipped nicely to fine leg. First runs of the day! |
| 101.5 : M Starc to Amir, Comes around the wicket and angles across a short delivery from Amir. He sways away from the line of the delivery. |
| 101.6 : M Starc to Amir, It's shortish and going down leg, Amir looks to tuck it but misses. |
| JOSH HAZLEWOOD to bowl from the other end. |
| 102.1 : J Hazlewood to Ali, Fullish delivery well outside off drawing Azhar into the drive but he gets beaten. Good line and length to bowl this! |
| 102.2 : J Hazlewood to A Ali, Fullish delivery attacking the stumps, driven firmly to mid on for nothing. |
| 102.3 : J Hazlewood to Ali, On a length outside off, holding its line. Ali comes forward and makes a watchful leave. |
| 102.4 : J Hazlewood to Ali, Camps back to the length delivery outside off and pushes it to the covers. |
| 102.5 : J Hazlewood to Ali, Just back of a length outside off, Ali points his bat skywards and allows it through. Hazlewood is a treat to watch. He is so consistent with his line and length outside off. |
| 102.6 : J Hazlewood to Ali, Fractionally overpitched outside off, Azhar leans into the drive and creams it through the covers. Sharp running between the wickets fetches them three. |
| 103.1 : M Starc to Ali, Angles across a length delivery from Ali. He doesn't flirt with that one. |
| 103.2 : M Starc to Ali, Short of a length ball around off, Ali hangs back and defends it to the covers. |
| 103.3 : M Starc to Ali, On a length angling away, Ali is a bit tentative with his foot movement as he defends it down the track. |
| 103.4 : M Starc to Ali, Straying on the hips, tucked nicely through mid-wicket for a couple. |
| 103.5 : M Starc to Ali, On a length around off, defended solidly off the back foot to mid off. |
| 103.6 : M Starc to Ali, Full length ball outside off, Azhar bends low and looks to drive but mistimes it towards covers. |
| 104.1 : J Hazlewood to M Amir, Length delivery slanting across Amir. He drives it with an open face through covers for a single. |
| 104.2 : J Hazlewood to Ali, Dug in short but it's slanting down leg, Ali lets it go through. Wade dives athletically to his left to make a good stop. |
| 104.3 : J Hazlewood to Ali, Gets behind the line to this length delivery and defends it. |
| 104.4 : J Hazlewood to Ali, Short of a length around off, Ali stays back and defends it towards mid on. |
| 104.5 : J Hazlewood to Ali, Length delivery well outside off, left alone. |
| 104.6 : J Hazlewood to Ali, Tests him with a bouncer outside off and Ali is up to it as he sways away from the line of the delivery with good technique. |
| 105.1 : M Starc to Amir, OUT! STARC GETS HIS FIRST! Back of a length delivery attacking the body, Amir looks to glance it but only manages to get a fine tickle on it. Wade moves to his right and takes a regulation catch. Just the start the Aussies needed this morning to spur them up. The breezy 49-run stand comes to an end. Good contribution from Amir and he has done his job. |
| 0.0 : SOHAIL KHAN comes out to bat. |
| 105.2 : M Starc to Khan, Tests him with a bouncer first up, Khan ducks underneath it. |
| 105.3 : M Starc to Khan, Dug in short but gets it down the leg side, Sohail ducks easily under it to evade it. |
| 105.4 : M Starc to Khan, In the channel outside off, left alone. |
| 105.5 : M Starc to Khan, Fullish delivery and straying on the pads, clipped nicely with soft hands through mid-wicket. Khan gets off the mark with a couple. |
| 105.6 : Starc to Khan, Bowls a yorker length ball on middle and off, Khan is alert to it and digs it out nicely to short leg. End of a successful over by Starc! |
| 106.1 : J Hazlewood to Ali, Back of a length ball angling in, Ali shuffles and tucks it through mid-wicket for a run. |
| 106.2 : J Hazlewood to Khan, Fuller length ball on off, Sohail with his exaggerated followthrough of the bat defends it to the leg side. |
| 106.3 : J Hazlewood to Khan, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 106.4 : J Hazlewood to Khan, WELL BOWLED! Bowls a length delivery outside off, holds its line. Sohail feels for it but gets beaten all ends up. |
| 106.5 : J Hazlewood to Khan, Dug in short this time, Khan ducks under it. |
| 106.6 : J Hazlewood to Khan, Fuller length ball outside off curving back in. Sohail plays a loose shot across the line but gets beaten as the ball whizzes inches away past the off pole. |
| Leg slip in place. |
| 107.1 : M Starc to Ali, Camps back to the length delivery and defends it to the covers. |
| 107.2 : M Starc to Ali, Short of a length around the hips, Ali looks to tuck it away but misses. Leg slip can come into play. |
| 107.3 : M Starc to Ali, Shortish delivery wide outside off, Ali cuts it hard but finds Lyon at point who is standing a bit deep. |
| 107.4 : M Starc to Ali, Shortish delivery on middle and leg, Ali swivels across and pulls it nicely through backward square leg. Hazlewood cuts it off and keeps it down to two. |
| 107.5 : M Starc to Ali, Fuller length ball outside off, driven nicely to the covers. |
| 107.6 : M Starc to A Ali, FOUR! WELL PLAYED! Shortish delivery slanting across Azhar. He camps back and cuts it behind point and the ball races to the fence. It has been a brilliant knock and the crowd acknowledges his efforts. Can he score a double ton? |
| 150 up for Azhar Ali. |
| 108.1 : J Hazlewood to Khan, Stays back to the length ball on the stumps and defends it nicely down the track. |
| 108.2 : J Hazlewood to Khan, The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot. |
| 108.3 : J Hazlewood to Khan, Fullish delivery, defended solidly off the front foot. There is a nice breeze blowing across the MCG. Just the kind of conditions a seam bowler dreams of. |
| 108.4 : J Hazlewood to Khan, Dug in short, Khan ducks under it. |
| 108.5 : J Hazlewood to S Khan, FOUR! STREAKY RUNS! Bowls a fuller length ball wide outside off, Khan goes for a drive on the up but gets a thick outside edge that flies past Khawaja at third slip. He picked it up pretty late and didn't dive. Khan gets a boundary to his name. |
| 108.6 : J Hazlewood to Khan, Short of a length ball outside off, Khan plays it with an angled bat to point. |
| 109.1 : M Starc to Ali, Length delivery on middle, Ali camps back and defends it nicely. |
| 109.2 : M Starc to Ali, Shortish delivery on middle and leg, tucked to the leg side for a run. |
| 109.3 : M Starc to Khan, Bowls a bouncer at 141.7 clicks outside off, Sohail ducks under it. |
| 109.4 : M Starc to Khan, Goes wider of the crease and hurls in a fullish ball on the stumps, Khan stays well balanced and clips it through mid-wicket nicely. There is no protection in the deep and Maddinson has to run all the way from short leg to cut it off. Three runs taken! |
| 109.5 : M Starc to Ali, Fuller length ball outside off, Ali drives it on the up over covers and gets a couple to his name. The field came up and he took the aerial route. |
| 109.6 : M Starc to Ali, The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot. |
| 110.1 : J Hazlewood to Khan, Fullish delivery, pushed with soft hands to the leg side for a single. He gets off strike! |
| 110.2 : J Hazlewood to Ali, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 110.3 : J Hazlewood to Ali, FOUR! HIGHEST SCORE FOR A PAKISTANI BATSMAN IN AUSTRALIA IN TESTS! Bowls a fullish delivery outside off, Ali goes for a drive but gets an outside edge past second slip and the ball races to the third man fence. |
| 110.4 : J Hazlewood to Ali, Short of a length ball on the hips, tucked to fine leg for a run. |
| 110.5 : J Hazlewood to Khan, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 110.6 : J Hazlewood to Khan, On a length on the stumps, Khan covers the line and defends it down the track. |
| JACKSON BIRD into the attack. |
| 111.1 : J Bird to Ali, On a length on the stumps, clipped through mid-wicket for a single. |
| 111.2 : J Bird to Khan, In the channel outside off, shapes away after pitching. Khan doesn't flirt with that one. |
| 111.3 : J Bird to Khan, Fuller length ball outside off, pushed off the front foot to the off side. |
| 111.4 : J Bird to Khan, Dug in very short, Khan has no trouble in ducking under it. |
| 111.5 : J Bird to Khan, Tests him up with the short stuff again as Khan ducks and evades the bumper. |
| 111.6 : J Bird to Khan, On a length outside off, swinging away. Sohail stays back and makes a watchful leave. |
| NATHAN LYON to bowl now. A huge cheer for him as he takes his strides. |
| 112.1 : N Lyon to Ali, THAT SPUN AND BOUNCED SHARPLY! Bowls it well outside off, Azhar comes forward to defend but is beaten by the sharp inward spin as the ball whizzes past his outside edge. |
| 112.2 : N Lyon to Ali, Tossed up outside off, Ali looks to sweep it hard but misses. Hotspot shows there was something on the bat there. There was no appeal from the Aussies. |
| 112.3 : N Lyon to Ali, Ali waits for it and defends it with the spin to the leg side. |
| 112.4 : N Lyon to Ali, Gives this one plenty of air outside off, Azhar looks to sweep it hard again but misses. |
| 112.5 : N Lyon to A Ali, Ali eases this one with the spin through mid on for a run. |
| 112.6 : N Lyon to Khan, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground |
| 113.1 : J Bird to Ali, Fullish ball outside off, driven firmly to the covers. |
| 113.2 : J Bird to Ali, Ali walks down the pitch and places the short of the length delivery outside off through the off side. Single taken! |
| 113.3 : J Bird to Khan, THAT'S A PEACH! Bowls a length ball outside off, Khan feels for it but is beaten by the away movement. Nice seam position on that one! |
| 113.4 : J Bird to Khan, OUCH! THAT MUST HAVE HURT! Bowls a length delivery and it's angling in, Khan hops back and looks to work it across but gets an inside edge onto the abdomen area. |
| 113.5 : J Bird to Khan, Hurls in a length ball wider outside off, Khan looks to play at it but gets beaten. |
| 113.6 : J Bird to Khan, In the channel outside off, left alone. |
| Time for Drinks. |
| 114.1 : N Lyon to Ali, Tossed up outside off, defended with the spin down the track. |
| 114.2 : N Lyon to Ali, FOUR! GOOD SHOT! Loopy ball well outside off, Azhar dances down the track and drives it on the up over covers. Good timing on that one and the ball races to the fence. A declaration might be around the corner. |
| 114.3 : N Lyon to Ali, AN APPEAL FOR LBW TURNED DOWN! Floats it up on off, Ali goes for the lap sweep and seems to have got it from his bat. Wade goes up in a loud appeal but the umpire shakes his head. Couple taken! The Hotspot shows there was an under edge on that one. |
| 114.4 : N Lyon to Ali, Defended off the back foot by the batsman. |
| 114.5 : N Lyon to Ali, Fullish delivery, worked with the spin through mid-wicket for a run. |
| 114.6 : N Lyon to Khan, Khan comes forward to this one and defends it. |
| 115.1 : J Bird to Ali, Back of a length around off, tucked to the leg side for a run. |
| 115.2 : J Bird to Khan, Dug in short outside off, Sohail looks to hook it but misses. |
| 115.3 : J Bird to Khan, Fuller length ball outside off, pushed off the front foot to mid off. |
| 115.4 : J Bird to S Khan, Back of a length ball outside off, Khan looks to defend it but gets an outside edge past gully. Couple taken! |
| 115.5 : J Bird to Khan, FOUR! LUCKY RUNS! Bowls a fullish ball wider outside off, Sohail goes for an ambitious drive but gets a thick outside edge behind point and gets a handy boundary. |
| 115.6 : J Bird to Khan, On a length outside off, pushed off the back foot to mid off. |
| 116.1 : N Lyon to A Ali, Short delivery, pulled to deep mid-wicket for a run. |
| 116.2 : N Lyon to Khan, FOUR! SMITH ALMOST PULLED OFF A SPECTACULAR CATCH THERE! Bowls it shortish and wide outside off, Sohail bends low and scoops it past the keeper. Smith anticipated that to perfection and ran to his left but the ball brushes the fingertips of his right hand and races to the fine leg fence. |
| 116.3 : N Lyon to Khan, Shortish delivery, punched through the covers for a run. |
| 116.4 : N Lyon to Ali, Comes around the wicket and slides it across Ali. He prod forward to defend but is beaten. |
| 116.5 : N Lyon to Ali, A touch short and wide outside off, cut through cover-point nicely. Three runs taken! |
| 116.6 : N Lyon to Khan, Loopy ball well outside off, Khan looks to play at it but is beaten. |
| 117.1 : J Bird to Ali, In the channel outside off, left alone. |
| 0.0 : Here comes the drizzle again! Out come the groundsmen with covers. The main strip has been taken care of. It's pretty light at the moment. The radar shows that most of the clouds have passed over the MCG. There is also a strong breeze blowing across the ground. Looks like it will only be a brief halt. Will this make the Pakistanis declare or will they wait for Azhar Ali to complete his double ton? |
| We are back. Bird will continue his over and Azhar Ali to take strike. Here we go... |
| 117.2 : J Bird to Ali, FOUR! How about that? What a shot! Azhar has played the on and off drives so well all throughout this innings. Bird serves him an overpitched ball on off, Ali leans ahead and caresses it down the ground past mid on for a boundary to get going after the break. |
| 117.3 : J Bird to Ali, Good comeback from Bird! On a length and angling in, Ali tries to fiddle with it as the ball just whistles past the outside edge to the keeper. |
| 117.4 : J Bird to Ali, In the corridor outside off, Azhar shoulders his arms. |
| 117.5 : J Bird to Ali, Good length ball on off, AA gets behind the line and offers a straight bat. |
| 117.6 : J Bird to Ali, FOUR! Rides the bounce on this occasion! Jackson shortens the length this time but it sits up at a nice height for Azhar. He swivels a bit and pulls it on the up through square leg for another boundary in this over. Moves into 180s! |
| 118.1 : N Lyon to Khan, A shout for lbw, not given! Tosses it up outside off, turning in sharply, Sohail looks to hit this across the line with the spin but misses and is hit on the back pad. Lyon appeals but umpire S Ravi isn't interested. |
| 118.2 : N Lyon to Khan, Loopy ball around off, turns in again, Khan looks to defend but misses and is hit on the thigh pad again. |
| 118.3 : N Lyon to Khan, Outside off, turns in viciously as Khan looks to flick it away on the leg side but fails to get any wood on it. The ball goes towards fine leg and they try to steal byes. Umpire Ravi feels he didn't offer any stroke and hence no runs will be given. |
| 118.4 : N Lyon to Khan, Around middle and off, defended off the back foot. |
| 118.5 : N Lyon to Khan, SIX! Swung across the line! Lyon bowls a tossed up ball around off, Sohail skips down the track and gives it a full swing of the bat. Gets enough blade on it as it clears the cow corner fence with utmost ease for a biggie. |
| 118.6 : N Lyon to Khan, Full around middle, flicked through mid-wicket for a single. |
| 119.1 : J Bird to Khan, Shortish on off, defended off the back foot. |
| 119.2 : J Bird to Khan, FOUR! Shot! Nailed it, Sohail! A length ball on middle and off, Khan stays put and pulls it in front of square for a boundary. |
| 119.3 : J Bird to Khan, Sohial Khan looks to defend this length ball and gets an inside edge towards fine leg for a single. |
| 119.4 : J Bird to Ali, On a length and around off, touch short as well, Azhar pushes it towards point. |
| 119.5 : J Bird to Ali, Short of a length ball outside off, Ali arches back and waits for the ball to come. He gets low in the crease and cuts it very late towards gully where the fielder dives full length to his right to make a stop. |
| 119.6 : J Bird to Ali, The sucker ball as you would call it! Bird fires in a yorker on the stumps, Ali jams it out back to Bird. |
| 120.1 : N Lyon to Khan, Loopy ball around off, Sohail presents full face of the bat as he drives it back to Nathan. |
| 120.2 : N Lyon to Khan, Outside off, turning in, defended towards the leg side. |
| 120.3 : N Lyon to Khan, SIX! All hail Sohail! He is turning it on here by swinging the bat! Tossed up around middle and leg, Khan gets low in the crease and thumps it over mid-wicket for a biggie all the way. |
| 120.4 : N Lyon to Khan, SIX! This is even hugeeeeee! Lyon once again tosses it up around middle and off, Sohail Khan is in some mood here. Gets in the line and goes bang over long on for back-to-back maximums. What a catch in the crowd! 400 up for Pakistan and in some style. |
| 120.5 : N Lyon to Khan, In the air... safe! Sohail Khan has some luck with him! You don't see David Warner letting go such chances! Drags the length short this time, Khan looks to hit it across the line. Gets a top edge towards backward square leg where Warner completely misjudges it and the ball falls safely. Two runs added to the total. |
| 120.6 : N Lyon to Khan, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| MITCHELL STARC is back on! |
| 121.1 : M Starc to Ali, Starc comes from around the wicket and serves a low full toss on off, pushed towards sweeper cover for a single. |
| 121.2 : M Starc to Khan, Short of a length ball outside off, Khan lets it go. |
| 121.3 : M Starc to Khan, Fuller and angling in, flicked towards short mid-wicket. |
| 121.4 : M Starc to Khan, Mitchell fires in a yorker on middle, Khan jams it out back to the bowler. |
| 121.5 : M Starc to Khan, FIFTY FOR SOHAIL KHAN! Superbly done, mate! Removes the helmet and sinks the appreciation that is on offer for him. Fuller in length and angling in, Sohail works it through the gap at mid-wicket for three runs. |
| Maiden Test fifty for Sohail Khan! |
| 121.6 : M Starc to Ali, FOUR! Up and over! Frustration continues for the Aussies! Short and outside off, Ali keeps his bat skywards and gets it easily over gully for another boundary. Terrific stuff from the visitors. |
| 122.1 : N Lyon to Khan, Short and around off, punched towards covers for a single. |
| 122.2 : N Lyon to Ali, Full and around off, defended off the front foot. |
| 122.3 : N Lyon to Ali, Tossed up around middle and off, Ali comes down the track to defend it. |
| 122.4 : N Lyon to Ali, Worked away towards square leg for a single. |
| 122.5 : N Lyon to Khan, SIX! Kaboom! He has picked the bones outta that one! Tossed up around middle and off, Khan gets down on one knee and brings out the slog sweep. Makes fabulous connection and sends it soaring over the long on fence for a maximum. |
| 100-run stand between Ali and Khan! |
| 122.6 : N Lyon to Khan, Loopy around off, defended down gently. |
| 123.1 : M Starc to Ali, FOUR! Ahh, this is class apart batting! On a length and just outside off, Ali is firm in his crease, opens the face of the bat and glides it between second slip and gully for a boundary to move into 190s! |
| 123.2 : M Starc to Ali, Fuller in length and around off, pushed towards covers. |
| 123.3 : M Starc to Ali, Fuller outside off, Azhar comes forward and drives it through covers. The outfield has got some beating due to the rain and hence the ball slows down. Three runs picked up. |
| 123.4 : M Starc to Khan, Fires a yorker into the blockhole but Sohail Khan brings his bat down to keep it at bay. |
| 123.5 : M Starc to Khan, FOUR! Flashes and flashes hard! Starc hurls a back of a length ball outside off, width on offer and Sohail Khan rides the bounce as he cuts it hard through backward point for a rocketing boundary. It crossed the ropes before I could even blink. Note - This is also the highest 8th-wicket stand for Pakistan in Tests, that is some feat! |
| 123.6 : M Starc to Khan, FOUR! More runs, they keep flowing for Pakistan! Fuller and sprayed on the pads, Sohail Khan looks to flick and it seemed like it went off the pads towards fine leg. They all wait for the umpire and he signals it as runs off the blade. The bails come off and that shall be LUNCH ON DAY 3! |
| Pakistan have taken another session in their kitty. We have seen everything in this session, a delay, then again a delay, a wicket and then lots of runs, 123 to be precise! Azhar Ali though has kept the limelight with him but to be honest Sohail Khan has dragged it in his favour. One may argue it was more of a declaration batting but you need guts to take the attack to an opposition like Australia. He came in with an intention and entertained one and all with his run-a-ball 65 and has grown in c |
| Misbah's men will be patting themselves to have crossed the 400-run mark for the second time in a row and it could be just a matter of time before they declare as they will just wait for Azhar Ali to register his second double ton of the year. The Australians have been made to toil hard for wickets and they would very well know the momentum is with Pakistan and they too have some quality bowling in their ranks to push the hosts on the back foot. One thing is guaranteed, the home side will come o |
| ...DAY 3, SESSION 2... |
| Welcome back for the second session of play. Pakistan will probably declare after Azhar Ali's double ton and the ball completely lies in their court. The vsistors have a penetrative pace attack and they can trouble any batting line-up. JOSH HAZLEWOOD to bowl first up after Lunch. It's bright and sunny now. Let's see how things unfold... |
| 124.1 : J Hazlewood to A Ali, Bowls a fullish ball around off, Ali shuffles and clips it towards mid on. |
| 124.2 : J Hazlewood to Ali, On a length outside off, Ali leans forward and defends it confidently. |
| 124.3 : J Hazlewood to Ali, On a length nipping in a shade, Azhar plants his front foot forward and defends it to the off side. |
| 124.4 : J Hazlewood to Ali, Fullish and it's straying on the pads, clipped through backward square leg for a couple. Moves to 198. |
| 124.5 : J Hazlewood to Ali, Fullish ball outside off, angling in. Azhar pushes it off the inner half of his bat to mid on. |
| A run out appeal has been referred upstairs. It's against Sohail Khan. Looks very close to the naked eye. |
| 124.6 : J Hazlewood to ALI, OUT! GREAT RUN OUT BY MADDINSON! Short of a length on middle and leg, Ali tucks it with soft hands towards square leg and sets off for a run. Sohail Khan is a bit slow to get off his blocks as Maddinson comes charging in and flicks in an underarm throw at the striker's end. Scores a direct hit as Khan drags his bat in. Looks like it will be touch and go. Time for the replays. It shows that his bat is grounded just on the crease as the bails come off. Nothing behind th |
| WAHAB RIAZ is the next man in. |
| 125.1 : M Starc to Ali, Short of a length outside off, Ali arches back and glides it to third man for a single. |
| 125.2 : M Starc to Riaz, The batsman was beaten and missed the line of the delivery. |
| 125.3 : M Starc to Riaz, Fullish ball outside off, driven through covers for a single. Ali is on strike now. |
| 125.4 : M Starc to Ali, WHAT A KNOCK BY ALI! He thumps the air in delight and raises his arms skywards. He has played with so much of poise and grace and the Melbourne crowd rises up on its feet! A thoroughly well-deserved double ton. Fullish and straying on the pads, Ali clips it through backward square leg and comes back for a couple. |
| 2nd Double Ton for Azhar Ali. |
| 125.5 : M Starc to Ali, FOUR! SHOT! Fuller length ball outside off, Ali drives it nicely with an open face behind point and the ball races to the fence. |
| 125.6 : M Starc to Ali, A well directed yorker as Ali digs it out towards gully. |
| 126.1 : J Hazlewood to Riaz, Fuller length ball outside off, Riaz throws his bat at it but misses. |
| 126.2 : J Hazlewood to Riaz, Stays back to the back of a length ball and defends it to the covers. |
| 126.3 : Hazlewood to Riaz, OUT! PAKISTAN HAVE DECLARED ON 443/9! 100th Test wicket for Hazlewood as well. Bowls a shortish delivery on middle and leg, Riaz stands tall and heaves across the line but only gets a top edge that lobs back towards Hazlewood. He comes under it and pouches it safely. Pakistan have posted a huge score on the board and that brings their seamers big time into play! |
| And here comes the declaration after Azhar Ali's fabulous double ton. They have dominated the proceedings completely today and have lit up the MCG with free spirited strokeplay. It was the 8th wicket 118-run stand between Ali and Sohail Khan that gave the much needed momentum to Pakistan and they are poised nicely at the moment. |
| Earlier, Shafiq also batted solidly to stitch a crucial 115-run stand alongwith Azhar Ali to steer Pakistan to safe harbours. Bird was the standout bowler and bowled with great rhythm. Hazlewood also shone with the ball and both of them scalped three wickets apiece. Australia need to bat really well now. The home side will be coming hard at them with the ball. Let's see who comes out on top. |
| 0.1 : M Amir to Renshaw, Fullish and straying on the pads, clipped by Renshaw through mid-wicket to get off the mark! |
| 0.2 : M Amir to Warner, Fuller length ball attacking the stumps, shapes in a bit. Warner is squared up as he gets a leading edge to the off side. |
| 0.3 : M Amir to Warner, Stays back to this one and defends it towards short leg. |
| 0.4 : M Amir to Warner, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 0.5 : M Amir to Warner, On a length around off, holdings its line. Warner prods forward in defense. |
| 0.6 : M Amir to Warner, Fullish ball on the stumps, defended solidly off the front foot. |
| SOHAIL KHAN to share the new ball from the other end. |
| 1.1 : S Khan to Renshaw, Bowls it fullish around leg stump, going down leg. Renshaw looks to clip it but is struck on the thigh pad. Ahmed stops it behind the stumps. |
| 1.2 : S Khan to Renshaw, In the channel outside off, angling away. Left alone! |
| 1.3 : S Khan to Renshaw, Bowls this one wider outside off, an easy leave for Renshaw. |
| 1.4 : S Khan to Renshaw, Fullish ball around off, Renshaw comes forward and defends it down the track. |
| 1.5 : S Khan to Renshaw, On a length on the stumps, Renshaw shuffles a bit and defends it. |
| 1.6 : S Khan to Renshaw, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 2.1 : M Amir to D Warner, On a length on middle and leg, Warner looks to clip it but gets an inside edge onto his pads and the ball falls short of the man at short leg. This is good bowling by Amir! |
| 2.2 : M Amir to Warner, Camps back to the length delivery outside off and punches it through covers to get off the mark! |
| 2.3 : M Amir to Renshaw, On a length outside off, Renshaw doesn't flirt with it. |
| 2.4 : M Amir to Renshaw, Almost a replica of the previous delivery as Renshaw shoulders his arms to let that through. |
| 2.5 : M Amir to Renshaw, Short of a length ball angling into Renshaw. He hops back and defends it to the slip cordon. |
| 2.6 : M Amir to Renshaw, On a length outside off, Renshaw comes forward and pushes at it but gets an outside edge that falls short of Azam at fourth slip who makes a good diving effort. Played that with soft hands. |
| 3.1 : S Khan to Warner, Length delivery angling across Warner. He feels for it but gets beaten. He is looking uncomfortable out there. |
| 3.2 : S Khan to Warner, Back of a length around off, defended solidly off the back foot down the track. |
| 3.3 : S Khan to Warner, ANOTHER PLAY AND A MISS FROM WARNER! This is very unlike him. Bowls it fullish outside off and lures Warner into the drive. He obliges but gets beaten all ends up. |
| 3.4 : S Khan to Warner, Defended off the back foot by the batsman. |
| 3.5 : S Khan to Warner, Back of a length wide outside off, punched off the back foot through cover-point for a run. |
| 3.6 : S Khan to Renshaw, WELL BOWLED! Bowls this on a driving length outside off, Matthew goes for the drive but is beaten by the away swing. |
| Pakistan have taken a review against David Warner. There seemed to be nothing on that one. |
| 4.1 : M Amir to Warner, AN ABSOLUTE WASTE OF A REVIEW! Bowls a back of a length ball outside off, shapes away a touch after pitching. Warner is squared up as he looks to defend it but seems to have misses it completely. Sarfraz pouches it safely and goes up in an appeal. Misbah looks at Sarfraz but he is not sure. Decides to take the review after a long thought. The replays show that there is clear daylight between bat and ball. Warner has a wry smile about that. |
| 4.2 : M Amir to Warner, Stays back and defends this one. |
| 4.3 : M Amir to Warner, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 4.4 : M Amir to Warner, FOUR! GREAT EFFORT AT POINT FROM YASIR SHAH! On a length outside off, Warner pushes at it hard off his front foot and gets an outside edge behind point. Shah leaps to his right but the ball eludes him and races to the fence. |
| 4.5 : M Amir to Warner, The batsman has played it to the point region |
| 4.6 : M Amir to Warner, Fullish delivery, pushed off the front foot to mid off. |
| 5.1 : S Khan to Renshaw, Camps back to the length delivery on middle and defends it. |
| 5.2 : S Khan to Renshaw, THIS IS GOOD BOWLING FROM KHAN! Bowls a short of a length on middle and leg, angles across to leave the southpaw Renshaw. He gets squared up as he looks to defend but ends up getting an edge that falls well short of first slip. Single taken! |
| 5.3 : S Khan to Warner, FOUR! EASY PICKINGS! Straying on the hips, Warner nudges it through fine leg and gets a boundary to his name. |
| 5.4 : S Khan to Warner, Back of a length outside off, played with an angled bat to point. |
| 5.5 : S Khan to Warner, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 5.6 : S Khan to Warner, Length delivery around off, shaping back a touch. Defended solidly off the front foot. |
| 6.1 : M Amir to Renshaw, In the channel outside off, left alone. |
| 6.2 : M Amir to Renshaw, Dug in short this time, Renshaw ducks under it comfortably. |
| 6.3 : M Amir to Renshaw, GOOD LEAVE! Bowls a length delivery wide outside off, shaping in. Matthew covers his off pole and lets it go. |
| 6.4 : M Amir to M Renshaw, Length ball outside off, holding its line. Renshaw pushes at it but gets an edge that falls short of fourth slip. |
| 6.5 : M Amir to Renshaw, Slips this one wide outside off, Renshaw doesn't bother to play at that one. |
| 6.6 : M Amir to Renshaw, BEATEN! Length delivery outside off, shaping away. Renshaw pokes at it but the ball whizzes past his outside edge. |
| 7.1 : S Khan to Warner, Short of a length ball outside off, Warner taps it to the off side and gets a single. |
| 7.2 : S Khan to M Renshaw, FOUR! GOOD SHOT! Bowls a full length ball outside off, Matthew lunges forward and drives it down the ground. Misbah gives it a long chase from mid off and tries his best to pull this one back but the ball wins the race. |
| 7.3 : S Khan to Renshaw, Back of a length on the stumps, tucked to the leg side. |
| 7.4 : S Khan to Renshaw, Renshaw shuffles across to the length delivery outside off and withdraws his bat at the last moment. |
| 7.5 : S Khan to Renshaw, Fullish ball on off, defended off the front foot to the leg side. |
| 7.6 : S Khan to Renshaw, Good timing! Bowls a fuller length ball outside off, Renshaw prods forward and creams it through the covers for a couple. |
| 8.1 : M Amir to Warner, Full delivery attacking the stumps, clipped nicely in front of square and Warner gets three runs for it. |
| 8.2 : M Amir to Renshaw, Goes wider of the crease and angles in a length delivery at 143.4 clicks, Renshaw shuffles across his sticks and leaves it alone. |
| 8.3 : M Amir to Renshaw, Renshaw prods forward to the length delivery and pushes it to mid on. |
| 8.4 : M Amir to Renshaw, Dug in short outside off, Renshaw lets it sail through to the keeper. |
| 8.5 : M Amir to Renshaw, This time he lunges forward to the fullish delivery and plays it with soft hands to the covers for a brisk single. |
| 8.6 : M Amir to Warner, Straying on the hips this time, Warner works it behind square on the leg side for a run. |
| 9.1 : S Khan to Warner, FOUR! WELL CONTROLLED! Back of a length angling across Warner. He hangs back and glides it deliberately through the slip cordon and the ball races across the turf to the fence. |
| 9.2 : S Khan to Warner, On a length around off, defended off the front foot to mid off. |
| 9.3 : S Khan to Warner, GREAT BOWLING! Angles across a fullish delivery well outside off, Warner shuffles across his stumps and feels for it but is beaten all ends up. |
| 9.4 : S Khan to Warner, FOUR! LOVELY EXAMPLE OF BATSMANSHIP! Bowls a half-volley outside off, Warner meets it with the full face of the bat and time his off drive delightfully. Gets the desired result! |
| 9.5 : S Khan to Warner, Camps back to the length delivery and defends it. |
| 9.6 : S Khan to Warner, Fullish delivery swinging into the pads, Warner clips it through backward square leg to retain the strike. |
| 10.1 : M Amir to Warner, WARNER GETS BEATEN AGAIN! Bowls a fullish ball outside off, holding its line. Warner prods forward and goes for the drive but the ball whizzes past his blade. |
| 10.2 : M Amir to Warner, Fullish on middle and leg, clipped through mid-wicket for a run. |
| 10.3 : M Amir to Renshaw, Similar length ball on off, Renshaw lunges forward and defends it solidly. |
| 10.4 : M Amir to Renshaw, Goes wider of the crease and angles in a back of a length from outside off, Renshaw shuffles across to defend but gets beaten. |
| 10.5 : M Amir to Renshaw, Brings this one in from wide outside off again, left alone. |
| 10.6 : M Amir to Renshaw, Amir has been terrific today. Has beaten both the batsmen on so many occasions. Angles in a short of a length delivery sharply from outside off, Renshaw shuffles across to counter it but gets beaten again. |
| YASIR SHAH comes into the attack. |
| 11.1 : Y Shah to Warner, A long hop down the leg side to begin with, Warner bends low and swats it through backward square leg for a run. |
| 11.2 : Y Shah to Renshaw, Slips this one down the leg side, Matthew looks to turn it but misses. |
| 11.3 : Y Shah to Renshaw, Bowls a straighter one outside off and its quicker through the air, Renshaw looks to defend but the ball whizzes past his outside edge. |
| 11.4 : Y Shah to Renshaw, Renshaw plays this one with the spin to Misbah at short mid-wicket. |
| 11.5 : Y Shah to Renshaw, Walks down the pitch and works it to mid-wicket. |
| 11.6 : Y Shah to Renshaw, Tossed up around leg stump, Matthew looks to sweep it but misses. |
| WAHAB RIAZ introduced into the attack. |
| 12.1 : W Riaz to Warner, Short of a length ball outside off, Warner is up on his toes as he looks to place it through the off side but ends up getting a bottom edge past the stumps. Good diving take by Ahmed. |
| 12.2 : W Riaz to Warner, FOUR! GOOD SHOT! Shortish and wide outside off, Warner stands tall and cuts it hard through cover-point and that races to the fence. |
| 12.3 : W Riaz to Warner, No ball! Similar length ball outside off, Warner camps back and punches it through the off side for a triple. Riaz overstepped on that occasion. |
| W Riaz to Renshaw, Taps this one with soft hands to the covers for a quick single. |
| 12.4 : W Riaz to Warner, Defended off the back foot by the batsman. |
| 12.5 : W Riaz to Warner, Bowls a short of a length ball on off, played with an angled bat to point. Scurries through for a single. Shah hurls in an unnecessary throw at the bowler's end but there is no one to back up. Concedes an overthrow in the process! |
| 12.6 : W Riaz to Warner, Stays back and defends this one. |
| 13.1 : Shah to M Renshaw, OUT! YASIR SHAH DRAWS FIRST BLOOD! Good intelligent bowling from Shah. Tossed it up on the stumps and lures the youngster into a false shot, Renshaw kneels and goes for a full fledged sweep but misses it completely and the ball crashes into the stumps. That was a loose shot and he pays the price for it. The tough resistance from Renshaw comes to an end and the Pakistanis are overwhelmed. |
| 0.0 : USMAN KHAWAJA comes in at 3. |
| 13.2 : Y Shah to Khawaja, Quicker one around leg stump, defended to the leg side. |
| 13.3 : Y Shah to Khawaja, Comes forward to this one and defends it nicely. |
| 13.4 : Y Shah to U Khawaja, Fullish ball outside off, Usman goes for the drive but ends up getting an outside edge past first slip. Three runs taken! |
| 13.5 : Y Shah to Warner, The batsman works it down the leg side. One run added to the total. |
| 13.6 : Y Shah to U Khawaja, Slow through the air this time, Khawaja pushes at it off his front foot but gets another edge that goes wide of slip. Single taken! |
| 14.1 : W Riaz to Khawaja, Wide outside off, left alone. |
| 14.2 : W Riaz to Khawaja, Length delivery outside off, Khawaja lets it go. |
| 14.3 : W Riaz to Khawaja, Short of a length ball outside off, Khawaja hops back and plays it with an angled bat to gully. |
| 14.4 : W Riaz to Khawaja, In the channel outside off, left alone. |
| 14.5 : W Riaz to Khawaja, Short of a length outside off, Khawaja covers the line and defends it to the covers. |
| 14.6 : W Riaz to Khawaja, Defended off the back foot by the batsman. |
| Drinks break. |
| 15.1 : Y Shah to Warner, Tossed up on off, pushed back to the bowler. |
| 15.2 : Y Shah to Warner, Fullish on the stumps, pushed back to Yasir again. |
| 15.3 : Y Shah to Warner, FOUR! Slips this one down the leg side, Warner kneels and goes for the sweep. Manages to get a bit of bat on it and beats the keeper to race across to the fence. |
| 15.4 : Y Shah to Warner, Quicker one outside off, Warner plays it with an angled blade through the gully region. Gets a couple for it. |
| 15.5 : Y Shah to Warner, Quicker one spinning down leg, Warner looks to work it but fails. |
| 15.6 : Y Shah to Warner, Strides forward and defends it to the off side. |
| 16.1 : W Riaz to Khawaja, FOUR! WELL PLAYED! Shortish delivery wide outside off, Khawaja steers it behind point. Shah sprints after it but the ball wins the race in the end. |
| 16.2 : W Riaz to Khawaja, No ball! Fullish delivery around off, defended off the front foot. Riaz oversteps for the second time in this innings. |
| W Riaz to Khawaja, Sprays this one down the leg side, Usman looks to glance it but misses. |
| 16.3 : W Riaz to Khawaja, Hurls in a full length ball outside off at 144.8 clicks, Khawaja prods forward and defends it solidly. |
| 16.4 : W Riaz to Khawaja, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 16.5 : W Riaz to Khawaja, Sticks to a fuller length outside off and Khawaja pushes it off his front foot to extra cover. |
| 16.6 : W Riaz to Khawaja, On a length outside off, Usman camps back and defends it to cover-point. |
| 17.1 : Y Shah to Warner, Leg bye! Dances down the track and looks to counter the spin but the ball hits him on the pads and lobs towards cover-point. Leg bye taken! |
| 17.2 : Y Shah to Khawaja, Strides forward and blocks it into the ground. |
| 17.3 : Y Shah to Khawaja, Quicker one outside off, Khawaja goes back and defends it. |
| 17.4 : Y Shah to U Khawaja, Fullish outside off and it's quicker outside again, Khawaja comes forward and pushes at it but gets an outside edge towards the slip region. |
| 17.5 : Y Shah to Khawaja, The batsman has driven it through mid off. They pick up a single. |
| 17.6 : Y Shah to Warner, Warner turns it with the spin behind square leg for a run. |
| 18.1 : W Riaz to Warner, Defended off the back foot by the batsman. |
| 18.2 : W Riaz to Warner, On a length outside off, Warner goes for a cut but misses. |
| 18.3 : W Riaz to Warner, The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot. |
| 18.4 : W Riaz to Warner, Fullish delivery, clipped behind square for a run. |
| The groundsmen are covering the opening seats behind the sightscreen with white cloth. |
| 18.5 : W Riaz to Khawaja, In the channel outside off, left alone. |
| 18.6 : W Riaz to Khawaja, FOUR! KHAWAJA ALMOST CHOPPED THAT BACK! Shortish delivery outside off, Usman looks to push at it with hard hands but ends up getting an under edge past his off pole. Beats the keeper as well and runs to the fence. |
| 19.1 : Y Shah to Warner, FOUR! GOOD WAY TO REACH HIS FIFTY! Tosses it up on the stumps, Warner slog sweeps it through mid-wicket for a superb boundary. He struggled earlier in his innings but has cashed on. |
| 19.2 : Y Shah to Warner, Kneels and sweeps this one to the leg side for a couple. |
| 23rd Test Fifty for David Warner. |
| 19.3 : Y Shah to D Warner, Fullish delivery around off, Warner drives it nicely through widish mid off and gets three runs for it. |
| 5000 Test runs for David Warner. |
| 19.4 : Y Shah to Khawaja, Tossed up around leg stump, Khawaja looks to block it but the ball brushes his front pad and lobs towards short leg. |
| 19.5 : Y Shah to Khawaja, Defended off the back foot by the batsman. |
| 19.6 : Y Shah to Khawaja, Loopy ball on the stumps, Usman camps back and defends it solidly. |
| 20.1 : W Riaz to Warner, FOUR! LOVELY SHOT! Angles across a shortish delivery outside off, Warner guides it through gully and the ball races to the fence. Riaz overstepped again and the umpire called it a no ball. |
| W Riaz to Warner, The batsman defends it from within the crease. |
| 20.2 : W Riaz to Warner, Bye! Slips this one down the leg side, David looks to clip it but misses and Sarfraz fails to grab it cleanly. Concedes a bye in the process. |
| 20.3 : W Riaz to Khawaja, That was awkwardly played! Bowls a shortish delivery on the body, Usman jumps in the air, takes his eyes off the ball but still manages to work it to fine leg. Single taken! |
| 20.4 : Riaz to Warner, A LOUD APPEAL FOR LBW TURNED DOWN! Bowls a fullish delivery and it's tailing in on middle and leg, Warner looks to clip it but gets an inside edge onto his pads. The umpire immediately turns down the appeal. The replays confirm there was an inside edge. |
| 20.5 : W Riaz to D Warner, The short of length delivery has been cut away through square on the off side. |
| 20.6 : W Riaz to Warner, On a length around off, defended off the front foot. |
| 21.1 : Y Shah to Khawaja, FOUR! LOOSE DELIVERY AND IT GETS THE TREATMENT! Bowls a full toss on off, Khawaja drives it through the covers for a superb boundary. |
| 21.2 : Y Shah to Khawaja, FOUR! EASY PICKINGS! Slips this one down the leg side, Khawaja sweeps it through backward square leg and the ball races to the fence. |
| 21.3 : Y Shah to Khawaja, Comes from around the wicket and bowls a loopy ball, Khawaja prods forward in defense. |
| 21.4 : Y Shah to Khawaja, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 21.5 : Y Shah to Khawaja, Shortish this time, worked with the spin to the leg side for a run. |
| 21.6 : Y Shah to Warner, Fetches this from outside off and sweeps it through square leg for a run. |
| 50-run stand up for Warner and Khawaja. |
| MOHAMMAD AMIR comes back into the attack. |
| 22.1 : M Amir to Warner, Length delivery angling in, Warner clips it to mid-wicket for a run. |
| 22.2 : M Amir to Khawaja, Shortish delivery wide outside off, Khawaja mistimes his punch towards cover-point. |
| 22.3 : M Amir to U Khawaja, Length delivery outside off, shapes away a bit. Khawaja gets an edge towards gully. |
| 22.4 : M Amir to Khawaja, Stays back and defends this one solidly. |
| 22.5 : M Amir to Khawaja, Fullish delivery outside off, driven to cover-point. |
| 22.6 : M Amir to Khawaja, Angles in a length ball from outside off, Khawaja lets it through. |
| 23.1 : Y Shah to Warner, FOUR! Good use of the feet there! Tossed up around off, Warner comes down the track, takes it on the full and drives it through covers for a boundary. Not a soul moved. |
| 23.2 : Y Shah to Warner, Tossed up outside off, turning in, clipped past short leg for a single. |
| 23.3 : Y Shah to U Khawaja, FOUR! Delightful! Loopy ball outside off, Khawaja leans into it and drives it to perfection through covers once more. Races away to the fence for another boundary. |
| 23.4 : Y Shah to Khawaja, FOUR! And again! Floats it up outside off, Khawaja makes a good stride forward and drives it through point. No one in the deep and they get another boundary. |
| 23.5 : Y Shah to Khawaja, Comes from over the wicket and keeps it full on the stumps, Usman digs it out. |
| 23.6 : Y Shah to Khawaja, Played to the point region by the batsman. They pick up a single. 14 off the over! |
| 24.1 : M Amir to Khawaja, Good length ball outside off, Khawaja shoulders his arms to it. |
| 24.2 : M Amir to Khawaja, Good length ball on off, UK defends it from within the crease. |
| 24.3 : M Amir to Khawaja, Stays behind the line and defends it with a straight bat. |
| 24.4 : M Amir to Khawaja, FOUR! Can't bowl him there! Too short and served outside off, Khawaja stands tall, rides the bounce and cuts it through point to pick up another boundary. |
| 24.5 : M Amir to U Khawaja, On a length and outside off, Khawaja looks tries to push it with soft hands and gets an outside edge which falls short of the man in the slip cordon. |
| 24.6 : M Amir to Khawaja, Usman was beaten and missed the line of the delivery. |
| AZHAR ALI to roll his arm over! |
| 25.1 : A Ali to Warner, Drops it short on middle and leg, Warner camps back and pulls it through square leg for a couple. |
| 25.2 : A Ali to Warner, Around middle and leg, flicked through the leg side for a single. |
| 25.3 : A Ali to Khawaja, Loopy ball around middle and leg, tucked towards backward square leg for a single. |
| 25.4 : A Ali to Warner, Loopy ball around off, Warner defends it off the front foot. |
| 25.5 : A Ali to Warner, Warner works it through the on side for a single. |
| 25.6 : A Ali to Khawaja, Flatter around middle and off, Khawaja defends it off the front foot. |
| 26.1 : M Amir to Warner, Fuller in length on off, Warner pushes it straight to short extra cover. |
| 26.2 : M Amir to Warner, On a length and outside off, Davey taps it in front of covers and sets off for a single. Khawaja wanted another one but is sent back by Usman. |
| 26.3 : M Amir to Khawaja, Defended off the back foot by the batsman. One run added to the total. |
| 26.4 : M Amir to Warner, Touch fuller on off, Warner comes forward and pushes it towards point. |
| 26.5 : M Amir to Warner, Short and outside off, Warner looks to cut but gets it off the bottom part of the bat towards gully. |
| 26.6 : M Amir to Warner, On a length and outside off, Warner gets back and punches it through wide of mid off for an easy three. |
| 27.1 : A Ali to Warner, Googly around off, Warner gets back and pushes it towards the off side. |
| 27.2 : A Ali to Warner, Flighted ball around off, nudged through mid-wicket for a single. |
| 27.3 : A Ali to U Khawaja, flat and short outside off, cut straight to the man at point. |
| 27.4 : A Ali to Khawaja, Another googly around off, blocked solidly off the front foot. |
| 27.5 : A Ali to Khawaja, Flatter and skidding in, Khawaja gets back and tucks it towards square leg for a single. |
| 27.6 : A Ali to D Warner, FOUR! Beats the fielder! Short and outside off, Warner gets back and slashes it through backward point for a boundary. Nice way to head to the dressing room. TEA ON DAY 3! |
| A good session for Australia, this! Pakistan declared immediately once Azhar Ali scored a double ton and then came out all guns blazing with the cherry. Their pacers bowled probing lines and lengths and troubled both the southpaw openers. However, they failed to create any impact and hence we saw Misbah bringing Yasir Shah into the attack. He was right on the money and removed Renshaw quickly. |
| Once that happened, Usman Khawaja walked in and Warner who was struggling initially got into the groove and then started to play his natural game. He got to his fifty and looks set for his long-waited Test ton this year. Khawaja has looked solid in his approach and Pakistan would want to pick up a wicket or two quickly otherwise these two will keep the scoreboard ticking. Let's see how the final session pans out. |
| ...DAY 3, SESSION 3... |
| We are back for the final session. The players and the umpires make their way out in the middle. Can Warner reach is ton? 38 overs remaining in the day. WAHAB RIAZ to bowl first up after Tea. Here we go... |
| 28.1 : W Riaz to Khawaja, On a length outside off, Khawaja points his bat skywards and allows it through. |
| 28.2 : W Riaz to Khawaja, Full length ball outside off, driven towards the fielder at short cover who fumbles a bit and concedes a single. |
| 28.3 : W Riaz to Warner, LOUD SHOUT FOR LBW TURNED DOWN! Bowls a length ball at 147.7 clicks and it's tailing back in on middle and leg, Warner looks to work it across but is hit flush on the front pad. The umpire turns down the appeal. Looked to the naked eye that it was going down leg and the replays confirm that. Leg bye taken! |
| 28.4 : W Riaz to Khawaja, Straying on the pads, clipped behind square leg for a couple. |
| 28.5 : W Riaz to Khawaja, Length delivery swirling back in at 150.1 clicks, Khawaja looks to clip it but gets an inside edge onto his pads. He is cranking up great pace here. |
| 28.6 : W Riaz to Khawaja, Camps back to the length delivery and defends it to the covers. |
| SOHAIL KHAN will bowl now. |
| 29.1 : S Khan to D Warner, Fuller length ball swinging back in, Warner lunges forward to defend but gets an inside edge onto his pads. |
| 29.2 : S Khan to Warner, The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot. |
| 29.3 : S Khan to Warner, Camps back to the shortish delivery wide outside off and punches it through cover-point for a couple. |
| 29.4 : S Khan to Warner, This time he taps it with soft hands in the vacant point region and takes a single. |
| 29.5 : S Khan to Khawaja, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 29.6 : S Khan to Khawaja, Length delivery on off, Khawaja camps back and defends it solidly. |
| 30.1 : W Riaz to Warner, Back of a length outside off, placed to deep point for a run. |
| 30.2 : W Riaz to Khawaja, No ball! On a length outside off, played to the off side for a single. Riaz oversteps again. |
| Riaz to D Warner, No ball! WHAT HAVE YOU DONE RIAZ? He crashes the stumps with a ripper but bowls the 5th no ball of the innings. Warner was completely beaten for pace there as it was cranked up at 150.2 clicks. |
| W Riaz to Warner, Bowls a no ball again. Third no ball in a row. Fullish delivery outside off, pushed to the off side for a run. |
| 30.3 : W Riaz to Khawaja, The batsman has played it to the point region. One run added to the total. |
| 30.4 : W Riaz to D Warner, Warner comes forward and pushes it to mid on. Single taken! |
| 100 run-stand between Khawaja and Warner. |
| 30.5 : W Riaz to Khawaja, In the channel outside off, left alone. |
| W Riaz to Khawaja, No run. |
| 30.6 : W Riaz to Khawaja, The batsman flicks it away with a wristy shot. They pick up a single. |
| 31.1 : S Khan to Khawaja, On a length and angling away, it's left alone. |
| 31.2 : S Khan to Khawaja, In the channel outside off, UK makes an easy leave to the keeper. |
| 31.3 : S Khan to Khawaja, Gets behind the line and defends it down. |
| 31.4 : S Khan to Khawaja, On a length and in the corridor of uncertainty, Ussie lad has got nothing to do with it. |
| 31.5 : S Khan to Khawaja, Very full and around middle, Usman digs it out. |
| 31.6 : S Khan to Khawaja, Back of a length ball outside off, Khawaja stands tall and cuts it through point for three. 150 up for Australia! |
| 32.1 : W Riaz to Khawaja, No ball! Bowls a fullish delivery tailing back in, Khawaja is beaten for pace as he misses his flick and is rapped on the thigh pad. He oversteps again in search of extra pace. He has been bowling really really well and is troubling both the batsmen but the no balls are taking a toll. |
| W Riaz to Khawaja, Short of a length outside off, Khawaja looks to cut but gets a bottom edge towards gully. |
| 32.2 : W Riaz to Khawaja, No ball! He overstepped by a big margin there! Bowls it on a length and it's angling in, Khawaja tucks it to fine leg for a single. He is constantly maintaining his pace over 145 clicks. |
| W Riaz to Warner, Played to the point region by the batsman. |
| 32.3 : W Riaz to Warner, Fullish outside off, Warner drives it through cover-point for a couple. |
| 32.4 : W Riaz to Warner, Two Leg byes. Low full toss angling down, Warner looks to clip it but misses and is rapped on the front pad. The ball rolls towards backward square leg and the batsmen come back for two leg byes. |
| 32.5 : W Riaz to Warner, In the channel outside off, Warner covers the line and defends it to the covers. |
| 32.6 : W Riaz to Warner, Shortish and wide outside off, cut to the man at point. |
| 33.1 : S Khan to Khawaja, Fuller in length and just outside off, Khawaja comes forward, lifts his bat and then lets it go. |
| 0.0 : Riaz has gone off the field. Might have gone back for a breather. |
| 33.2 : S Khan to Khawaja, Good length on off, stays a bit low but Usman was ready to defend it off the back foot. |
| 33.3 : S Khan to Khawaja, Fuller in length and outside off, Usman makes a leave to the keeper. |
| 33.4 : S Khan to Khawaja, Khawaja gets behind the line and defends it with a straight bat. |
| 33.5 : S Khan to Khawaja, Length ball on off, pushed off the back foot towards point. |
| 33.6 : S Khan to Khawaja, Fuller in length and angling in, pushed off the front foot towards short cover. |
| MOHAMMAD AMIR is back into the attack! |
| 34.1 : M Amir to Warner, Good length ball on off, defended off the back foot. |
| 34.2 : M Amir to Warner, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 34.3 : M Amir to Warner, Fuller in length on off, Warner defends it off the front foot. |
| 34.4 : M Amir to Warner, Fuller and angling in from outside off, David presses forward to defend but gets beaten completely. |
| 34.5 : M Amir to Warner, Touch short and outside off, Warner cuts it towards backward point as the ball falls just short of a diving Yasir there. It goes through and they take a single. |
| 34.6 : M Amir to Khawaja, Back of a length delivery outside off, UK lets it go through to Ahmed. |
| 35.1 : S Khan to Warner, Fuller in length on off, Warner comes forward and defends it off the front foot gently. |
| 35.2 : S Khan to Warner, Goes back to this length ball and defends it towards the off side. |
| 35.3 : S Khan to Warner, Back of a length ball outside off, dabbed in front of backward point. |
| 35.4 : S Khan to Warner, Fuller and tailing back in, Davey lunges forward and defends it. |
| 35.5 : S Khan to Warner, Short and down the leg side, Warner winds up for the pull but then feels it would be good if he leaves it alone. |
| 35.6 : S Khan to Warner, Length ball outside off, punched off the back foot towards covers. |
| 36.1 : M Amir to U Khawaja, Fuller and attacking the stumps, Khawaja jams it out. |
| 36.2 : M Amir to Khawaja, Very full on middle and leg, Khawaja flicks it straight to short mid-wicket. |
| 36.3 : M Amir to Khawaja, Khawaja stays behind the line and defends it with a straight bat. |
| 36.4 : M Amir to U Khawaja, Edged but doesn't carry! Fuller in length and outside off, Khawaja looks to defend but gets an outside edge which falls short of Younis at second slip. |
| 36.5 : M Amir to Khawaja, Driven straight to the man at mid off. |
| 36.6 : M Amir to Khawaja, Nipping back in sharply from outside off, Usman trusts the bounce and allows it to go through to the keeper. |
| 37.1 : S Khan to Warner, FOUR! Edged and away! On a length and just outside off, Warner comes forward and tries to push it towards the off side. Gets it off the outer part of the bat and it goes over backward point for a boundary. He is having some luck by his side. |
| 37.2 : S Khan to Warner, Another length ball outside off, Warner leaves it alone. |
| 37.3 : S Khan to Warner, Fuller in length and outside off, David comes forward and drives it through covers for a brace. |
| 37.4 : S Khan to Warner, Touch short and outside off, Warner stays back and punches it towards covers. |
| 37.5 : S Khan to Warner, DW has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 37.6 : S Khan to Warner, Slants it across the batsman, Warner pushes it through the fielder at point and gets a single. |
| 38.1 : M Amir to Warner, FOUR! Elegant! Amir keeps it pretty full on off, Warner was up for it as he comes forward and drives it with all timing through mid off for a boundary. He is just 3 short of a ton here. |
| 38.2 : M Amir to Warner, Fuller and angling in, defended on the leg side. |
| 38.3 : M Amir to Warner, Moves onto 99 now! The crowd is loving it, they are right behind him. Fuller outside off, Warner presses forward and guides it through point for a couple. |
| 38.4 : M Amir to Warner, FOUR! Inside edge and through! That will do, that will do for David Warner! It has taken him a long time to reach here in Tests this year. Back of a length ball, angling in with some extra bounce. Warner looks to defend but the ball catches the inside edge and goes past the stumps towards fine leg for a boundary. He removes the helmet and what is up next? Yes, the famous leap. Gets a big round of applause. Well played, Davey. |
| 17th Test ton for David Warner, 2nd vs Pakistan! |
| 38.5 : M Amir to D Warner, Fuller outside off, Warner presses forward to drive but gets an outside edge through backward point for a couple. |
| 38.6 : M Amir to Warner, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| Time for spin then, YASIR SHAH called back into the attack! |
| 39.1 : Y Shah to Khawaja, FIFTY FOR USMAN KHAWAJA! Loops it up around middle, Khawaja works it through mid-wicket for a single. He knows the job isn't done yet, can he convert this into a big one. |
| 0.0 : 7th Test fifty for Usman Khawaja! |
| 39.2 : Y Shah to Warner, Loopy ball around off, spinning in, Warner gets back and defends it towards covers. |
| 39.3 : Y Shah to Warner, Gets to the pitch of the ball and eases it towards sweeper cover for a brace. |
| 39.4 : Y Shah to D Warner, Very full on off, driven towards mid off for a single. |
| 39.5 : Y Shah to U Khawaja, FOUR! Edged and through! Yasir Shah drifts this one around off, Khawaja gets back and looks to slash it. Gets an outside edge past Younis Khan at first slip who dives but does so a bit late. It goes through for a streaky boundary. |
| 39.6 : Y Shah to Khawaja, Around middle and leg, flicked through mid-wicket for a single. |
| 40.1 : M Amir to Khawaja, Fuller and angling in, flicked through mid-wicket. Through the gap and Usman picks up three. |
| 40.2 : M Amir to Warner, Fuller on off, driven towards covers for a couple. |
| 40.3 : M Amir to Warner, Very full and angling in from off, David defends it solidly off the front foot. |
| 40.4 : M Amir to Warner, On a length and outside off, Warner tries to push it with soft hands, gets it off the outer part of the bat past a diving gully. Yasir Shah gives it a chase and does well to save a run for his side. |
| 40.5 : M Amir to Khawaja, In the business zone outside off, UK shoulders his arms. |
| 40.6 : M Amir to Khawaja, Gets forward and drives it straight to the man at short extra cover. |
| 41.1 : Y Shah to D Warner, Loopy ball around middle, Warner flicks it through mid on for a single. |
| 41.2 : Y Shah to Khawaja, Loopy ball on the pads, worked through square leg for a single. |
| 150-run stand is up between Warner and Khawaja! |
| 41.3 : Y Shah to Warner, Loopy around middle, skidding in, Warner defends it towards the leg side. |
| 41.4 : Y Shah to D Warner, FOUR! What a shot! He gives a wink to Khawaja after nailing it, it has to be admired. Tossed up outside off, Warner makes room, sits down and blasts it through covers for a boundary. |
| 41.5 : Y Shah to Warner, Presses forward on this flighted ball and keeps it out. |
| 41.6 : Y Shah to Warner, Around middle and leg, flicked towards mid-wicket for nothing. |
| WAHAB RIAZ comes back into the attack. |
| 42.1 : W Riaz to Khawaja, On a length outside off, Khawaja camps back and defends it to the off side. |
| 42.2 : W Riaz to Khawaja, Fullish and sprayed down the leg side, Usman looks to clip it but misses. |
| 42.3 : W Riaz to Khawaja, Bowls this one wider outside off, left alone. |
| 42.4 : W Riaz to Khawaja, Four leg byes! Slips this one down the leg side, Khawaja looks to clip it but misses but the ball brushes his thigh pad and runs down to the fine leg fence. Four leg byes signaled by the umpire. |
| 42.5 : W Riaz to Khawaja, On a length outside off, holding its line. Khawaja allows it to go through. |
| 42.6 : W Riaz to Khawaja, Khawaja gets behind that one and defends it nicely. |
| Time for Drinks. |
| 43.1 : Y Shah to Warner, FOUR! GOOD SHOT! Low full toss outside off, Warner kneels and reverse sweeps it through the third man region for a superb boundary. |
| 43.2 : Y Shah to Warner, Fullish delivery, played with the spin to mid-wicket. |
| 43.3 : Y Shah to Warner, Tossed up delivery, eased to long on for a run. |
| 43.4 : Y Shah to Khawaja, Straighter one outside off, Khawaja looks to defend it but gets beaten. |
| 43.5 : Y Shah to Khawaja, Khawaja defends it with the spin to leg slip. |
| 43.6 : Y Shah to Khawaja, FOUR! GOOD USE OF THE FEET! Bowls a loopy ball outside off, Usman steps down the track and drives it beautifully through the covers. Great timing on that one and the ball races to the fence. |
| 44.1 : W Riaz to Warner, Shortish and wide outside off, cut to deep point for a single. |
| 44.2 : W Riaz to Khawaja, On a length tailing back in at 144 clicks, it's clipped nicely by Khawaja through mid-wicket for a run. |
| 44.3 : W Riaz to Warner, FOUR! HE IS IN THE ZONE! Full length ball well outside off, Warner lunges forward confidently and drills it through extra cover. Placement was spot on and he gets the desired result. |
| 44.4 : W Riaz to D Warner, Similar length ball outside off, driven firmly to Misbah at mid off. |
| Deep square leg in place now. Time for short stuff? |
| 44.5 : W Riaz to Warner, Shortish ball outside off, cut through point for a run. |
| 44.6 : W Riaz to Khawaja, Bowls a short one attacking the body, Khawaja stands tall and pulls it half heartedly through backward square leg for a couple. |
| 45.1 : Y Shah to Warner, Loopy ball on middle and leg, worked with the spin through mid-wicket. Single taken! |
| 45.2 : Y Shah to Khawaja, Very full delivery on off, jammed out back to the bowler. |
| 45.3 : Y Shah to Khawaja, Straying on the pads, nudged to the man at short backward square leg. |
| 45.4 : Y Shah to Khawaja, Goes back to the quicker one and defends it nicely. |
| 45.5 : Y Shah to Khawaja, Full delivery outside off, pushed off the front foot to the covers. |
| 45.6 : Y Shah to Khawaja, FOUR! KHAWAJA IS FLOWING AT THE MOMENT! Bowls a tossed up ball outside off, Usman drives it elegantly through the covers and the ball whistles away to the fence. Another yellow line added to his wagon wheel says the on air commentator. |
| 46.1 : W Riaz to Warner, Shortish delivery attacking the body, Warner gets into an uncomfortable position and fends it to short leg. |
| 46.2 : Riaz to D Warner, Attacks him with the short one again, Warner takes his eyes off the ball and the ball catches the shoulder of the bat and spoons towards fine leg. Single taken! |
| 46.3 : W Riaz to Khawaja, No ball! Here comes the customary no ball again as Riaz oversteps. Dug in short down the leg side, Davey ducks under it easily. |
| W Riaz to Khawaja, Bowls a bouncer again and Khawaja sits underneath the bumper. |
| 46.4 : W Riaz to Khawaja, Shortish delivery angling into Khawaja. He hops back and defends it to short leg. |
| 46.5 : W Riaz to Khawaja, Continues the passage of his short deliveries as Khawaja rides the bounce and finds the man at short fine leg. |
| 46.6 : W Riaz to Khawaja, Khawaja pulls the short delivery to deep mid-wicket and hares across for the second. |
| 47.1 : Y Shah to Warner, SIX! THAT'S CRACKED! Loopy ball around off, Warner lunges forward and hits it brilliantly down the ground. Has got good elevation on that and the ball sails over the boundary. |
| 47.2 : Y Shah to Warner, Loopy ball around leg stump, driven uppishly through mid on for a run. |
| 47.3 : Y Shah to Khawaja, Stays back to the length delivery and defends it to mid-wicket. |
| 47.4 : Y Shah to Khawaja, Floated on middle, defended with the spin to the leg side. |
| 47.5 : Y Shah to Khawaja, Shortish delivery spinning down leg, worked to the man at short fine leg. |
| 47.6 : Y Shah to Khawaja, Strides forward to the loopy ball and pushes it to mid off with soft hands. |
| 48.1 : W Riaz to Warner, FOUR! WELL CONTROLLED! Bowls a short ball on middle, Warner pulls it nicely over square leg and the ball races to the fence. He has raced to 142 off 140 balls. |
| 48.2 : W Riaz to Warner, Bowls a short one attacking the body, David gets into a tangle as he fends it off. |
| 48.3 : W Riaz to Warner, Short one but it's sprayed down the leg side, Davey looks to hook but misses. |
| 48.4 : W Riaz to Warner, Full length ball outside off, driven crisply through the covers and gets a couple. |
| Pakistan have taken a review against David Warner. It is regarding a caught behind appeal. |
| 48.5 : W Riaz to Warner, OUT! RIAZ STRIKES FINALLY! Warner moves across his stumps to the short delivery and looks to pull it but seems to have missed it. However, Sarfraz looks confident as he charges towards the umpire and goes up in an appeal. The umpire shakes his head. Looks towards Misbah and convinces him to take the review. Time for the replays. Ooh.. The Hotspot indicates that it has brushed the upper part of the glove. Is is conclusive enough to overturn the decison? Yes, it is. Ian Go |
| The skipper, Steven Smith strides out to bat. |
| 48.6 : W Riaz to Smith, Slips this one down the leg side, Smith lets it go. |
| 49.1 : Y Shah to Khawaja, Stays back and defends it nicely. |
| 49.2 : Y Shah to Khawaja, Stays rooted to the crease and blocks it. |
| 49.3 : Y Shah to Khawaja, Tossed up delivery, eased with the spin to long on for a run. |
| 49.4 : Y Shah to Smith, Loopy ball on the stumps, defended solidly off the back foot. |
| 49.5 : Y Shah to Smith, Quicker one on middle and leg, pushed off the front foot towards mid on. |
| 49.6 : Y Shah to S Smith, Tossed up outside off, driven to the covers. |
| 50.1 : W Riaz to Khawaja, Good length ball outside off, Khawaja defends it off the back foot. |
| 50.2 : W Riaz to Khawaja, FOUR! Bangs in a short ball down the leg side, Khawaja tries to help it down the leg side. He gets a bit of gloves on it and it races past a diving keeper for a boundary towards fine leg. |
| 50.3 : W Riaz to Khawaja, Riaz once again hits the deck hard but the angle is down the leg side, Usman tries to pull it down the leg side once more but this time fails to get any bat on it. |
| 50.4 : W Riaz to Khawaja, Short of a length ball outside off, Khawaja arches back to let it go. |
| 50.5 : W Riaz to Khawaja, Length ball on the pads, clipped towards backward square leg for a single. 250 up for Australia. |
| 50.6 : W Riaz to S Smith, FOUR! FOUR! Edged and he is off the mark! Fuller in length and outside off, Smith looks to drive but gets an outside edge towards third man for a boundary. Riaz oversteps and a no ball is signalled. |
| W Riaz to Smith, Outside off, Smudge leaves it alone. |
| 51.1 : Y Shah to Khawaja, Tossed up around off, pushed towards covers for a couple. |
| 51.2 : Y Shah to Khawaja, Flatter one around middle, defended down. |
| 51.3 : Y Shah to Khawaja, Tossed up around middle and off, Khawaja defends it down the track. |
| 51.4 : Y Shah to Khawaja, Full and around off, Usman defends it down watchfully. |
| 51.5 : Y Shah to Khawaja, Short and down the leg side, pulled through fine leg for a single. |
| 51.6 : Y Shah to Smith, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 52.1 : W Riaz to Khawaja, Short on middle and leg, Khawaja tucks it behind square on the leg side for a couple. |
| 52.2 : W Riaz to Khawaja, Short ball outside off, UK leaves it alone. |
| 52.3 : W Riaz to Khawaja, Bangs in a short ball on middle, Khawaja ducks under it. |
| 52.4 : W Riaz to Khawaja, Opens the face and gets it through covers for a single. |
| 52.5 : W Riaz to Smith, Gets across to the full ball and blocks it out. |
| 52.6 : W Riaz to Smith, On middle and leg, nudged towards fine leg for a single to keep strike. |
| 53.1 : Y Shah to S Smith, Tossed up around middle and leg, flicked through mid-wicket for a single. |
| 53.2 : Y Shah to Khawaja, Loopy around off, turning in, Khawaja looks to pull but misses and is hit on the pads. |
| 53.3 : Y Shah to Khawaja, Full and around middle, nudged through mid-wicket for a single. |
| 53.4 : Y Shah to Smith, Flighted ball around off, defended off the front foot. |
| 53.5 : Y Shah to Smith, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 53.6 : Y Shah to Smith, Flatter one around middle, punched back to the bowler. |
| SOHAIL KHAN is back on! |
| 54.1 : S Khan to Khawaja, Good length ball outside off, Khawaja stays behind the line and defends it down. |
| 54.2 : S Khan to Khawaja, Fuller in length and angling in on the pads, worked through mid-wicket for a single. |
| 54.3 : S Khan to Smith, On a length and wide outside off, Smith still chases it and as a result punches it towards the man at point. |
| 54.4 : S Khan to Smith, Fuller in length and served on off, Smith pushes it towards covers. |
| 54.5 : S Khan to Smith, Sohail hurls a length ball which is again wide outside off, Smith is desperate to go after it. Goes for a slash but gets beaten. |
| 54.6 : S Khan to S Smith, FOUR! Edged and away! Fuller in length and outside off, Smith looks to block this one but gets an outside edge past a diving second slip for a boundary towards third man. |
| 55.1 : Y Shah to Khawaja, Outside off, turning in, flicked towards short leg. |
| 55.2 : Y Shah to Khawaja, Floats it up around middle and off, Ussie lad blocks it out. |
| 55.3 : Y Shah to Khawaja, FOUR! Swept away! Loopy ball around middle and leg, Khawaja gets down on one knee and sweeps it off the meat of the bat through fine leg for a boundary. |
| 55.4 : Y Shah to Khawaja, Loopy ball around off, defended off the front foot. |
| 55.5 : Y Shah to Khawaja, Khawaja defends it from within the crease. |
| 55.6 : Y Shah to Khawaja, FOUR! Drilled! Loopy ball outside off, Khawaja comes forward and drills it past covers for a boundary. |
| 56.1 : S Khan to Smith, Good length ball outside off, punched off the back foot towards covers. |
| 56.2 : S Khan to Smith, On a length and outside off, defended off the back foot towards covers. |
| 56.3 : S Khan to Smith, Smith stays behind the line and defends it towards covers. |
| 56.4 : S Khan to Smith, Shortish delivery wide outside off, Smith hangs back and cuts it to the man at backward point. |
| 56.5 : S Khan to Smith, Short of a length ball outside off, Smith shuffles across and pushes it back to mid off. |
| 56.6 : S Khan to Smith, Similar length ball well outside off, once again Steven is unable to pierce the gap and finds the man at backward point again. |
| MOHAMMAD AMIR to bowl the final over of the day. Can he sneak in one? Or will the Aussies see it off safely? |
| 57.1 : M Amir to Khawaja, Back of a length outside off, played with an angled blade to gully. |
| 57.2 : M Amir to Khawaja, On a length and straighter this time, Usman camps back and defends it down the track. |
| 57.3 : M Amir to Khawaja, Length delivery outside off, defended solidly off the back foot to the off side. |
| 57.4 : M Amir to U Khawaja, Fullish delivery around off, pushed off the front foot to point. |
| 57.5 : M Amir to Khawaja, In the corridor of uncertainty, holds its line. Khawaja points his bat skywards and allows it through. |
| 57.6 : M Amir to Khawaja, Fullish delivery tailing back in, Khawaja comes forward and defends it off the inner half towards mid on for a brisk single. THAT'S STUMPS ON DAY 3! |
| What a day for Australia! Agreed they were made to toil hard for the first two days but they have done the same to the visitors. It was the pair of David Warner and Usman Khawaja that set the tone for its side. The former though was struggling earlier in the innings but once he got into the groove, he never looked back. Riaz bowled a ripper to knock him over when he was on 81 but it was a no ball as he overstepped. He then made the tourists pay for the same with a swashbuckling 144 and eventuall |
| Khawaja and Smith are out there and the southpaw is just 5 runs short of another ton this year. He has continued his impressive form and looks hungry for more. The Aussies are in a safe coast thanks to the run rate at which Warner was batting, he has reduced the deficit to just 165 now. Pakistan bowled well in patches but it's just that they weren't that threatening. Amir and Sohail started off well with the new ball and then Riaz took over the reins but his overstepping let him down big time. |
| Pakistan need wickets and that too quickly to put pressure back on the hosts. Will they be able to do so? it remains to be seen. The radar for tomorrow isn't pleasing again and let's hope the weather remains kind and we get a full day's play. Join us back tomorrow at 0430 IST to catch all the action from the penultimate day. Until then, it's goodbye from us. Cheers! |
| ...DAY 4, SESSION 1... |
| Hello and a warm welcome for day 4 of this Test match at the MCG. Before we talk about the match, let me tell you the news regarding the weather this morning. There are thunderstorms predicted throughout the day but the good thing is that it is clear and fit to continue as of now. Let us hope that it doesn't interrupt and we get to witness a full day's play. |
| Pakistan scored 443, Australia aren't too far behind as Warner started off in a blazing fashion to register his first ever Test ton at this venue and that too at some real good pace. Usman Khawaja continued his impressive run of form and is still out there just 5 short of another century. They have enjoyed the batting on this flat deck and look set to wipe out the deficit. Pakistan bowled well but it wasn't that threatening to give them the rewards. They would be hoping to come out afresh and sc |
| All eyes will be on the weather, if it remains kind there might be some chances to force a result. If at all it doesn't this match could be heading towards a draw. So, what do we have in store today? Stay with us as the action is about to resume in a very short while... |
| The umpires and players have made their way out to the middle. It will be STEVEN SMITH and USMAN KHAWAJA to continue with the bat for the hosts. Pakistan begin with WAHAB RIAZ. Let's play... |
| 58.1 : W Riaz to Khawaja, Starts with a back of a length ball outside off, Khawaja stays back and cuts it straight to the man at point. |
| 58.2 : W Riaz to Khawaja, Angles in a length ball on middle, Usman gets across a bit and defends it on the leg side. |
| 58.3 : W Riaz to Khawaja, Slightly fuller and around off, defended off the front foot. |
| 58.4 : W Riaz to Khawaja, Once again he hurls in a full length delivery outside off, Khawaja comes a touch forward and keeps it out. |
| 58.5 : W Riaz to Khawaja, Good length in the channel outside off, UK makes an easy leave to the keeper. |
| 58.6 : W Riaz to Khawaja, Nips back in from off, the southpaw stays behind the line to defend it down. A maiden to start the day for Riaz! |
| MOHAMMAD AMIR will bowl from the other end! |
| 59.1 : M Amir to Smith, On a length and angling away from over the wicket, Smith gets across, lifts his bat and lets it go. |
| 59.2 : M Amir to Smith, Back of a length ball on off, Smith punches it straight to the man at covers. |
| 59.3 : M Amir to Smith, Keeps it full and further outside off, Smith has got nothing to do with it. |
| 59.4 : M Amir to Smith, Good length ball on middle, Steven stands tall and defends it back to the bowler. |
| 59.5 : M Amir to Smith, Slants it away from the batsman, it's left alone without much fuss. |
| 59.6 : M Amir to Smith, Once again angles it away from the Aussie skipper and the batsman shoulders his arms to it. |
| 60.1 : W Riaz to Khawaja, On a length and just outside off, pushed towards point off the back foot. |
| 60.2 : W Riaz to Khawaja, Touch short and outside off, played towards point again. |
| 60.3 : W Riaz to Khawaja, Length ball on off, Khawaja is a bit squared up but still defends it down. |
| 60.4 : W Riaz to Khawaja, The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot. |
| 60.5 : W Riaz to Khawaja, Shortish on middle and off, Usman defends it with a straight blade. |
| 60.6 : W Riaz to Khawaja, Angled in on the pads, tucked towards fine leg for a couple. |
| 61.1 : M Amir to Smith, On a length and moves away after pitching, Smith shoulders his arms to it. |
| 61.2 : M Amir to Smith, Angles it in from outside off, SS defends it down safely. |
| 61.3 : M Amir to Smith, Fuller and hurled outside off, the Aussie skipper is happy to let it be. |
| 61.4 : M Amir to Smith, Good length ball outside off, Smith looks to hang is bat out to defend but gets an outside edge which goes on the bounce to the gully fielder. |
| 61.5 : M Amir to Smith, Length delivery on middle, Steven gets across and tucks it towards square leg for a couple. |
| 61.6 : M Amir to Smith, In the corridor outside off, the batsman leaves it alone. |
| 62.1 : W Riaz to Khawaja, OUT! Edged and gone. Usman Khawaja misses out on a ton here and much to his dismay, Wahab Riaz hasn't overstepped. Wahab hurls a length ball on off, gets it to move away from the batsman, Khawaja senses an opportunity to go for it and is undone by it. Nicks one behind and Sarfraz behind the stumps takes a regulation catch. He is all pumped up and why won't he be? Usman walks back with a forlorn face. Pakistan get an early wicket this morning. |
| 0.0 : PETER HANDSCOMB is the new man in, replacing Khawaja! |
| 62.2 : W Riaz to Handscomb, Fuller and on the stumps, at 149.3 kph, Handscomb gets back to this full ball and defends it down. |
| 62.3 : W Riaz to Handscomb, Good length ball on off, Peter looks to punch it but it goes on the bounce to gully. |
| 62.4 : W Riaz to Handscomb, Good length ball on off, defended off the back foot. |
| 62.5 : W Riaz to Handscomb, Comes from around the wicket and angles it in on middle, defended on the leg side. |
| 62.6 : W Riaz to Handscomb, Length ball outside off, PH taps it towards covers for a single to get off the mark. |
| 63.1 : M Amir to Handscomb, Comes forward to this full ball and defends it down gently. |
| 63.2 : M Amir to Handscomb, Fuller and fired outside off, Handscomb is happy to leave it alone. |
| 63.3 : M Amir to Handscomb, Fullish again on off, blocked towards point. |
| 63.4 : M Amir to Handscomb, On a length and outside off, Peter hangs back in defense. |
| 63.5 : M Amir to Handscomb, Defended off the back foot by the batsman. |
| 63.6 : M Amir to P Handscomb, Fuller and wide outside off, Handscomb looks to drive it through the off side but gets an outside edge and falls just short of the diving keeper. |
| 64.1 : W Riaz to Smith, FOUR! Flayed! Fuller and served outside off, Smith looks to hit it through the off side but gets it off the outer part of the bat through point. It sped away to the fence in no time. |
| 64.2 : W Riaz to S Smith, This is off the meat of the bat! Slightly full and around off, Steven gets on the front foot and gets it through covers. Won't get a boundary but fetches him three there. |
| 64.3 : W Riaz to Handscomb, Very full outside off, Handscomb tries to drive it but the ball was too wide for him to make any contact. |
| 64.4 : W Riaz to Handscomb, FOUR! Edged and through! This is frustrating for Riaz! He hurls a back of a length ball on off, at 144.5 kph, Handscomb is opened up as he looks to defend it. Gets an edge through third slip and gully for a boundary towards third man. |
| 64.5 : W Riaz to Handscomb, Comes from around the wicket and angles it in, Peter defends it down. |
| 64.6 : W Riaz to Handscomb, FOUR! Glanced away! Strays it on the hips, all Handscomb wanted was to get some bat on it. He does so as the ball races away to the fine leg fence. Plenty of runs in the over, 15 to be precise. |
| 65.1 : M Amir to Smith, In the channel outside off, Smith lifts his bat and lets it go. |
| 65.2 : M Amir to Smith, SS chooses to leave the ball outside his off stump. |
| 65.3 : M Amir to Smith, Smith gets on the front foot and drives it straight to mid off. |
| 65.4 : M Amir to Smith, Fuller in length and served on off, Smith leans into it and drives it past a diving cover fielder. He waits for the ball to go through and then starts to sprint. Gets another three to the total. |
| 65.5 : M Amir to Handscomb, Fuller in length and outside off, Peter looks to drive but there is no foot movement and the ball just whizzes past the outside edge to the keeper. |
| 65.6 : M Amir to Handscomb, Outside off, it's left alone. |
| SOHAIL KHAN into the attack now! |
| 66.1 : S Khan to Smith, Back of a length ball on middle, Smith gets across and whips/pulls it through mid-wicket for three runs. |
| 66.2 : S Khan to Handscomb, FOUR! Crunched! Short of a length ball outside off, Handscomb gets on the top of the bounce and crunches the punch through point to find the fence. |
| 66.3 : S Khan to Handscomb, Shuffles a bit and tucks it towards square leg. |
| 66.4 : S Khan to Handscomb, Touch fuller on off, defended towards covers. |
| 66.5 : S Khan to Handscomb, Angles it on the pads, PH looks to flick but misses and is hit on the pads. |
| 66.6 : S Khan to Handscomb, Stays behind the line and defends it with a straight blade. |
| 67.1 : M Amir to Smith, The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot. |
| 67.2 : M Amir to Smith, Angles it on the hips, tucks it behind square on the leg side for a single. |
| 67.3 : M Amir to Handscomb, Switches from around the wicket and keeps it full outside off, Handscomb looks to drive it but is beaten all ends up. |
| 67.4 : M Amir to Handscomb, On a length and straightens a bit after pitching, Peter looks to poke at it and he gets beaten once more. |
| 67.5 : M Amir to Handscomb, Angles in a full length ball from outside off, Handscomb looks to work it across the line but misses and is hit on the pads. Before he could appeal the umpire stretches his right hand out to signal it as a no ball as he oversteps. Replays show the impact was outside off and would have gone on to hit the stumps. |
| M Amir to Handscomb, On a length and straightens a bit, Handscomb looks to defend but once again the ball beats the outside edge. |
| Leg gully is in place now... |
| 67.6 : M Amir to P Handscomb, Angles in a length ball on middle, clipped through mid-wicket for a single. |
| 68.1 : S Khan to Handscomb, Fuller on the stumps, defended on the leg side. |
| 68.2 : S Khan to Handscomb, Fuller on off, bunted back to the bowler. |
| 68.3 : S Khan to Handscomb, FOUR! Over a leaping gully fielder! Khan dishes out a short ball outside off, Peter Handscomb waits and waits for it till the last moment and cuts it on the bounce. It goes over the man at gully who tries to stop it with a leap but the ball goes over him for a boundary. |
| Deep point moves to third man... |
| 68.4 : S Khan to Handscomb, Bangs in a short ball on off, PH doesn't even look at it. |
| 68.5 : S Khan to Handscomb, Fuller on middle, worked towards short mid-wicket. |
| 68.6 : S Khan to Handscomb, On a length and just outside off, Peter Handscomb stays put and fetches this from outside off over short mid-wicket. Three runs picked up. |
| YASIR SHAH is introduced into the attack! |
| 69.1 : Y Shah to P Handscomb, FOUR! Handscomb welcomes Yasir into the attack! Pushes it quicker through the air and outside off, Handscomb gets back and cuts it through backward point for a boundary. |
| 69.2 : Y Shah to Handscomb, Tossed up around middle and leg, Peter comes down the track to flick but gets it off the inner half of the bat towards fine leg for a couple. |
| 69.3 : Y Shah to Handscomb, Around middle and leg, pushed towards mid on. |
| 69.4 : Y Shah to Handscomb, Loopy ball outside off, driven through covers for a single. |
| 69.5 : Y Shah to Smith, Flatter and quicker one on middle, Smith stays back in defense. |
| 69.6 : Y Shah to Smith, Loopy ball around off, some bounce as well, defended towards point. |
| 70.1 : S Khan to Handscomb, Stays behind the line and defends it with a straight bat. |
| 70.2 : S Khan to Handscomb, Angles in a length ball on middle, Handscomb tucks it towards square leg for a single. |
| 70.3 : S Khan to Smith, Fuller on middle, defended towards the leg side. |
| 70.4 : S Khan to Smith, On a good length and outside off, Smith looks to defend but gets it off the outer part of the bat towards third man for a single. |
| 70.5 : S Khan to Handscomb, Length delivery on off, Peter plays it with soft hand to steer it down to third man for one. |
| 70.6 : S Khan to Smith, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 71.1 : Y Shah to Handscomb, Loopy full toss around middle, Handscomb comes down the track and whips it towards short mid-wicket. There is a misfield there and he gets a couple. |
| 71.2 : Y Shah to Handscomb, Tosses it up around off, Peter comes down the track and defends. |
| 71.3 : Y Shah to Handscomb, Around middle and off, swept towards square leg for a single. |
| 71.4 : Y Shah to Smith, Flighted ball around off, flicked straight to Shafiq at short mid-wicket. |
| 71.5 : Y Shah to S Smith, Pushes it slower through the air around off, Smith gets on the front foot and pushes it towards covers. |
| 71.6 : Y Shah to Smith, Short and outside off, Smith punches it towards sweeper cover for a single. |
| 50-run stand between Smith and Handscomb! |
| RIAZ returns for his second spell! |
| 72.1 : W Riaz to Smith, Angles it on middle and leg, Smith shuffles across and tucks it towards mid-wicket for a single. |
| 72.2 : W Riaz to Handscomb, Short and going down leg, Handscomb gets a long way across and then shoulders his arms. |
| 72.3 : W Riaz to Handscomb, Shortish outside off, Peter arches back to evade it. |
| 72.4 : W Riaz to Handscomb, And here comes the customary no ball! Comes steaming in and fires in a full ball on the stumps, Peter keeps it out. The umpire calls it a no ball as Riaz oversteps. |
| W Riaz to Handscomb, Defended off the back foot by the batsman. |
| 72.5 : W Riaz to Handscomb, Hits the deck hard and serves it outside off, the batsman ducks under it. |
| 72.6 : W Riaz to Handscomb, Comes across and tucks it towards square leg for a single to end the over. |
| 73.1 : Y Shah to Handscomb, Comes down the track and defends it back to the bowler. |
| 73.2 : Y Shah to Handscomb, Tossed up around middle, swept towards fine leg for a single. |
| 73.3 : Y Shah to Smith, Full around off, Smith drives it hard but finds the cover fielder. |
| 73.4 : Y Shah to Smith, Smith lunges forward and keeps it out. |
| 73.5 : Y Shah to Smith, Loopy ball around off, defended off the front foot watchfully. |
| 73.6 : Y Shah to Smith, Pushes slower through the air around off, it's once again defended down. |
| 74.1 : W Riaz to Handscomb, Back of a length ball outside off, Handscomb hangs back and offers a straight bat defense. |
| 74.2 : W Riaz to Handscomb, Sharp bouncer from Riaz, Peter is happy to duck under. |
| 74.3 : W Riaz to Handscomb, Here comes the sucker ball! After a couple of short ball hi fires in a yorker on middle, Peter brings his bat down in time to keep it at bay. |
| Short leg is in place now... |
| 74.4 : W Riaz to Handscomb, Another short ball but it's angling down the leg side, Handscomb gets across and watches it go through to the keeper. |
| 74.5 : W Riaz to Handscomb, Very full and angling in, Peter shuffles across and pushes it towards short mid-wicket. |
| 74.6 : W Riaz to Handscomb, And again! Goes wide of the crease and bowls a full length ball on the stumps, Handscomb moves across and nudges it towards fine leg for a single. Wahab oversteps again and will have to reload it. |
| W Riaz to Smith, FOUR! Past the leg gully! Short and angling down leg, Smith gets across and pulls it past Younis Khan at leg gully for a boundary towards fine leg. The extra ball has cost him a boundary. |
| 75.1 : Y Shah to Handscomb, Tosses it up around off, Handscomb comes down the track and pushes it back to the bowler. |
| 75.2 : Y Shah to Handscomb, Pushes it quicker through the air and turns away after pitching, PH leaves it alone. |
| 75.3 : Y Shah to Handscomb, FOUR! Swept and swept hard! Tossed up delivery around middle, Handscomb gets down on one knee and sweeps it through mid-wicket. Made a good connection and gets a boundary to his name. |
| 75.4 : Y Shah to Handscomb, Full on off, defended down watchfully. |
| 75.5 : Y Shah to Handscomb, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 75.6 : Y Shah to Handscomb, FOUR! Good use of the feet! Loopy ball around middle and leg, Peter Handscomb comes down the track, gets close to the pitch of the ball and flicks it aerially towards wide long on. No one in the deep and he picks up another boundary of the over. |
| Drinks break! |
| 76.1 : W Riaz to Smith, Angles it on the pads, Smith flicks it through backward square leg for a couple. |
| 76.2 : W Riaz to Smith, Fires in a yorker on middle, Smith brings his bat down to defend but gets a leading edge towards the off side for a couple more. |
| 76.3 : W Riaz to Smith, Sprays it down the leg side, Steven doesn't look at it. |
| 76.4 : W Riaz to Smith, Plays a controlled pull shot through square leg for one. |
| 76.5 : W Riaz to Handscomb, Handscomb shuffles before Raiz could deliver but seeing this the bowler fires a yorker on the stumps. Peter still does well to keep it out on the on side for a single. |
| 76.6 : W Riaz to Smith, Tucked past short leg for an easy single to keep strike. |
| 77.1 : Y Shah to S Smith, Full and loopy on the stumps, it's eased back down to mid off for nothing. |
| 77.2 : Y Shah to Smith, Floats it up once more and attacks the stumps, Steven Smith comes forward to defend. |
| 77.3 : Y Shah to Smith, Lovely delivery. It's given some nice air and pitched on a driving length outside off. It's a bit slower through the air as Smith reaches out and drives it to the covers. |
| 77.4 : Y Shah to Smith, Looped up by Yasir Shah, another solid front foot defense presented by Steven Smith. |
| 77.5 : Y Shah to Smith, Drags the length back on this and bowls this on middle stump, Steven goes back and punches it towards the mid on fielder. |
| 77.6 : Y Shah to Smith, Very, very slow through the air and tossed up outside off, the Aussie skipper has no trouble to let it through as he plants his front foot forward and shoulders his arms. |
| 78.1 : W Riaz to Handscomb, Wahab comes from around the wicket and fires in a full ball on middle and leg, Handscomb walks across and works it through square leg for a single. |
| 78.2 : W Riaz to Smith, Another fuller length delivery on the stumps, this time Steven Smith walks across and flicks it through the square leg region for a run. |
| 78.3 : W Riaz to Handscomb, Wahab brings out the short one and hits the deck hard, Peter Handscomb walks a long way across, ducks and lets the ball sail over him. |
| 78.4 : W Riaz to Handscomb, Another short ball, another duck. Carefully done I might add. |
| 78.5 : W Riaz to Handscomb, Fullish in length this time, it's flicked to mid-wicket. |
| 78.6 : W Riaz to Handscomb, FOUR! Easy pickings for Peter Handscomb. He couldn't have asked for an easier delivery to bring up the milestone. It's on a back of a length, he walks across and glances it fine down the leg side past a diving Sarfraz Ahmed to cannot stop it. |
| 2nd Test fifty for Peter Handscomb! |
| 79.1 : Y Shah to Smith, Tossed up leg break around off, blocked. |
| 79.2 : Y Shah to Smith, Some nice drift for Yasir Shah on this occasion, bowls it nicely around off and draws Smith forward, he does well to come forward and defend it with a straight bat. |
| 79.3 : Y Shah to Smith, Yasir seems to have found the right line and length now. Consistently hitting them well too. He floats it up just around off, left alone for the keeper to collect. |
| 79.4 : Y Shah to Smith, Shorter and flatter around off, SS goes back to keep it out. |
| 79.5 : Y Shah to Smith, On the shorter side once more, it's pushed a bit quicker through the air as well, punched through to deep cover for a single. |
| 79.6 : Y Shah to Handscomb, Handscomb makes good use of his feet, gets to the pitch of the ball and works it to the right of the bowler to pick up a single. That will be the end of the over. |
| The second new ball is available and already taken. Pakistan wasting no time in doing so. |
| And it will be MOHAMMAD AMIR to have a go with the new cherry first up. |
| 80.1 : M Amir to Handscomb, Back of a length delivery angled across Peter Handscomb, he does well to get back and keep it out with a straight blade. |
| 80.2 : M Amir to Handscomb, Angles it across once more, a bit on the shorter side too, it's left alone for the keeper to collect. |
| 80.3 : M Amir to Handscomb, Pitches it right up there and attacks the stumps, driven to mid on. No run taken. |
| 80.4 : M Amir to Handscomb, Excellent delivery! On a good length and just around off, terrific shape on that. Handscomb tries to block it with a straight bat but the ball just about whiskers past the outside edge. |
| 80.5 : Amir to Handscomb, DROPPED! But it Amir's defense, it was a tough chance. Length ball on middle and off, Peter Handscomb stands firm and drives it uppishly straight back towards Amir. The pacer slips unfortunately on his followthrough and can't hold on to the ball with his left hand. Difficult chance goes begging. |
| 80.6 : M Amir to Handscomb, Length delivery outside off, left alone. |
| SOHAIL KHAN is into the attack now. |
| 81.1 : S Khan to Smith, FOUR! That's an excellent shot from Steven Smith. The Australian skipper is so, so beautiful to watch when he bats like this. It's full and speared wide outside off, Smith leans into it and drives it through extra cover for a blazing boundary. |
| 81.2 : S Khan to Smith, On a good length and pitched outside off, no shot is offered to that one. |
| 81.3 : S Khan to Smith, Touch fuller in length and just around off, Smith prods forward and defends it presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 81.4 : S Khan to Smith, Shade of swing away from around off, Steven Smith covers his line well and watches the ball go past him. |
| 81.5 : S Khan to Smith, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 81.6 : S Khan to S Smith, Slightly full outside off, driven with the full face of the bat to the mid off fielder. That will be the end of the over. |
| 82.1 : M Amir to Handscomb, Good length delivery outside off, run down to third man for one. |
| 82.2 : M Amir to S Smith, Back of a length delivery angled across, Handscomb hangs his bat out to it and ends up getting a thick edge. It flies and just falls short of the diving third slip fielder. It goes past him towards third man and a single is taken. |
| 82.3 : M Amir to Handscomb, Short one from Mohammad Amir, it's ducked under cautiously by Peter Handscomb. |
| 82.4 : M Amir to Handscomb, Angled across, quite harmless, Peter Handscomb is not going to have anything to do with that. |
| 82.5 : M Amir to Handscomb, Tight line as it's kept close to the off pole, PH stands firm inside his crease, places himself behind the line and defends it rather solidly. |
| 82.6 : M Amir to Handscomb, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 83.1 : S Khan to Smith, Good length ball in the channel outside off, Steven withdraws his bat and ensures that the ball goes into the keeper's gloves. |
| 83.2 : S Khan to Smith, Pitched just back of a length and outside off, it's kept out off the back foot on the off side. |
| 83.3 : S Khan to Smith, Good length delivery outside off, disciplined stuff from Sohail Khan as he maintains that tight line, it's left alone. |
| 83.4 : S Khan to Smith, Touch fuller on off, defended off the front foot into the track ahead. |
| 83.5 : S Khan to Smith, Back of a length ball outside off, Steven Smith walks down the track, covers the line and raises his bat to let it through. |
| 83.6 : S Khan to Smith, Another watchful leave by Steven Smith and that brings an end to the over. |
| 84.1 : M Amir to Handscomb, Short of a length pounded in hard on off stump, Handscomb stays rooted deep inside his crease to block. |
| 84.2 : M Amir to Handscomb, Peter Handscomb drives this a bit square towards cover-point where a misfield allows the batsmen to take a run. |
| 84.3 : M Amir to Smith, Fuller length ball shaping in late, goes off the inside edge towards square leg and a single is taken. |
| 84.4 : M Amir to Handscomb, The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot. |
| 84.5 : M Amir to Handscomb, Back of a length ball on off, Handscomb lets it be as the ball goes over the off pole. |
| 84.6 : M Amir to Handscomb, Back of a length ball around off, it's tapped in front of covers and a brisk single is taken. |
| 85.1 : S Khan to Handscomb, Fuller in length and outside off, Handscomb shoulders his arms to it. |
| 85.2 : S Khan to Handscomb, Fuller again and pitched just outside off, driven straight to the man at mid off. |
| 85.3 : S Khan to Handscomb, Length ball on off, it's blocked firmly down towards mid off. |
| 85.4 : S Khan to Handscomb, OUT! SOHAIL STRIKES! And it's come completely against the run of play. Handscomb will be disappointed in the manner in which he's dismissed. Sohail Khan fires this full and wide outside off, Handscomb reaches out to it and drives it square on the up towards backward point where Sami Aslam takes the easiest of catches. Australia have lost their fourth wicket and a good knock from Handscomb comes to an end. |
| NIC MADDINSON walks in next to bat. |
| 85.5 : S Khan to Maddinson, Good length delivery outside off, Maddinson has nothing to do with that one. |
| 85.6 : S Khan to Maddinson, The batsman lets the ball go outside his off stump. |
| 86.1 : M Amir to S Smith, An attempted yorker which just misses. Amir arrows it full on the stumps, Steven Smith walks across and wrists it to mid on. It's straight to the fielder so no run is taken. |
| 86.2 : M Amir to Smith, Back of a length delivery angled across, Steven gets an edge as he hangs his bat out to this. It flies behind and falls just short of Azhar Ali at third slip. |
| 86.3 : M Amir to Smith, Fractionally ahead of a length, defended off the front foot. |
| 86.4 : M Amir to Smith, Pounded in hard and short on the stumps, Smith swivels across and pulls it away through square leg for a couple of runs. He moves on to 49 with that. |
| 86.5 : M Amir to Smith, Outside off, arms are shouldered to this one. |
| 86.6 : M Amir to Smith, Play and a miss! Kind of risky from Steven Smith there. It's fuller and around off, Smith looks to drive this through the covers but the ball goes past the outside edge and into the keeper's gloves. |
| 87.1 : S Khan to Maddinson, Stays within his crease and keeps it out with a solid, straight bat. |
| 87.2 : S Khan to Maddinson, Nice length ball just around off, Maddinson leans across and punches it in front of cover-point. |
| 87.3 : S Khan to Maddinson, Full on the stumps, Maddinson drives it back down towards mid on for a quick single. |
| 87.4 : S Khan to Smith, Excellent knock from Steven Smith. Calm and composed as one can be. He drives this towards wide mid on and gets a couple of runs for it. Reaches his fifty and raises his bat to the crowd and his teammates as he acknowledges their cheers. |
| 20th Test fifty for Steven Smith! |
| 87.5 : S Khan to Smith, FOUR! He brings those wrists into play shot. So, so good in that area, isn't he? Once again Steven Smith walks across and whips it through the gap in the mid-wicket region for a boundary. |
| 87.6 : S Khan to Smith, Good length delivery outside off, Smith shoulders his arms to let that one through. |
| 88.1 : M Amir to Maddinson, FOUR! That'll give him some confidence. A bit too straight from Mohammad Amir and it's put away nicely. Fuller on the pads and Nic Maddinson clips this across the fine leg fence for a boundary. |
| 88.2 : M Amir to Maddinson, Rock solid in defense. Good stuff from Nic. Leans ahead and keeps this full ball out which tails in a shade. |
| 88.3 : M Amir to Maddinson, Carries nicely through to the keeper as Maddinson leave it alone. Pitched it on a length in the channel outside off. |
| 88.4 : M Amir to Maddinson, Back of a length delivery angling in from around off, the southpaw opens the face of the bat and dabs it square towards point. No run taken. |
| 88.5 : M Amir to Maddinson, Good line from Amir. Great shape on that and it just beats the outside edge. Just can't seem to draw that edge. He's been bowling superbly well. |
| 88.6 : M Amir to Maddinson, On a good length, outside off once more, Maddinson with it with the full face of the blade and blocks it on the off side. |
| 89.1 : S Khan to Smith, Full delivery angling in on middle and leg, right in Steven Smith's area and he works it away comfortably. Brings the wrists into play and whips it through towards deep mid-wicket for a brace. |
| 89.2 : S Khan to Smith, Length delivery aiming the top of off stump, Smith walks across like his typically does and blocks it back down the track. |
| 89.3 : S Khan to Smith, Another shuffle and another flick. He'll deal with these straight balls all day long. Gets it away to deep backward square leg for one. |
| 89.4 : S Khan to Maddinson, Fullish in length and angled across just around off, solidly defended. |
| 89.5 : S Khan to Maddinson, Maddinson presents another firm block. He plants his front foot half-forward and deals with it easily. |
| 89.6 : S Khan to Maddinson, Tad fuller in length on middle and off, it's bunted back down the track but no run is taken. Dot ball to end the over. |
| YASIR SHAH is back to have another go with the ball. |
| 90.1 : Y Shah to Smith, Straighter one from Yasir, it's on a length and around off, Smith goes back and keeps it down on the track. |
| 90.2 : Y Shah to Smith, Loopy and fullish in length, outside off, it takes the edge and goes towards backward point. |
| 90.3 : Y Shah to Smith, Steven Smith plays against the spin and turns it towards the square leg area for an easy single. |
| 90.4 : Y Shah to Maddinson, Turning to Nic Maddinson on a fullish length, he plays with the spin and wrists it to mid on. |
| 90.5 : Y Shah to Maddinson, On a flatter trajectory, Maddinson works it in front of short leg. |
| 90.6 : Y Shah to Maddinson, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| WAHAB RIAZ to bowl the last over before lunch. |
| 91.1 : W Riaz to Smith, Steven Smith walks across and taps it wide of mid on for a single. |
| 91.2 : W Riaz to Maddinson, Sharp bumper from Wahab Riaz, Maddinson sways away a touch and drops his hands to let the ball go past him. Nicely done. |
| 91.3 : W Riaz to Maddinson, Fuller length ball angling in to the pads, it's clipped behind square on the leg side for one. |
| 91.4 : W Riaz to Smith, The batsman works it down the leg side. They pick up a single. |
| 91.5 : W Riaz to Maddinson, Back of a length very close to the off stump, Nic Maddinson taps it in front of cover and scurries to the other end for a quick single. |
| 91.6 : W Riaz to Smith, Steve Smith lets that one go past him after covering his line and ensures that his team does not suffer any further damage. That will be LUNCH ON DAY 4! |
| A very, very good session for Australia. In the 34 overs played, they have scored 117 runs for the loss of just 2 wickets. The day started off with a bit of disappointment for Usman Khawaja as he failed to get to his century. But then Peter Handscomb joined his captain in the middle and the duo played comfortably well. They stitched a solid 92-run stand with Handscomb completing his fifty before departing rather softly. |
| The Pakistan bowlers bowled decently but that was never going to be good enough. They failed to really utilize the second new ball and only managed to scalp 2 wickets in the entire session, with Wahab and Sohail taking one each. They'll feel rather disappointed that they couldn't inflict any further damage to the Australian batting order. |
| So, the hosts just trail by a mere 48 runs. And with the pitch favouring the batsmen, they could really go on to score a lot more. They'll hope for the rain to stay away as there's forecast of it happening later in the day. The visitors need to strike early and strike quick, if they are to maintain a decent position in the game. Join us back in a short while for the second session. |
| ...DAY 4, SESSION 2... |
| We are back for the second session. The players and the umpires come out in the middle. NIC MADDINSON to take strike. YASIR SHAH will continue his spell. It looks a bit overcast now, hope the rain clouds stay away. Here we go... |
| 92.1 : Y Shah to Maddinson, Shorter in length outside off, Maddinson camps back and defends it to the off side. |
| 92.2 : Y Shah to Maddinson, Tossed up on middle and off, Maddinson looks to sweep it but is struck on the pads. |
| 92.3 : Y Shah to Maddinson, Shortish and it's also slow through the air, Nic camps back and pulls it to deep backward square leg for a run. |
| 92.4 : Y Shah to Smith, Fullish delivery on the stumps, pushed back to the bowler. |
| 92.5 : Y Shah to Smith, Drags this one short and wide outside off, cut away through point for a single. Three runs added to the total. |
| 92.6 : Y Shah to Maddinson, Comes forward to this one and defends it nicely. |
| MOHAMMAD AMIR to bowl from the other end. |
| 93.1 : M Amir to Smith, Straying on the hips this time, nudged round the corner for a run. |
| 93.2 : M Amir to Maddinson, Fullish ball on the stumps, driven to mid on. |
| 93.3 : M Amir to Maddinson, Full length ball wide outside off, Nic lunges forward and defends it to th off side. |
| 93.4 : M Amir to Maddinson, FOUR! SLASHES AND SLASHES HARD! Bowls a back of a length ball outside off, Amir stays back and cuts it in between the slips and gully and gets a boundary to his name. |
| 93.5 : M Amir to Maddinson, Just back of a length ball angling in from outside off, Maddinson stays back and and pushes it to the off side. |
| 93.6 : M Amir to Maddinson, THAT'S A PEACH! Fuller length ball outside off, holds its line. Maddinson comes forward to counter it but is beaten all ends up. |
| 94.1 : Y Shah to Smith, STREAKY! Quicker one and shortish outside off, Smith is caught in the crease as he inside edges it past his stumps to fine leg. Single taken! |
| 94.2 : Y Shah to Nic Maddinson, Nic comes forward and drives it with the spin through mid on for a run. |
| 94.3 : Y Shah to Smith, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 94.4 : Y Shah to Smith, Fullish around leg stump, clipped behind square leg for a run. |
| 94.5 : Y Shah to Maddinson, Uses his feet to the loopy ball on the stumps and eases it to long on for a single. |
| 94.6 : Y Shah to Smith, Camps back and blocks it from the crease. |
| 95.1 : M Amir to Maddinson, Shortish delivery on middle, rising up. Maddinson looks to hook it but misses it completely. |
| 95.2 : M Amir to Maddinson, In the channel outside off, left alone. |
| 95.3 : M Amir to Maddinson, Short of a length outside off, Nic stays back and defends it towards the gully region. |
| 95.4 : M Amir to Maddinson, Dug in short this time, Maddinson drops his wrists and lets it go through. |
| 95.5 : M Amir to Nic Maddinson, Shortish delivery attacking the body, Nic swivels across and plays a controlled pull shot to deep backward square leg. Single taken! |
| 95.6 : M Amir to Smith, Short of a length delivery slanting away from Smith. He covers the line and defends it down the track. |
| 96.1 : Y Shah to Maddinson, Slow through the air outside off, driven towards wide off where it is cut off by the mid off fielder. Could have taken on Sohail Khan but doesn't. |
| 96.2 : Y Shah to Nic Maddinson, Fullish delivery, pushed to mid on off the front foot. |
| 96.3 : Y Shah to Maddinson, Comes down the track and defends it nicely. |
| 96.4 : Y Shah to Maddinson, Fullish delivery on off, pushed back to Yasir Shah. |
| 96.5 : Y Shah to Maddinson, Quicker one on the stumps, defended solidly off the back foot. |
| 96.6 : Y Shah to Maddinson, Maddinson comes forward and defends it down. |
| 97.1 : M Amir to Smith, Length delivery on off, Smith comes forward and defends it. |
| 97.2 : M Amir to Smith, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 97.3 : M Amir to Smith, Fuller length ball angling away from Smith. He comes forward and drives it with an open face past point for a couple. |
| 97.4 : M Amir to Smith, Straighter on this ocassion, Smith shuffles across and clips it nicely through mid-wicket for a couple. |
| 97.5 : M Amir to Smith, In the channel outside off, left alone. |
| 97.6 : M Amir to Smith, Shortish delivery this time, Smith pulls it to fine leg for a run. |
| 98.1 : Y Shah to Smith, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 98.2 : Y Shah to Smith, Comes forward to the loopy delivery and defends it nicely. |
| 98.3 : Y Shah to Smith, Tossed up outside off, played with an angled bat to gully. |
| 98.4 : Y Shah to Smith, Almost a yorker on the stumps, Smith jams it down the track. |
| 98.5 : Y Shah to S Smith, Smith eases this one with the spin through mid off for a run. |
| 98.6 : Y Shah to Maddinson, Shortish delivery on the stumps, defended solidly of the back foot. |
| WAHAB RIAZ comes into the attack. Before the start of the previous over, Mohammad Amir had gone back to the pavilion. Probably went back for a breather. |
| 99.1 : W Riaz to Smith, Back of a length delivery, Smith hops back and works it through square leg for a runn |
| 99.2 : W Riaz to Maddinson, In the corridor of uncertainty, Maddinson allows it through. |
| 99.3 : W Riaz to Maddinson, Fuller length ball around off, defended solidly off the front foot. |
| 99.4 : W Riaz to Maddinson, Back of a length ball on off, Maddinson camps back and tucks it to mid-wicket. |
| 99.5 : W Riaz to Smith, Fullish ball outside off, driven to the covers. |
| 99.6 : W Riaz to Smith, Fuller length ball on off, clipped with soft hands to the leg side. |
| 100.1 : Y Shah to Maddinson, Shortish delivery outside off, Maddinson waits for it and guides it behind point. Riaz gives it a chase but is low on energy. By the time he cuts it off, the batsmen come back for the third. |
| 100.2 : Y Shah to Smith, Tossed up outside off, driven to the covers. |
| 100.3 : Y Shah to Smith, Quicker and a touch short outside off, Smith rocks back and cuts it late expertly. Gets it towards third man. Aslam sprints after it and puts in a slide to keep it down to two. |
| 100.4 : Y Shah to Smith, THAT'S A RIPPER! Bowls it quicker around leg stump, gets it to spin back in sharply. Steven closes his bat face early and gets a leading edge to the covers. |
| 100.5 : Y Shah to Smith, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery |
| 100.6 : Y Shah to Smith, Floated up on the stumps, Smith lunges forward and blocks it into the ground. |
| 101.1 : W Riaz to Nic Maddinson, Bowls a well directed bouncer around off, climbing up on Nic. He hops back and fends it off towards gully. Single taken! |
| 101.2 : W Riaz to Smith, Fullish delivery wide outside off, Smith doesn't bother to play at that one. |
| 101.3 : W Riaz to Smith, On a length slanting across Steven. He covers the line and defends it solidly. |
| 101.4 : W Riaz to Smith, In the channel outside off, SS makes an easy leave. |
| 101.5 : W Riaz to Smith, The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot. |
| 101.6 : W Riaz to Smith, On a length on middle and off, Smith shuffles and works it through mid-wicket for a single. |
| 50-run stand up for Smith and Maddinson. |
| 102.1 : Y Shah to Smith, Camps back to the quicker one and defends it nicely. |
| 102.2 : Y Shah to Smith, Loopy ball around off, defended solidly off the front foot. |
| 102.3 : Y Shah to Smith, Smith prods forward and eases it through mid on for a single. |
| 102.4 : Y Shah to Maddinson, Played to mid-wicket region by the batsman. |
| 102.5 : Y Shah to Maddinson, Advances down the track and eases it to long on for a run. |
| 102.6 : Y Shah to Smith, Tossed up on middle and leg, defended solidly off the front foot. |
| 103.1 : W Riaz to Maddinson, On a length outside off, Nic camps back and plays it to point. |
| 103.2 : W Riaz to Maddinson, Fullish delivery and it's straighter on this occasion, clipped nicely through square leg for a run. |
| 103.3 : W Riaz to S Smith, FOUR! WELL PLAYED! Very fullish delivery wide outside off, Steven lunges forward and carves it behind point and the ball races to the fence. |
| 103.4 : W Riaz to Smith, Fullish delivery outside off, driven to mid off. |
| 103.5 : W Riaz to Smith, Full length ball outside off, Smith walks across and with an open face places it behind point. Couple taken! He is flowing at the moment. |
| 103.6 : W Riaz to Smith, Fullish delivery wide outside off, Smith lets it go. |
| 104.1 : Y Shah to Maddinson, Fullish delivery outside off, pushed off the front foot to the covers. |
| 104.2 : Y Shah to Maddinson, Tossed up on off, Nic puts his head down and defends it calmly. |
| 104.3 : Shah to Nic Maddinson, OUT! YASIR SHAH GETS HIS SECOND WICKET! Good intelligent stuff from him! Goes wider of the crease and pushes it a bit quicker through the air and on a fullish length. Maddinson dances down the track but misreads the length. Looks to readjust and carve it away on the off side but misses the line completely and the ball spins back sharply to crash into the stumps. An important breakthrough for Pakistan. Australia are still in a good position as they trail by 10 runs. |
| MATTHEW WADE comes out to bat. |
| 104.4 : Y Shah to Wade, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 104.5 : Y Shah to Wade, Tossed up on the stumps, swept away to the leg side for a run. |
| 104.6 : Y Shah to Smith, Tossed up delivery, spinning away, cut away to point. |
| 105.1 : W Riaz to Wade, Short of a length outside off, Wade points his bat skywards and leaves it alone. |
| 105.2 : W Riaz to Wade, Length delivery on off, Wade camps back and defends it solidly. |
| 105.3 : W Riaz to Wade, Fullish ball on the stumps, Wade lunges forward and defends it nicely. |
| 105.4 : W Riaz to Wade, In the channel outside off, Matthew doesn't fiddle with that one. |
| 105.5 : W Riaz to M Wade, Full delivery outside off, driven nicely down the ground but finds mid off. |
| 105.6 : W Riaz to Wade, Hurls this one full and wide outside off, Matthew lunges forward and drives it with an open face through the covers for a triple to get off the mark! |
| 106.1 : Y Shah to Wade, Comes forward to the loopy delivery and defends it to the off side. |
| 106.2 : Y Shah to Wade, Waits for this one and turns it past the short leg fielder. |
| 106.3 : Y Shah to Wade, Drags his length back and bowls it around off, defended solidly off the back foot. |
| 106.4 : Y Shah to Wade, Tossed up on off, Wade lunges forward in defense. |
| 106.5 : Y Shah to Wade, Spinning into the pads, worked through mid-wicket gently and good brisk running between the wickets allows them to come back for the second. |
| 106.6 : Y Shah to Wade, THAT ONE SPUN BACK SHARPLY! Bowls it shorter and on a flatter trajectory outside off, spins in venomously. Wade is opened up in his stance but manages to block it. |
| Time for Drinks. |
| SOHAIL KHAN into the attack now. |
| 107.1 : S Khan to S Smith, FOUR! Big pull from Smudge. Just gave it the full swing of the bat. Back of a length into the body, Smith walks across, swivels and pulls it hard through backward square leg for a boundary. Scores are levelled now. |
| 107.2 : S Khan to S Smith, Another wild pull from Smith, this time he gets it through mid-wicket. Will pick up a single. |
| 107.3 : S Khan to Wade, Back of a length delivery around off, kept out off the back foot solidly. |
| 107.4 : S Khan to Wade, Angles across a shortish ball outside off, Matthew Wade opens the face and taps it towards backward point for a comfortable run. |
| 107.5 : S Khan to Smith, Short and wide outside off, Steven Smith gets a bottom edge towards covers as he attempts to punch it away. |
| 107.6 : S Khan to Smith, On the shorter side once more, outside off, played to covers off the back foot to end the over. |
| 108.1 : Y Shah to M Wade, Yasir comes from around the wicket and tosses it up well outside off, Wade plants his front foot across and drives it towards wide mid off for a single. |
| 108.2 : Y Shah to S Smith, Loopy and quite full outside off, Steven Smith with a mistimed drives to Misbah-ul-Haq at mid off. |
| 108.3 : Y Shah to Smith, Quicker one on middle and off, not much turn on this occasion as Smith strides forward to defend. |
| 108.4 : Y Shah to S Smith, Looped up and attacking the stumps, it's eased back down to mid on for a single. |
| 108.5 : Y Shah to Wade, OUCH! THAT MUST HAVE REALLY HURT. Hope he's okay, because that was nasty. Yasir bowls a half-tracker on middle and off, Matthew Wade rocks back and pulls it hard. Azhar Ali is the man at short leg and he ducks immediately. The ball hits him right on top of the helmet and lobs away over behind towards short fine leg where Babar Azam comes running in to take it. It won't count as it is considered as a bounce when it goes off the helmet. Everybody has gathered around Azhar Al |
| Azhar Ali is down on the ground. The physio is out there and looking at him right now. Hope he's okay. A hit on the head is never to be taken lightly. He's been out there a long time too. He's being taken off the field for precautionary measures but he looks to be doing fine. |
| 108.6 : Y Shah to Wade, Tossed up on middle and off, Wade gets right behind the line, brings bat right in front of his pad and keeps it out. |
| 109.1 : S Khan to Smith, FOUR! Almost dragged that on. Back of a length outside off, Smith looks to cut it away but gets a bottom edge which whiskers past the off pole. Goes past the keeper and away to the fence behind. |
| 109.2 : S Khan to Smith, Back of a length again and outside off, Smith walks across to cover the line and leaves it be. |
| 109.3 : S Khan to Smith, Good length ball in the channel outside off, no shot offered by the Australian captain. |
| 109.4 : S Khan to Smith, It's too wide outside off, wide enough for Steven Smith to not have anything to do with that. |
| 109.5 : S Khan to Smith, Harmless yet again, too far out and it's not bothered with. |
| 109.6 : S Khan to Smith, Short and wide outside off, Steven slashes this hard. Just cannot get the placement right as the ball runs down to the third man fielder for a run. |
| 110.1 : Y Shah to Smith, Flighted ball outside off, SS comes down the track and eases it down to long off for one. |
| 110.2 : Y Shah to Wade, Has a change of angle and comes from around the wicket, tosses it right up there on middle and off. Matthew Wade presents a tight defensive shot to keep this one out. |
| 110.3 : Y Shah to Wade, Loopy leg-spinner around off, turning in, Wade plants his front foot across, gets to the pitch and blocks. |
| 110.4 : Y Shah to Wade, Floats it up well and drops this on a driving length, invites Wade forward to defend. |
| 110.5 : Y Shah to Wade, Quicker one pushed through outside off, Matthew is beaten for pace as he looks to cut it. The ball goes past the outside edge and lobs off the keeper's gloves. |
| 110.6 : Y Shah to Wade, The batsman works it down the leg side. They pick up a single. |
| 111.1 : S Khan to Wade, Good length ball in corridor outside off, blocked off the front foot and into the track. |
| 111.2 : S Khan to Wade, Back of a length outside off, kept out off the back foot on the off side. |
| 111.3 : S Khan to Wade, OUT! That's a good catch. Matthew Wade has to depart. It's on a back of a length and outside off, room on offer which seduces Wade. He slashes hard at it and gets an edge which flies behind to first slip. Asad Shafiq is the man there and he takes a sharp catch by bending low. |
| MITCHELL STARC is next in to bat now. |
| Dark clouds are hovering over the 'G. It's gotten a bit dark and the floodlights have come on. |
| 111.4 : S Khan to Starc, Sohail Khan welcomes Mitchell Starc with a bouncer straightaway. Bangs the deck hard and Starc ducks under it. |
| 111.5 : S Khan to Starc, Shortish outside off, Starc is a bit cramped for room but still goes after it. Tries cutting it hard but misses. |
| 111.6 : S Khan to Starc, Oooh... That was close. Back of a length just around off, Starc hangs his bat out to this and ends up getting an edge. Luckily for him, it falls just short of the slip cordon. |
| 112.1 : Y Shah to Smith, Full outside off, Smith drives it crisply through the covers but finds the fielder positioned there. |
| 112.2 : Y Shah to Smith, Bit straight on middle and off, Smith gets back and works it in front of mid-wicket for a quick run. Moves on to 97 now. |
| 112.3 : Y Shah to Starc, From around the wicket to the left-hander Starc, Yasir Shah with a tossed up leg spinner around off, it's kept out off the front foot. |
| 112.4 : Y Shah to Starc, SIX! He's got a hold of that, hasn't he? Phew! That's a big, big hit. It's a big boundary out there. Tossed up around off, Starc gets low to this one, plays with the spin and slog sweeps it high and mighty over the mid-wicket fence. Sends it sailing miles into the stands for a maximum. |
| 112.5 : Y Shah to M Starc, A bit flat around off, Mitchell gets an inside edge onto his pads as he tries to play at it. |
| 112.6 : Y Shah to Starc, Looped up on the stumps, blocked off the front foot. |
| 113.1 : S Khan to Smith, Short, wide and way outside off, Smith looks to go after it but it's too far out for him to make any connection. |
| 113.2 : S Khan to Smith, Back of a length delivery which nips in late, around off, Smith walks across a step and is cramped for some room as he looks to punch it away. |
| 113.3 : S Khan to Smith, Short and pitched outside off, skipper Steven Smith with a back foot punch towards point. No run taken. |
| 113.4 : S Khan to Smith, WELL PLAYED, STEVEN SMITH! He's a helluva player. What a knock! It's short and very wide outside off, this time the Aussie skipper gets it in the gap. It's between point and cover-point and the placement is good enough to get him three runs. Top, top stuff. Brings up his century in some good style. Completes the third run, removes his helmet and celebrates. |
| 17th Test ton for Steven Smith! |
| 113.5 : S Khan to Starc, Back of a length outside off, Mitchell Starc punches this off his back foot to cover-point for a single. |
| The light has gotten quite dim and it's extremely dark out there. The umpire feel the light isn't sufficient enough to continue and hence, play has been temporarily suspended. To make things a little worse, rain has started to fall down too. So the track is being covered up by the groundstaff. With this break, EARLY TEA has been taken. |
| The players walk off the field amidst all this and the home side will be the happier of the two. Steven Smith has once again come to the fore and notched up his fourth Test ton this year to put Pakistan on the back foot. Wade was dismissed quite early but the captain carried on. The Kangaroos lead by 22 runs going into the break and they'll be content with the position they're in. |
| The visiting side has scalped wickets, but have been unable to plug the runs leaking. Yasir Shah and Sohail Khan picked up the two to fall but Australia are in a good position here. All is not lost yet, there's still every chance to draw this match if not win it. And with the uncertainty about the weather, there's no telling how things could pan out. Hope the clouds clear up and we resume play on time. Join us back for updates. |
| ... DAY 4, SESSION 3 ... |
| UPDATE 0955 IST - Bad news, folks! The heavens have opened up and it is raining cats and dogs at the MCG right now. Let's hope the storm passes through soon and the weather clears out. The drainage at the MCG is brilliant and the groundsmen will be banking upon that. But for that, the rain needs to stop first. Stay tuned for further updates. |
| UPDATE 1030 IST - Better news from the MCG. The heavy rain has eased off and it's drizzling at the moment. The covers are still on. Let's hope for some positive news soon. Stay tuned with us. |
| UPDATE 1120 IST - The official word from the umpires have come out and they have decided to CALL IT A DAY. It rained quite a lot and the umpires have taken the right call. |
| Rain has played spoilsport again and a tame draw seems to be on the cards. The Aussies hold the upper hand at the moment but the lead is only a meager 22 runs for them. The weather is not promising for tomorrow as well but if the rain stays away and we get a full day's play, it will still need something spectacular from the home side to pull off a win. Khawaja would be disappointed on missing out on his century by just 3 runs, but Smith has cashed in and has been terrific with the bat notching u |
| Pakistan were erratic with the ball and leaked too many runs for their liking. Yasir Shah was disappointing and the home side took the attack to him. Only Wahab Riaz bowled testing lines and lengths and troubled the Aussies to scalp two wickets. They would look to come out and bowl better tomorrow to clean the lower order in a jiffy while the Australians will look to score briskly and take a lead of around 150 to have a crack at the tourists. |
| We hope you enjoyed our coverage today. Join us tomorrow for another early start at 0430 IST. Let's hope the weather holds up and we get to witness a thrilling final day of the Test. Till then, goodbye and take care! |
| ... DAY 5, SESSION 1... |
| Welcome for Day 5 of the second Test match between Australia and Pakistan. The weather seems to be kind as we have a clear sky and let's hope we get some good cricketing action on the final day but one thing is for sure, the home side would need a herculean of an effort to pull off a win from here. |
| Australia have been fantastic with the bat and have been lead from the front by their skipper who has been rich in form throughout the year surpassing the 1000 run mark for 2016. The hosts will try to put up a good first session with the bat so that they can impose pressure on the visitors. It will be interesting if Pakistan are put on to defend somewhere like a score close to 200 with a couple of sessions left. |
| It's all not done for the Aussies as they will hope to get something out from here. Pakistan on the other hand won't take the game very lightly as they have somewhat of a task ahead. So only a couple of possibilities left in the game as it might turn out to be a true or Pakistan might have to blame themselves for their loss. Join us in a short while for the first ball of the final day. |
| We are ready for the first session of the final day. The players are out in the middle. Smith and Starc will continue from where they left last evening. Sohail Khan will start the proceedings with the ball for Pakistan. |
| 113.6 : S Khan to Smith, FOUR! WHAT-A-START! That's a sensational shot on the up for the first delivery of the day. Pitched back of a length outside off and Smith pounces on it and pushes it through the cover region for a boundary. |
| Yasir Shah will bowl from the other end. |
| 114.1 : Y Shah to Starc, Tossed up, Starc gets in line of the ball to defend it. |
| 114.2 : Y Shah to Starc, Floated outside off, Starc pushes it towards the cover region. |
| 114.3 : Y Shah to Starc, Into his pads, Starc has guided that one towards mid-wicket. |
| 114.4 : Y Shah to Starc, Tossed up outside off, Starc sits and goes for a slog and lands up getting a single towards behind square. |
| 114.5 : Y Shah to Smith, Outside off, Smith stays in line of the ball to drive it towards mid on. |
| 114.6 : Y Shah to Smith, Dragged in a bit short, Smith stays in his crease to defend it. |
| Mohammad Amir is back in for a bowl. |
| 115.1 : M Amir to Starc, Angling in from outside off, Starc stays in his crease to defend it. |
| 115.2 : M Amir to Starc, Slinging into the body from a length, Starc punches it towards mid on. |
| 115.3 : M Amir to Starc, Short and wide outside off, left alone by Starc. |
| 115.4 : M Amir to Starc, Short and into the body, Starc tries to pull that delivery but the ball hits hard on his shoulder. |
| 115.5 : M Amir to Starc, Another short one for Starc and he is uncomfortable playing it. He goes for a pull but the ball goes towards third man off the outside edge. |
| 115.6 : M Amir to Smith, Outside off, Smith leans forward to drive it towards the mid off fielder. |
| 116.1 : Y Shah to Starc, Tossed up, Starc prods forward to defend it. |
| 116.2 : Y Shah to Starc, SIX! MASSIVE! Floated on the stumps, Starc just leans into the delivery and hoists it over the mid-wicket region for the first biggie of the day. He seems to have some different plans altogether. |
| 116.3 : Y Shah to Starc, Angling into the pads, Starc has guided it on the on side. |
| 116.4 : Y Shah to Starc, Tossed up again and Starc goes again for a big one but is unable to make the contact needed and the ball goes towards mid-wicket for a single. |
| 116.5 : Y Shah to S Smith, Smith leans forward and drives it towards mid off for a single. |
| 116.6 : Y Shah to Starc, Floated outside off, Starc pushes it towards covers and a misfield there helps them get a single. |
| 117.1 : M Amir to Starc, Angling into the body, Starc stays in his crease to defend it. |
| 117.2 : M Amir to Starc, Short of a length ball on middle, Starc fends it away on the leg side for a single. |
| 117.3 : M Amir to Smith, Back of a length served wide outside off, Smith goes after it as he punches it through point for a single. |
| 117.4 : M Amir to Starc, Amir uses his crease nicely and angles an inswinger on the stumps, ends up bowling a dipping full toss, Starc tries to jam it out but gets an inside edge that rolls behind square on the leg side for a single. |
| 117.5 : M Amir to Smith, Short and outside off, Smith shoulders his arms to it. |
| 117.6 : M Amir to Smith, In the channel on off, Steven leaves it for the keeper. |
| 118.1 : Y Shah to Starc, Tossed up outside off, Starc prods forward to defend it. |
| 118.2 : Y Shah to Starc, Short and wide outside off, Starc stays in his crease to punch it towards the cover fielder. |
| 118.3 : Y Shah to Starc, On the pads, Starc flicks it towards mid-wicket for a couple. |
| 118.4 : Y Shah to Starc, Tossed up and Starc is quick to get under it and go for a biggie but he is unable to find the distance. Starc goes for a slog and the ball hits the toe end of his bat and falls way short of the mid-wicket fielder for a single. |
| 118.5 : Y Shah to Smith, Smith leans into the delivery and defends it. |
| 118.6 : Y Shah to Smith, Outside off, Smith gets in line of the ball and pushes it towards the cover region for a single. |
| 119.1 : M Amir to Smith, Length ball outside off, Smith shuffles way across off to defend it. |
| 119.2 : M Amir to Smith, Back of a length outside off, Smith cuts it hard towards the point fielder. |
| 119.3 : M Amir to Smith, Way wide outside off, left alone by Smith. |
| 119.4 : M Amir to Smith, Again a bit outside off, Smith is undisturbed there. |
| 119.5 : M Amir to Smith, Length ball outside off, Smith stays in his crease and guides it towards the point region. |
| 119.6 : M Amir to Smith, Way outside off, Smith tries to cut it but is unable to make contact. |
| 120.1 : Y Shah to Starc, Outside off, Starc stays in his crease to defend it. |
| 120.2 : Y Shah to Starc, SIX! HUGE! Tossed up outside off and Starc is quick to read it as he just hits it with sheer power over the square leg region for a maximum. Australia lead by 50 runs. |
| 120.3 : Y Shah to Starc, Yasir comes over the wicket and Starc stays in his crease to defend it. |
| 120.4 : Y Shah to Starc, Floated on the stumps, Starc gets behind the line of the ball to defend it. |
| 120.5 : Y Shah to Starc, SIX! Tossed up and Starc is back at it again. He reaches out to the delivery and goes for a maximum over the long on boundary. |
| 120.6 : Y Shah to Starc, Outside off, Starc tries to slog it again but is unable to make contact. |
| 121.1 : M Amir to Smith, Outside off on a length, Smith drags back and punches it towards covers. |
| 121.2 : M Amir to Smith, Angling into the stumps, Smith shuffles across and guides it towards mid-wicket for a single. 500 runs up for Australia. |
| 121.3 : M Amir to Starc, Angling into the body, Starc tries to nudge it on the on side but is unable to make contact. |
| 121.4 : M Amir to Starc, Slinging in, Starc stays in his crease and pushes it towards mid-wicket region for a single. |
| 121.5 : M Amir to Smith, Length ball outside off, Smith shuffles across and pushes it towards the point fielder. |
| 121.6 : M Amir to Smith, Short ball outside off, Smith again shuffles across and pulls it towards mid-wicket for a couple. |
| Wahab Riaz comes in for a bowl. |
| 122.1 : W Riaz to Starc, Angling into the body, Starc gets hit on his thigh pad. |
| 122.2 : W Riaz to Starc, Length ball outside off, Starc gets in line of the ball and pushes it towards mid off for a single. |
| 50-run partnership between Smith and Starc. |
| 122.3 : W Riaz to Smith, Angling into his pads, Smith flicks it towards square leg with a soft pair of hands for a quick couple. |
| 122.4 : W Riaz to S Smith, Length ball outside off, Smith shuffles and drives it towards mid off. |
| 122.5 : W Riaz to Smith, Back of a length outside off, Smith stays in his crease and pushes it through the point region for a single. |
| 122.6 : W Riaz to Starc, Angling into the pads, Starc is quick to flick it towards square leg for a couple. |
| Sohail Khan is back in for a bowl. |
| 123.1 : S Khan to S Smith, FOUR! GLAM SHOT! Back of a length ball outside off and Smith is quick to shuffle across and pull it through the mid-wicket region for a boundary. |
| 123.2 : S Khan to Smith, Back of a length outside off, Smith goes close to the delivery to push it through the point region for a single. |
| 123.3 : S Khan to Starc, Back of a length delivery, Starc stays in his crease and tries to flick it but is unable to make contact. |
| 123.4 : S Khan to Starc, Angling across, Starc stays in his crease to defend it. |
| 123.5 : S Khan to Starc, A bit outside off and Starc gets in line of the ball to push it through the cover region for a single. |
| 123.6 : S Khan to Smith, Shortish outside off, Smith tries to cut it through the point region but is unable to make contact. |
| 124.1 : W Riaz to Starc, Short ball into the body, Starc stays tall in his crease to defend that right in front of his eyes. |
| 124.2 : Riaz to Starc, Again a short delivery into the body, Starc tries to fend it on the on side but the ball rises on him and goes off the arm guard straight to the keeper. There was a mild appeal which was never taken seriously by any of the players. |
| 124.3 : W Riaz to Starc, Short delivery again and Starc camps back to defend it. |
| 124.4 : W Riaz to Starc, Length ball outside off, Starc leans forward to defend it. |
| 124.5 : W Riaz to Starc, Short ball way down the leg side, Starc tries to flick it but is unable to make contact. |
| 124.6 : W Riaz to Starc, Again a short one and Starc stays calm in his crease to defend it. |
| 125.1 : S Khan to Smith, A bit short outside off, Smith drags back on his back foot to defend it. |
| 125.2 : S Khan to Smith, A short delivery outside off which does not rise and Smith stays in his crease to defend it. |
| 125.3 : S Khan to Smith, Angling into the stumps, Smith shuffles across and flicks it towards mid-wicket for a single. |
| 125.4 : S Khan to Starc, Dug in short outside off, left alone. |
| 125.5 : S Khan to Starc, Wide outside off on a length, Starc tries to drive it but is unable to make contact. |
| 125.6 : S Khan to Starc, Length ball outside off and Starc gets in line of the ball to defend it. |
| 126.1 : W Riaz to Smith, Length ball outside off, Smith leans forward to defend it. |
| 126.2 : W Riaz to Smith, Outside off from a length, Smith stays in his crease to defend it. |
| 126.3 : W Riaz to Smith, Wide outside off, Smith pushes it towards the point region. |
| 126.4 : W Riaz to Smith, Angling into the pads, Smith gets back in line of the ball to defend it. |
| 126.5 : W Riaz to Smith, Length ball outside off, Smith pushes it towards the cover region. |
| 126.6 : W Riaz to Smith, Back of a length delivery, Smith stays in his crease to defend it. |
| 127.1 : S Khan to Starc, On a length and slanting from Starc, he tries to push it off his crease but is beaten completely. |
| 127.2 : S Khan to Starc, Good length ball outside off, Starc looks to hit it hard through the line but once again fails to get any wood on it. |
| 127.3 : S Khan to M Starc, Edged but falls short! Touch short and around off, Mitchell looks to defend but gets an outside edge and is lucky as the ball falls short of the man at second slip who dives to his left to stop it on the bounce. |
| 127.4 : S Khan to Starc, Good length ball on middle, Starc gets across and defends it down the track. |
| 127.5 : S Khan to M Starc, Direct hit but no damage done! Good length delivery outside off, Starc punches it towards mid off and sets off for a single. The man at mid off charges to the ball and has a shy at the bowler's end and it hits. No appeal for run out as Mitchell was easily in. A single taken. |
| 127.6 : S Khan to S Smith, Short and outside off, a little bit of width on offer. Steven tries to reach out to that one with a nice cut shot but finds the man at point. |
| 128.1 : W Riaz to Starc, Length ball outside off, Starc goes to play for it but is unable to make contact. |
| 128.2 : W Riaz to Starc, Way outside off, Starc goes fetching for it but is unable to reach it. |
| 128.3 : W Riaz to Starc, NASTY! Short ball into the body, Starc stays in his crease and tries to fend it on the on side but totally misjudges the line and length of the ball. The ball goes and hits his shoulder. He seems alright. |
| 128.4 : W Riaz to M Starc, Length ball outside off, Starc punches it towards mid off for a single and a direct hit on the non-striker's end from the fielder there would have got rid of Starc. |
| 128.5 : W Riaz to Smith, Into his pads, Smith guides it towards square leg for a single. |
| 128.6 : W Riaz to Starc, Way down the leg side, Starc tries to flick it but is unable to make contact. |
| 129.1 : S Khan to Smith, Short of a length ball on middle, Smith looks to pull but gets it off the toe end of the bat back to the bowler. |
| 129.2 : S Khan to Smith, Back of a length ball outside off, punched towards cover-point. |
| 129.3 : S Khan to Smith, Short and outside off, Smith cuts it past backward point and some good running between the wickets allows them to come back for a couple. |
| 129.4 : S Khan to S Smith, Short of a length ball outside off, Steven Smith cuts it past a diving backward point fielder who dives but could only get a hand on it. The ball goes through and they cross for another double. Oh dear, there is a throw at the bowler's end but it is a bit far from Khan and Azhar doing the back up at mid on fumbles, hence, an extra run is taken. Three added to the total. |
| 129.5 : S Khan to Starc, Leg bye! Strays on the pads, MS misses his flick as the ball goes off the pads towards the leg side and they take a leg bye. |
| 129.6 : S Khan to Smith, Short of a length ball on middle, tucked towards mid-wicket for a single. |
| 130.1 : W Riaz to Smith, Angling across the stumps, Smith shuffles and flicks it towards square leg for a couple. |
| 130.2 : W Riaz to Smith, Length ball on the stumps, Smith covers his stumps to defend it. |
| 130.3 : W Riaz to Smith, Pitched way outside off, Smith reaches out to it to push the ball towards the cover fielder for a single. |
| 130.4 : W Riaz to Starc, Angling into the stumps, Starc tries to flick it but the ball hits his thigh pad in the process. |
| 130.5 : W Riaz to Starc, Yorker on the pads, Starc takes his front leg away from the delivery and guides it towards fine leg for a single. |
| 130.6 : W Riaz to Smith, Length ball outside off, Snith drives it towards mid on. |
| 131.1 : S Khan to Starc, FOUR! STAND AND DELIVER! Pitched up and Starc stays in his crease to hit straight down the ground for a boundary. Beautiful shot. |
| 131.2 : S Khan to Starc, Length ball outside off, Starc tries to play in line of the ball but is unable to make contact. |
| 131.3 : S Khan to Starc, On the pads and Starc nudges it towards fine leg for a single. |
| 131.4 : S Khan to Smith, Back of a length delivery outside off, Smith walks across and guides it towards mid-wicket for a single. |
| 131.5 : S Khan to M Starc, FOUR! Starc has reached to his half century in some style. Angling across outside off, he was quick to pull it over the mid-wicket region for a boundary. He has really supported Smith well and it is a quickfire fifty. |
| 8th Test fifty for Mitchell Starc. |
| 131.6 : S Khan to Starc, Outside off, Starc camps back to defend it. |
| Drinks has been taken. |
| Azhar Ali comes in for a bowl. |
| 132.1 : A Ali to Smith, Tossed up outside off, Smith guides it towards point. |
| 132.2 : A Ali to Smith, Tossed up, Smith camps back and pushes it towards mid on for a single. |
| 132.3 : A Ali to Starc, DROPPED! Seemed like someone applied the butterfingers cheatcode to drop that one. Tossed outside off and Starc tries to go hard over mid-wicket but the ball goes straight towards the fielder standing at mid off who makes a mockery out of it. A run was taken in the process. Sohail Khan was the fielder there. |
| 132.4 : A Ali to Smith, Floated up, Smith camps back to defend it. |
| 132.5 : A Ali to Smith, Onto the stumps, Smith gets in line of the ball to flick it towards mid-wicket for a single. Australia lead by 100 runs. |
| 132.6 : A Ali to Starc, Dragged short outside off, Starc stays in his crease to defend it. |
| Mohammad Amir is back on! |
| Australia are marching on nicely at the moment. How long will they bat? The lead is past 100 as well, maybe 100 more? |
| 133.1 : M Amir to Smith, Fuller on the stumps, Smith flicks it through mid-wicket for a couple. |
| 133.2 : M Amir to Smith, Back of a length ball outside off, SS cuts it square off the wicket on the off side for a single. |
| 133.3 : M Amir to Starc, Amir bowls a length ball on off, Starc looks to pull, hits it hard but goes on the bounce to mid on for nothing. |
| 133.4 : M Amir to Starc, Very full on middle and leg, clipped towards fine leg for a single. Sohail Khan cuts it off in the deep and gets some appreciation from the crowd as he dropped Starc in the last over. |
| 133.5 : M Amir to Smith, Angles in a full ball on middle, Smith swings his bat across the line and drags it off the inner part of the bat to fine leg for a single. |
| 133.6 : M Amir to Starc, A desperate review from Pakistan! Amir looks to angle it in on the leg stump, it's a full toss, Starc misses the flick and is hit on the pads. They all appeal but is was clearly going down leg. Pakistan take the review and replays show the impact was outside the leg stump and that is it. The decision stays as it is. |
| 134.1 : A Ali to S Smith, Tossed up, Smith walks down the track and pushes it hard towards the long on fielder for a single. |
| 134.2 : A Ali to Starc, Tossed up and Starc sits down and goes to heave it again over the mid-wicket region but is unable to contact. |
| 134.3 : A Ali to Starc, Outside off, Starc pushes it through covers for a single. |
| 134.4 : A Ali to Smith, Tossed up outside off, Smith plays an inside out over the cover region for a couple. |
| 134.5 : A Ali to Smith, Way down the leg side, Smith tries to nudge it but is unable to make contact. |
| 134.6 : A Ali to Smith, Again down the leg side, Smith nudges it on the on side for a single. |
| 135.1 : M Amir to Smith, Angling into the pads, Smith flicks it away towards mid-wicket for a single. |
| 0.0 : 100-run partnership between Smith and Starc. |
| 135.2 : M Amir to Starc, A bit short into the body, Starc camps back to defend it. |
| 135.3 : M Amir to Starc, Short delivery into the body, Starc fends it towards square leg for a single. |
| 135.4 : M Amir to Smith, WIDE! Way outside off, that was really tough even for the keeper to reach it. |
| M Amir to Smith, Pitched outside off, Smith pushes it towards the point fielder. |
| 135.5 : M Amir to Smith, Down the leg side, Smith tries to flicks it towards fine leg but the ball hits his pads and goes towards fine leg. Amir and Misbah even thought of reviewing it. Luckily they did not take it as it was pitched way down the leg side. Leg bye is taken. |
| 135.6 : M Amir to Starc, Into his pads, Starc flicks it behind square for a single. |
| 136.1 : Ali to Starc, SIX! Wallopped! Tossed up delivery around off, Starc clears his front leg and goes bang over the bowler's head for a maximum. |
| 136.2 : A Ali to Starc, SIX! Take that, Azhar Ali! This was the googly, Starc seems to have picked it up as he once again swings it hard and tonks it again over Ali's head for back-to-back maximums. |
| 136.3 : A Ali to Starc, Drops it short outside off, Starc pulls it through mid-wicket for a couple. |
| 136.4 : A Ali to Starc, Makes a bit of room and drives it towards covers for a single. |
| 136.5 : A Ali to Smith, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 136.6 : A Ali to Smith, Around middle and leg, Smith flicks it towards fine leg for a single. 16 off the over! |
| Yasir Shah is back into the attack! |
| 137.1 : Y Shah to Smith, Loopy ball around middle and off, Smith comes down the track and defends it back to the leggie. |
| 137.2 : Y Shah to Smith, Drags his length short and gets it to drift a bit, Smith waits for the ball to come and then nudges it towards fine leg for a couple. |
| 137.3 : Y Shah to Smith, SIX! Down the track and away she goes! Steven Peter Devereux Smith gets to another milestone in style, growing in confidence is the skipper. Loopy ball around middle, Smith dances down the track, gets to the pitch of the ball and hits it cleanly over long on to clear the fence. A raise of a bat from him, will he be eyeing for a double ton now? |
| 150 up for Steven Smith! |
| 137.4 : Y Shah to Smith, Loopy ball around middle and leg, Smith looks to play the reverse sweep but misses and it hit on the arm. |
| 137.5 : Y Shah to Smith, FOUR! Poor ball and gets the treatment! Yasir Shah bowls it down the leg side, Smith paddles it neatly along the ground towards fine leg for a boundary. |
| 137.6 : Y Shah to Smith, Comes down the track and defends it down the track. |
| Sohail Khan returns! |
| 138.1 : S Khan to Starc, FOUR! Easy pickings, that! Sohail tries to bowl the slower one but ends up slipping a low full toss on the pads, Starc won't miss out when he is in this mood. He swings it across the line and gets it past the backward square leg boundary. |
| 138.2 : S Khan to Starc, Angles in a length ball on middle, MS looks to dig it out but misses as the ball goes off the pads towards the off side. A stifled appeal for LBW but it's not given. A leg bye taken. |
| 138.3 : S Khan to Smith, FOUR! Runs coming now! Good length ball on middle, Smith bashes it through mid-wicket for another boundary. |
| 138.4 : S Khan to S Smith, Stays inside the crease and drills it down to long off for a single. |
| 138.5 : S Khan to Starc, Yorker on off, Starc does well to jam it out. |
| 138.6 : S Khan to Starc, A low full toss speared in, Starc looks to flick but gets it off the inside edge towards backward square leg for a brace. |
| 139.1 : Y Shah to Smith, On the pads, Smith flicks it towards square leg for a couple. |
| 139.2 : Y Shah to Smith, Smith dances down the track and defends it well. |
| 139.3 : Y Shah to S Smith, Tossed up outside off, Smith dives it towards covers. |
| 139.4 : Y Shah to Smith, Pitched way down leg, Smith tries to paddle sweep it but is unable to make contact. The ball hits the back pad and goes behind the keeper for a single. Leg bye is taken. |
| 139.5 : Y Shah to Starc, SIX! STARC is at it again. Tossed outside off and Starc has lofted that over mid on for a maximum. Power hitting by Starc. |
| 139.6 : Y Shah to Starc, Starc camps back and cuts it late through point for a single. |
| 140.1 : S Khan to Starc, OUT! An entertaining knock by Starc comes to an end. He again misses out on his maiden Test hundred. That was short and a bit wide outside off, Starc stays in his crease and pulls it towards square leg where Asad Shafiq was waiting to pouch it. |
| 0.0 : Nathan Lyon is the next man in, replacing Starc! |
| A fabulous partnership is finally broken. The home side would look to get some more runs under the belt before they will have a go at the visitors... |
| 140.2 : S Khan to Smith, Angles a length ball on the hips, Smith shuffles a bit and clips it down to fine leg for a couple. |
| 140.3 : S Khan to Smith, In the air... falls short! A length ball on off, Smith tries to hit it flat down the ground towards long on. It goes in the air and falls short of the man coming across to his right. A single taken. |
| 140.4 : S Khan to Lyon, Swing and a miss! Fuller and angling in, Lyon backs away to swing it across the line but fails to get any wood on it. |
| 140.5 : S Khan to Lyon, Slower one nearly worked! Sohail hurls a slower one outside off, Lyon waits for it and then seeing there is no pace on it he tries to generate some power. Ends up getting a top edge towards the off side. Sami Aslam from point comes sprinting in but the ball falls short of him and then goes through. They look to steal another one as the throw at the striker's end isn't that great. All happening at the 'G. |
| 140.6 : S Khan to Lyon, Fuller in length and outside off, Lyon drills it down to long off for a single to keep strike. |
| 141.1 : Y Shah to Lyon, Pitched outside leg, Lyon goes outside leg and tries to swing hard at it but is unable to make contact. The ball misses everything and goes straight to the keeper. |
| 141.2 : Y Shah to Lyon, FOUR! BEAUTY! Pitched outside leg and Lyon sweeps it elegantly through the fine leg region for a boundary. |
| 141.3 : Y Shah to Lyon, Again down the leg side, Lyon sweeps it again to find the fine leg fielder for a single. |
| 141.4 : Y Shah to Smith, Outside leg, Smith paddles it behind the keeper for a single. |
| 141.5 : Y Shah to N Lyon, FOUR! Pitched outside leg, Lyon tries to sweep it again but he finds the edge of his bat and the ball tickles away towards the third man boundary from just wide of the keeper. |
| 141.6 : Y Shah to Lyon, OUT! Yasir comes over the wicket and tosses up a bit outside off and Lyon goes for a sweep again but the ball hits the top edge of the bat and goes straight back to the bowler for an easy catch. With the wicket comes the declaration which was tricky as Smith was 35 runs away from his double ton. AUSTRALIA HAVE DECLARED AND THEY LEAD BY 181 RUNS. |
| This is really, really interesting now. Captain Smith has made the call that he has enough on the board and doesn't wait for his double ton but instead wants to have a crack at Pakistan just 20 minutes before lunch, a brave move! The session started with Smith and Starc and boy, didn't they entertain one and all? Mitchell Starc was in crash-bang-wallop mode as he stitched a quickfire 154-run stand with his skipper and got the minimal crowd going. |
| Smith played the second fiddle today but he has led by an example yet again. He remains unbeaten but credit to Warner and Khawaja for setting up the tone initially with the former getting to his ton and the latter missing by a mere 3 runs. Handscomb and Starc added valuable contributions and helped their side post a mammoth reply to the visitors' total. |
| 0.1 : M Starc to Aslam, Back of a length delivery first up from Starc, Sami stays in his crease and has let it go straight to the keeper. |
| 0.2 : M Starc to Aslam, Angling into the stumps, Sami flicks it towards fine leg for a single. |
| 0.3 : M Starc to Ali, A big full toss outside off, Azhar has pushed it through covers for a single. |
| 0.4 : M Starc to Aslam, Into his pads, Sami stays in line of the delivery to defend it. |
| 0.5 : M Starc to Aslam, A bit short into the body, Sami clips it towards fine leg for a single. |
| 0.6 : M Starc to Ali, Length ball outside off, Azhar covers his stumps and lets it straight to the keeper. |
| Josh Hazlewood comes in to bowl from the other end. |
| 1.1 : J Hazlewood to Aslam, Angling across from the body, Aslam stays in his crease to defend it but the ball finds his inside edge hitting onto his pads. |
| 1.2 : J Hazlewood to Aslam, Back of a length delivery and Aslam stays deep in his crease to defend it. |
| 1.3 : J Hazlewood to Aslam, Length ball on the pads, Aslam flicks it towards mid-wicket. |
| 1.4 : J Hazlewood to Aslam, OUT! AUSTRALIA HAVE GOT THE START THEY WANTED! Length ball outside off and Aslam tries to defend it with his soft hands but he has helped to drag the ball onto his stumps. Aslam will be disappointed with his outing with the bat. |
| Babar Azam is the new man in, replacing Aslam! |
| 1.5 : J Hazlewood to Azam, Back of a length delivery outside off, left alone. |
| 1.6 : J Hazlewood to Azam, Angling into the pads, Azam flicks it towards the mid-wicket fielder. |
| 2.1 : M Starc to Ali, Angling across a bit outside off, Ali is confident of his stumps to let that through. |
| 2.2 : M Starc to Ali, Way down the leg side, Ali tries to flick it but is unable to make contact. |
| 2.3 : M Starc to Ali, Into the stumps, Ali moves a bit across to defend it right in front of his eyes. |
| 2.4 : M Starc to Ali, Length ball outside off, left alone by Ali. |
| 2.5 : M Starc to Ali, Pitched up and outside off, Ali leans into the line of the delivery to drive it towards the cover fielder. |
| 2.6 : M Starc to Ali, Back of a length delivery into the body, Ali drags back and defends it towards the mid-wicket fielder. |
| 3.1 : J Hazlewood to Azam, Length ball outside off, that was swinging away. Azam thought of leaving it but he changes his mind to guide it towards the gully fielder. |
| 3.2 : J Hazlewood to Azam, Angling into the stumps, Azam flicks it towards the mid-wicket region. |
| 3.3 : J Hazlewood to Azam, Length ball outside off, Azam finds an outside which flies off between slip and gully for a triple. Lyon saves a single by giving it a good chase. |
| 3.4 : J Hazlewood to Ali, Ali camps back to defend it. |
| 3.5 : J Hazlewood to Ali, Length ball outside off, left alone by Ali. |
| 3.6 : J Hazlewood to Ali, That was lucky for Ali to not fly away to the fielder. Angling into the pads, Ali tries to flick it but the ball flies over towards the gully fielder after finding a leading edge. THAT'S LUNCH ON DAY 5! |
| What a fabulous session for Australia! Firstly they swelled their overnight total at a brisk rate as Smith and Starc went berserk. Once the latter departed, the Aussie captain declared and asked Pakistan to go out and survive for a brief period of 4 overs. The bold move worked wonders as Josh Hazlwood drew first blood in the name of Sami Aslam and got what they were looking for. We have around two full sessions left today, which means a minimum of 64 overs has to be bowled. Will the home side fe |
| ...DAY 5, SESSION 2... |
| We are back for the second session. The players are back in the middle. Babar and Azhar will start the proceedings with the bat. Starc will start with the ball. |
| Starc has taken a wicket of the first ball after lunch. The umpire has ruled that out LBW. Azam has called for a review. |
| 4.1 : Starc to Azam, OUT lbw b Mitchell Starc. Pakistan have lost their second wicket. |
| 0.0 : Younis Khan is the new man in, replacing Azam! |
| 4.2 : M Starc to Khan, Angling down the leg side, Khan flicks it towards fine leg for a single. |
| 4.3 : M Starc to Ali, Length ball on the stumps, Ali has driven that well towards mid on. |
| 4.4 : M Starc to A Ali, Again a similar delivery and a similar result. No runs towards mid on. |
| 4.5 : M Starc to Ali, Length ball outside off, Ali prods forward to defend it. |
| 4.6 : M Starc to Ali, Onto his pads, Ali is quick to work it square of the wicket on the on side for a single. |
| Josh Hazlewood will bowl from the other end! |
| 5.1 : J Hazlewood to Ali, Peach! What a delivery! Hurls a full length ball on off, Ali looks to drive it off the front foot but the ball shapes away a shade as the ball just beats the outside edge of the bat to the keeper. Brilliant length this from Joshy! |
| 5.2 : J Hazlewood to A Ali, Very full and served outside off, Ali crouches low and drives it through covers for a couple. |
| 5.3 : J Hazlewood to Ali, Once again it's pitched up on off, angling in a bit, Ali makes a stride forward and then shoulders his arms to that one. |
| 5.4 : J Hazlewood to Ali, Uppish but safe! Hazlewood goes wide of the crease and sprays it on the pads, Ali clips it in the air and it just about evades the man at square leg for three runs. Was in the air but no damage done. |
| 5.5 : J Hazlewood to Y Khan, Edged but falls short! Fuller in length and just outside off, Younis Khan prods forward to defend but gets a thick outside edge which dips in front of the man at second slip. |
| 5.6 : J Hazlewood to Khan, In the channel outside off, YK lifts his bat and lets it go through to Wade. |
| 6.1 : M Starc to Ali, Back of a length delivery outside off, left alone. |
| 6.2 : M Starc to Ali, Way outside off, Azhar stays in his crease and lets it through to the keeper. |
| 6.3 : M Starc to Ali, Angling into the stumps, Azhar stays behind the line of the ball to defend it. |
| 6.4 : M Starc to Ali, Way outside off, that's the third one which is left untouched. |
| 6.5 : M Starc to Ali, Ali prods forward to defend it. |
| 6.6 : M Starc to Ali, Length ball outside off, Ali uses the crease and defends it right in front of his eyes. |
| 7.1 : J Hazlewood to Khan, Full delivery on the stumps. Younis prods forward to defend it. |
| 7.2 : J Hazlewood to Khan, FOUR LEG BYES! Again a full delivery but this time on his pads, the ball rushes away towards the fine leg boundary and the keeper had no chance to gather it. |
| 7.3 : J Hazlewood to Khan, Angling into the pads, Khan has flicked it towards square leg for a single. |
| 7.4 : J Hazlewood to Ali, Length ball on the stumps, Ali has defended that well of the front foot. |
| 7.5 : J Hazlewood to Ali, LUCKY ALI! Length ball outside off and Ali tries to tap it but he finds an inside edge which goes onto his pads. That ball nearly tickled back to the stumps. Ali survives a scare. |
| 7.6 : J Hazlewood to Ali, Angling into the pads, Ali flicks it towards the mid-wicket region for a triple. |
| 8.1 : M Starc to Ali, Ali has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 8.2 : M Starc to Ali, Length ball outside off, Ali lunges forward to defend it. |
| 8.3 : M Starc to Ali, Ali again prods forward to defend it. |
| 8.4 : M Starc to Ali, Back of a length delivery outside off, Ali punches it on the off side for a single. |
| 8.5 : M Starc to Y Khan, Pitched up, Khan gets in line of the ball and drives it through covers for a triple. |
| 8.6 : M Starc to Ali, Dug in short, Ali stands tall to defend it but is unable to make contact. |
| 9.1 : J Hazlewood to Khan, Khan prods forward to defend it. |
| 9.2 : J Hazlewood to Khan, Length ball outside off, left alone. |
| 9.3 : J Hazlewood to Khan, Again a tad outside off, Younis covers his stumps and lets it straight to the keeper. |
| 9.4 : J Hazlewood to Khan, Dug in short, Khan ducks under it. |
| 9.5 : J Hazlewood to Khan, A confident leave by Younis, the ball was just outside off. |
| 9.6 : J Hazlewood to Khan, Angling into the stumps, Khan stays in line of the ball and pushes it towards mid on. |
| Jackson Bird comes in for a bowl. |
| 10.1 : J Bird to Ali, Length ball angling into the stumps, Ali guides it between gully and point. A single is denied by Ali. |
| 10.2 : J Bird to Ali, A beautiful delivery which nipped away after pitching totally caught Ali by surprise. Ali is lucky not to find a nick. |
| 10.3 : J Bird to Ali, Onto the pads, Ali flicks it towards mid-wicket. |
| 10.4 : J Bird to Ali, Angling into the pads, Ali tries to flick it but is unable to make contact and the ball hits the pads. An appeal by the Australians is denied by the umpire. Replays show that there was an inside edge so that was a good decision. |
| 10.5 : J Bird to Ali, Length ball outside off, Ali lunges forward to defend it. |
| 10.6 : J Bird to Ali, Outside off, left alone by Ali. |
| Nathan Lyon comes in for a bowl. |
| 11.1 : N Lyon to Khan, FOUR BYES! Down the leg side, Younis tries to clip it but is unable to make contact and the ball runs away towards the fine leg boundary. |
| 11.2 : N Lyon to Khan, On the pads, Khan pushes it towards mid-wicket. |
| 11.3 : N Lyon to Khan, Tossed up outside off, Khan lunges forward to defend it. |
| 11.4 : N Lyon to Khan, Short into the pads, Younis nudges it towards fine leg for a single. |
| 11.5 : N Lyon to Ali, Tossed up outside off, Ali walks across to push it towards the mid-wicket fielder. |
| 11.6 : N Lyon to Ali, Tossed up, Ali prods forward and drives it back to the bowler. |
| 12.1 : J Bird to Khan, FOUR! Back of a length delivery outside off, Khan guides it late through the gully region for a boundary. That was confidently played. |
| 12.2 : J Bird to Khan, Onto the stumps, Khan camps back to defend it. |
| 12.3 : J Bird to Y Khan, Pitched up outside off, Younis leans forward and drives it through covers for three runs. |
| 12.4 : J Bird to Ali, Ali has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 12.5 : J Bird to Ali, Angling into the body, Ali flicks it towards square leg for a single. |
| 12.6 : J Bird to Khan, Length ball outside off, Younis has defended that well right in front of his eyes. |
| 13.1 : N Lyon to Ali, Tossed up outside off, Ali stretches forward to defend it. |
| 13.2 : N Lyon to Ali, Floated outside off, Ali reaches out to sweep it well just to find the forward short leg fielder who gets hit on his shins. |
| 13.3 : N Lyon to Ali, Tossed up, Ali comes down the track and drives it straight back to the bowler who makes a good stop there. |
| 13.4 : N Lyon to Ali, A bit outside off, Ali dances down the track to drive it towards mid-wicket. |
| 13.5 : N Lyon to Ali, A bit short this time and Ali has defended that well of the back foot. |
| 13.6 : N Lyon to Ali, Ali prods forward to defend it. |
| 14.1 : J Bird to Khan, Back of a length delivery into the body, Younis stays tall in his crease to defend it. |
| 14.2 : J Bird to Khan, Angling into the pads, Khan flicks it towards the short mid-wicket fielder. |
| 14.3 : J Bird to Khan, Length ball outside off, Khan lunges forward to defend it. |
| 14.4 : J Bird to Khan, Down the leg side, YK tries to clip it but is unable to make contact and the ball goes straight to the keeper. |
| 14.5 : J Bird to Khan, Angling into the stumps, Khan has his defence in place. |
| 14.6 : J Bird to Khan, No ball! Bird has overstepped this time. Angling into the pads, Khan is quick to defend it. |
| J Bird to Khan, Pitched up, Khan drives it towards the cover fielder. |
| 15.1 : N Lyon to Ali, Tossed up outside off, Ali walks towards the line of the ball and flicks it through the mid-wicket region for a single. |
| 15.2 : N Lyon to Khan, Outside off, YK prods forward to defend it. |
| 15.3 : N Lyon to Khan, A fraction short outside off, Khan beautifully cuts it through the cover region for a triple. |
| 15.4 : N Lyon to Ali, Tossed outside off, Ali prods forward to defend it. |
| 15.5 : N Lyon to Ali, Into his pads, AA flicks it through mid-wicket for a single. |
| 15.6 : N Lyon to Y Khan, Tossed up outside off, YK drives it towards mid off. |
| 16.1 : J Bird to Ali, Way down the leg side, left alone. |
| 16.2 : J Bird to Ali, Angling into the pads, Ali is quick to shuffle across and flick it through mid-wicket for a couple. |
| 16.3 : J Bird to Ali, Ali has left the ball outside off go straight to the keeper. |
| 16.4 : J Bird to Ali, FOUR! Cheeky! Into his pads, Ali has nudged it with his soft hands towards fine leg for a boundary. |
| 16.5 : J Bird to Ali, No ball! Way down the leg side, Azhar is unable to make contact and Bird has overstepped again |
| J Bird to Ali, Angling into his pads, Ali tries to flick it but the ball hits the thigh pad. |
| 16.6 : J Bird to Ali, Pitched up on the stumps, Ali is quick to drive it straight back to the bowler. |
| 17.1 : N Lyon to Khan, FOUR! ELEGANT! Tossed up outside off and Younis leans forward and drives it through the cover region for a boundary. |
| 17.2 : N Lyon to Khan, Younis leans forward to defend it. |
| 17.3 : N Lyon to Khan, YK lunges forward to defend it. |
| 17.4 : N Lyon to Khan, Tossed outside off, Khan drives it towards the mid on region for a single. |
| 50-run stand between Ali and Khan. |
| 17.5 : N Lyon to Ali, Ali reaches out to the line of the ball to defend it. |
| 17.6 : N Lyon to Ali, Dragged short and Ali camps back to defend it. |
| Drinks has been taken. |
| 18.1 : J Bird to Khan, Steams in a very full delivery into the blockhole, Younis gets across a touch and jams it out. The ball rolls towards mid-wicket and the batsmen run three. |
| 18.2 : J Bird to Ali, Tad fuller and just outside off, Azhar defends it off the front foot. |
| 18.3 : J Bird to Ali, Good length delivery in the channel outside off, AA offers no stroke. |
| 18.4 : J Bird to Ali, FOUR! Just evades Wade! Bird goes too straight and as a result strays it on the pads, Ali tries to help it fine down the leg side and does so. Wade behind the stumps dives full length to his left but couldn't stop it from running down to the boundary line. Replays show it came off the pads, runs nonetheless. |
| 18.5 : J Bird to Ali, Touch short and outside off, Azhar Ali shoulders his arms. |
| 18.6 : J Bird to Ali, Length ball around off, double A stays behind the line and defends it towards covers. |
| 19.1 : N Lyon to Y Khan, OUT! Handscomb has got a good pair of hands! Nathan Lyon gets the veteran! Floats it up around middle, with some extra bounce on it, Younis Khan presses forward to flick but fails to keep it down. Peter Handscomb at short leg crouches low and grabs it just inches above the ground. Sharp reflex catch there and Australia have scalped the top three now. Pakistan still trail by 118 runs. |
| 0.0 : Misbah-ul-Haq is the new man in, replacing Younis! |
| 19.2 : N Lyon to Misbah, Loopy ball around off, Misbah gets down on one knee and sweeps it straight to the man at backward square leg. That is a risky stroke to play when you have a short leg and square leg in place. |
| 19.3 : N Lyon to Misbah, OUT! Got him, yes gone! Double blow for Pakistan and the commentator on air roars - that's bad tactics from Misbah! Tossed up delivery outside off, Misbah once again brings out another sweep. He fetches it from outside off and ends up getting a top edge. The ball goes towards square leg where Nic Maddinson moves swiftly to his right and takes a reverse cup catch near his chest. Lyon is on a roll here and Australia are marching towards a real chance here. |
| Asad Shafiq is the new man in, replacing Misbah! |
| 19.4 : Lyon to Shafiq, A loud shout for lbw, it's turned down! Flighted ball around off, turning in a bit, Shafiq makes a good stride forward to defend but is beaten and is hit on the pads. A loud appeal for LBW but it's turned down. Replays show impact was outside off and would have gone on to miss the stumps. |
| 19.5 : N Lyon to Shafiq, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 19.6 : N Lyon to A Shafiq, A chance goes down! Tossed up around middle and off, Shafiq comes down the track, takes it on the full and flicks it towards short leg. Handscomb stops it and reverse flicks it towards Wade as Shafiq was down the track. The throw is a bit wide and Shaifq comes back in time. |
| 20.1 : J Bird to Ali, Good length ball on off, defended off the back foot. |
| 20.2 : J Bird to Ali, Length delivery on off, dabbed towards backward point. |
| 20.3 : J Bird to A Ali, Fuller on off, driven straight to the man at covers. |
| 20.4 : J Bird to Ali, Stays in the crease and blocks it gently down the track. |
| 20.5 : J Bird to Ali, In the channel on off, good bounce and nice carry there. AA leaves it alone. |
| 20.6 : J Bird to Ali, The batsman chooses to leave the ball outside his off stump. |
| 21.1 : N Lyon to Shafiq, Loopy ball around off, Shafiq makes a good solid front foot defense. |
| 21.2 : N Lyon to Shafiq, Once again lunges forward and blocks it out watchfully. |
| 21.3 : N Lyon to Shafiq, Flatter around middle, Shafiq gets back and pulls it in front of square for a single to get off the mark. |
| 21.4 : N Lyon to Ali, Goes deep in the crease and works it towards short leg. |
| 21.5 : N Lyon to Ali, Pushes it slower through the air around off, Azhar hangs back in defense. |
| 21.6 : N Lyon to Ali, Quicker one around off, Ali comes forward to defend but misses and is hit on the pads. Can't be given out as the impact was outside the line. But another terrific over from Garry! |
| Mitchell Starc is called back for a spell here. |
| 22.1 : M Starc to Shafiq, Comes from around the wicket and starts the spell with a full length ball, it tails back in as Shafiq plants his front foot across and leaves it alone. |
| 22.2 : M Starc to Shafiq, Angles it in again on middle, Shafiq blocks it down. |
| 22.3 : M Starc to Shafiq, That was really close. You need some guts to make such kind of leaves when Starc is getting the ball to move in. Once again a full ball, nipping back in, Asad shoulders his arms as the ball just whizzes past the off pole. |
| 22.4 : M Starc to Shafiq, Fuller and down the leg side, Shafiq misses his flick and it goes off the pads towards the keeper. |
| 22.5 : M Starc to A Shafiq, FOUR! Edged and through! Landed outside off, Shafiq comes forward to defend it with soft hands but gets an outside edge that goes past gully for a boundary. |
| 22.6 : M Starc to Shafiq, The batsman has flicked the ball off his pads. One run added to the total. |
| 23.1 : N Lyon to Shafiq, Around off, Shafiq pushes it towards point for a single. |
| 23.2 : N Lyon to Ali, Stays back and defends it on the leg side. |
| 23.3 : N Lyon to Ali, Loopy ball around middle and leg, Ali comes down the track and blocks it well. |
| 23.4 : N Lyon to Ali, AA defends it from within the crease. |
| 23.5 : N Lyon to Ali, Flatter around middle and leg, a bit of extra bounce but Ali defends it on the leg side. |
| 23.6 : N Lyon to Ali, Makes a good stride forward and works it towards short mid-wicket for nothing. |
| 24.1 : M Starc to Shafiq, Keeps it fuller again on off, Shafiq defends it with an open face bat towards short cover. |
| 24.2 : M Starc to Shafiq, Goes wide of the crease is Starc and tries to angle it in on the stumps, Shafiq stays put and keeps it out with a straight blade. |
| 24.3 : M Starc to Shafiq, Back of a length delivery outside off, comes up at a nice height too. Shafiq stands tall, rides the bounce and hits it through cover-point. A long chase for the fielder there and they take three. |
| 24.4 : Starc to Ali, Yorker aimed on the stumps, a good one from Starcy, Ali brings his bat down in time to jam it away towards mid-wicket for a quick single. |
| 24.5 : M Starc to Shafiq, Again uses his crease well and angles it down the leg side, Shafiq tries to get some bat on it but the ball goes through in a flash. Wade behind the stumps makes a superman dive to his left to collect it. Saved a certain four byes there. |
| 24.6 : M Starc to Shafiq, Outside off, AS is happy to let it be. |
| 25.1 : N Lyon to Ali, Flatter one around middle, worked past short leg for a comfortable single. |
| 25.2 : N Lyon to Shafiq, Floats it up around off, Shafiq plunges forward in defense. |
| 25.3 : N Lyon to Shafiq, Loopy ball outside off, Asad presses forward and buries it into the ground. |
| 25.4 : N Lyon to A Shafiq, Drops it short and serves it outside off, Shafiq camps back and cuts it away through the vacant backward point region for another three. |
| 25.5 : N Lyon to Ali, AA has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 25.6 : N Lyon to Ali, Short and quicker one outside off, Ali gets back and clips it past Handscomb at short leg to retain strike. |
| 26.1 : M Starc to Ali, Very full outside off, sliced straight to Lyon at backward point. |
| 26.2 : M Starc to Ali, Angles it on the pads, flicked through square leg for a single. |
| 26.3 : M Starc to Shafiq, Good length ball on off, defended down gently off the back foot. |
| 26.4 : M Starc to Shafiq, Back of a length ball outside off, Shafiq watches it till the last minute and lets it go through to Matthew Wade. |
| 26.5 : M Starc to Shafiq, Sprayed on the pads, not what Starc is looking for. He isn't getting his line right. Shafiq is happy to flick it fine down the leg for a single. |
| 26.6 : M Starc to Ali, Very full on the stumps, Ali is really strong through the on side. He brings his wrists into play as he works it through mid-wicket for three. |
| 27.1 : N Lyon to Ali, A stifled appeal for LBW! Loopy ball around off, turning in a bit, Azhar comes forward to defend but misses and is hit on the thigh pad. They appeal but the impact and height both seemed to be a issue there. |
| 27.2 : N Lyon to Ali, Defended off the front foot gently. |
| 27.3 : N Lyon to Ali, Around middle and leg, flicked towards the leg side. |
| 27.4 : N Lyon to Ali, Tossed up ball around middle, Ali lunges forward and flicks it towards short mid-wicket. |
| 27.5 : N Lyon to A Ali, Tossed up around off, pushed towards covers. |
| 27.6 : N Lyon to Ali, Around middle and leg, Ali turns it behind square on the leg side. Another maiden for Lyon, he is putting pressure from one end here, good stuff. |
| Hazlewood is back on! |
| 28.1 : J Hazlewood to Shafiq, Short of a length ball outside off, held its line as Shafiq tries to poke at it. Is lucky not to nick one behind. |
| 28.2 : J Hazlewood to Shafiq, Fullish outside off, Asad makes an easy leave to the keeper. |
| 28.3 : J Hazlewood to Shafiq, A harmless length ball in the channel outside off, AS offers no stroke to it. |
| 28.4 : J Hazlewood to Shafiq, Angles in a full ball from outside off, Shafiq shows a solid front foot defense. |
| 28.5 : J Hazlewood to Shafiq, Very full on the stumps, clipped behind square on the leg side for a single. |
| 28.6 : J Hazlewood to Ali, Fuller in length and around off, Azhar Ali lunges forward and presents full face of the bat to bunt it past the non-striker. The fielder at mid on puts in a dive to his left but to no avail. Warner from mid off gives it a chase to keep the pair down to a double. |
| 29.1 : N Lyon to Shafiq, Shafiq stays back to this short ball and cuts it square of the wicket on the off side for a single. |
| 29.2 : N Lyon to Ali, Darts it in around middle, pushed straight to mid on. Ali shouts WAIT ON and sends Shafiq back. |
| 29.3 : N Lyon to Ali, AA hangs back and defends it with a straight bat. |
| 29.4 : N Lyon to Ali, Gets a bit forward, moves his front leg across and works it towards mid-wicket for a single. |
| 29.5 : N Lyon to Shafiq, OUT! What a smart piece of alertness shown by Handscomb! This will go down as a wicket to Lyon but the whole lot of credit goes to Peter here. Nathan tosses it up around middle, Shafiq gets down the track to get to the pitch of the ball. He does so and tries to flick it across the line. The ball goes towards forward short leg where Peter Handscomb instinctively brings his left hand out, it hits his fingers but doesn't stick. Lobs up but still he manages to grab it after a |
| Sarfraz Ahmed is the new man in, replacing Shafiq! |
| 29.6 : N Lyon to Ahmed, Uppish but safe this time! Loopy ball around middle, Ahmed flicks it past Peter at short leg for a single to get off the mark. End of a terrific over from Nathan. |
| 30.1 : J Hazlewood to Ahmed, That's a poor leave! Hazlewood gets it to nip back in sharply, Ahmed doesn't cover the line and leaves it alone. It just about kisses the off pole by a whisker. |
| 30.2 : J Hazlewood to Ahmed, Once again it comes back in, Sarfraz makes a leave without covering the stumps. |
| 30.3 : J Hazlewood to Ahmed, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 30.4 : J Hazlewood to Ahmed, A shout for lbw! Angles it in on the pads, Ahmed gets across to flick but misses and is hit on the pads. The ball rolls towards the on side and they take a leg bye. Josh is busy appealing but the umpire stays unmoved. Going down leg! |
| 30.5 : J Hazlewood to Ali, Bangs in a short delivery on middle, Ali is surprised by this as he look to fend it away but gets hit on the glove and the ball dies down. |
| 30.6 : J Hazlewood to Ali, Here comes the sucker ball! After bowling a short ball, Hazlewood comes up with an inswinging full length delivery, Azhar Ali manages to defend it down. Lovely over and IT IS TEA ON THE FINAL DAY! |
| An enthralling session of play for the Australians. They have been all over the visitors and are sniffing victory here. A brilliant display with the ball from Lyon has landed them at the driver's seat. Double strikes from Lyon to dismiss the veterans Younis and Misbah was the turning point of the game. They have also been sensational on the field where Handscomb at forward short leg has gobbled up a couple of stunners. The other bowlers have also supported Lyon really well. |
| Pakistan on the other hand will be really cursing themselves as they have thrown it away. Sarfraz and Ali is the last pair of batsmen left for Pakistan. They will need to stick it out in the middle as they have another 37 overs to see of the match. Once again the onus lies on Azhar Ali who has been the only batsman who has looked solid out in the middle and the Pakistani hopes have pinned on him. Will we be able to see a sensational turnaround or Pakistan be successful to defend it? Join us in a |
| ...DAY 5, SESSION 3... |
| The players are out in the middle. Ali and Sarfraz are walking back in the middle. Starc will start with the ball. |
| 31.1 : M Starc to Ahmed, Length ball outside off, left alone. |
| 31.2 : M Starc to Ahmed, Back of a length delivery outside, similar result. |
| 31.3 : M Starc to Ahmed, Full outside off, Sarfraz stays in his crease to defend it straight back to the bowler. |
| 31.4 : M Starc to Ahmed, Way outside off, Sarfraz did not even think about going for it. |
| 31.5 : M Starc to Ahmed, Angling into the stumps, Ahmed drives it towards mid off. |
| 31.6 : M Starc to S Ahmed, Again into the stumps, Ahmed lunges forward to drive the ball towards mid off. |
| Josh Hazlewood comes in to bowl from the other end. |
| 32.1 : J Hazlewood to Ali, Angling into the stumps, Ali punches it towards mid on. |
| 32.2 : J Hazlewood to Ali, FOUR! CHEEKY! Into the pads, Ali clips it fine down the leg side for a boundary. That was a neat touch. |
| 32.3 : J Hazlewood to Ali, Ali lunges forward to the ball outside off to defend it. |
| 32.4 : J Hazlewood to Ali, Short ball for Ali, he stands tall and flicks it towards square leg for a single. |
| 32.5 : J Hazlewood to Ahmed, Down the leg side, Ahmed tries to flick it but is unable to make contact and the ball goes straight to the keeper. The only person excited there was Bill Lawry from the commentary box. |
| 32.6 : J Hazlewood to Ahmed, Ahmed gets in line of the ball to defend it. |
| 33.1 : M Starc to Ali, Length ball outside off, Ali tries to play for it but the ball misses the edge. |
| 33.2 : M Starc to Ali, Length ball outside off, left alone. |
| 33.3 : M Starc to Ali, Back of a length outside off, Ali has no intentions of playing it. |
| 33.4 : M Starc to Ali, Pitched up and outside off, Ali drives it towards mid off. |
| 33.5 : M Starc to A Ali, Length ball outside off, Ali stays in his crease and drives it through the cover region for a couple. |
| 33.6 : M Starc to Ali, Into the stumps, Ali flicks it towards square leg. |
| 34.1 : J Hazlewood to Ahmed, Short and wide outside off, Sarfraz punches it through covers for a single. |
| 34.2 : J Hazlewood to Ali, Angling into the stumps, Ali stays in line of the delivery to defend it. |
| 34.3 : J Hazlewood to Ali, Into the pads, Ali flicks it through his pads for a couple through square leg. |
| Azhar Ali has taken a review for an LBW decision against him. It seems really close but Ali was quick to call for it. |
| 34.4 : Hazlewood to Ali, OUT! GONE! Hazlewood has come back roaring into the attack and has got a breakthrough. The ball was pitched outside off and was angling into the stumps. Ali tried to flick it but he misses it totally. A loud appeal by the Aussies is rewarded by the umpire as he has ruled it out. Ali was quick to ask for a review. Replays show that there was no contact with the bat. The ball was pitched outside off and the impact was also in line. Second time unlucky here the Pakistanis as |
| Mohammad Amir is the new man in! |
| 34.5 : J Hazlewood to Amir, Amir gets in line of the ball to defend it. |
| 34.6 : J Hazlewood to Amir, Length ball outside off, Amir opens the face of the bat and guides it towards third man for a couple. |
| 35.1 : M Starc to Ahmed, Short of a length ball on middle and leg, from over the wicket, Ahmed ducks under it. |
| 35.2 : M Starc to Ahmed, Full and wide outside off, it's left alone with any fuss. |
| 35.3 : M Starc to Ahmed, Fuller on middle and leg, worked through the on side for a couple. |
| 35.4 : M Starc to Ahmed, Length ball on middle, tucked towards mid-wicket for a single. |
| 35.5 : M Starc to Amir, In the air... falls just short of Lyon! Touch fuller and outside off, Amir stays put in the crease and tries to punch it away on the off side. It goes uppishly and he surely must have had his heart in his mouth as the ball falls just short of a diving Nathan Lyon at point. |
| 35.6 : M Starc to Amir, The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot. |
| 36.1 : J Hazlewood to Ahmed, Ahmed stays in his crease to defend it towards mid off. |
| 36.2 : J Hazlewood to Ahmed, Length ball angling into the stumps, Sarfraz has defended that right in front of his eyes. |
| 36.3 : J Hazlewood to Ahmed, Angling into the stumps, Sarfraz has lunged forward to defend it and they run a quick single in the process. |
| 36.4 : J Hazlewood to Amir, Slinging across, left alone. |
| 36.5 : J Hazlewood to Amir, Similar delivery, similar result. |
| 36.6 : J Hazlewood to Amir, Into the stumps, Amir is rock solid in his defence. |
| 37.1 : M Starc to S Ahmed, Full toss outside off, Sarfraz drives it towards covers. |
| 37.2 : M Starc to Ahmed, Back of a length delivery outside off, left alone. |
| 37.3 : M Starc to Ahmed, Back of a length delivery again outside off, Sarfraz tries to push at it but the ball catches the outside edge and flies short of the gully fielder. |
| 37.4 : M Starc to Ahmed, Length ball outside off, Sarfraz has driven it through cover region. A fielder gives a good chase to it inorder to save a run. Three runs have been taken. |
| 37.5 : M Starc to Amir, Down the leg side, Amir tries to nudge it but luckily does not make contact and the ball goes straight to the keeper. |
| 37.6 : M Starc to Amir, That looked like it shattered the timber. A yorker on the stumps and Amir was lucky to find his inside edge onto his pads. Seems like a yorker wicket is on the cards. |
| 38.1 : J Hazlewood to Ahmed, Ahmed lunges forward to defend it. |
| 38.2 : J Hazlewood to Ahmed, Angling into the pads, Ahmed tries to defend it but the ball hits the thigh pad. |
| 38.3 : J Hazlewood to Ahmed, Length ball outside off, Sarfraz drives it solidly through wide of mid off where Warner gives it a chase and saves a run. They have managed to run three. |
| 38.4 : J Hazlewood to Amir, Hazlewood comes round the wicket and pitches it outside off, Amir lets it through to the keeper. |
| 38.5 : J Hazlewood to Amir, Length ball outside off, left alone. |
| 38.6 : J Hazlewood to Amir, Angling into the pads, Amir stays in his crease to defend it solidly. |
| 39.1 : M Starc to Ahmed, Length ball outside off, Sarfraz drives it towards the pont fielder. |
| 39.2 : M Starc to Ahmed, Way down the leg side, left alone by Ahmed. |
| 39.3 : M Starc to Ahmed, Sarfraz lunges forward to defend it. |
| 39.4 : M Starc to Ahmed, A brilliant delivery which nipped in after pitching, Sarfraz cover his timber and lets that through. |
| 39.5 : M Starc to Ahmed, Back of a length delivery on the body, Sarfraz shuffles and nudges it towards mid-wicket for a quick single. |
| 39.6 : M Starc to Amir, Slinging across from middle and off, Amir stays in his crease to defend that well. |
| Jackson Bird comes in for a bowl. |
| 40.1 : J Bird to Ahmed, Angling into the stumps, Sarfraz flicks it towards fine leg for a single. The second run was denied after a good piece of fielding at the boundary. |
| 40.2 : J Bird to Amir, Length ball outside off, Amir drives it towards cover-point. |
| 40.3 : J Bird to Amir, Back of a length delivery into the stumps, Amir stays deep in his crease to defend it. |
| 40.4 : J Bird to Amir, FOUR! Full and wide outside off, Amir carves it late and the ball goes past the diving fielder for a boundary. |
| 40.5 : J Bird to Amir, Length delivery outside off, the ball nipped away a bit after pitching. Amir has let that through. |
| 40.6 : J Bird to Amir, Length ball outside off, left alone. |
| Nathan Lyon is called back into the attack! |
| 41.1 : N Lyon to Ahmed, FOUR! Tossed up outside off, Sarfraz drives it through the cover region for a boundary. |
| 41.2 : N Lyon to Ahmed, Floated up and Ahmed is quick to sweep it towards the backward square leg fielder. |
| 41.3 : N Lyon to Ahmed, FOUR! GOOD SHOT! Slower outside off, Sarfraz reads it well and sits down to sweep it through square leg for a boundary. |
| 41.4 : N Lyon to Ahmed, Flatter delivery, Ahmed lunges forward to defend it. |
| 41.5 : N Lyon to Ahmed, Tossed up outside off, Ahmed prods forward and drives it through mid off for a single. |
| 41.6 : N Lyon to Amir, Amir lunges forward to defend it. |
| 42.1 : J Bird to S Ahmed, Length ball outside off, Sarfraz prods forward and drives it towards mid off. |
| 42.2 : J Bird to Ahmed, FOUR! Wide and short outside off, Sarfraz waits for the delivery and cuts it past the point fielder for a well-timed boundary. |
| 42.3 : J Bird to Ahmed, Dug in short by Bird, Ahmed is quick to duck under it. |
| 42.4 : J Bird to Ahmed, Angling into the pads, Ahmed flicks it towards the mid-wicket fielder. |
| 42.5 : J Bird to Ahmed, Back of a length delivery just outside off and Sarfraz confidently punches it through covers for a couple. |
| 42.6 : J Bird to Ahmed, Second short one from Bird and Sarfraz has done well to duck under that one. |
| 43.1 : N Lyon to Amir, Floated into the stumps, Amir pushes it straight back to the bowler. |
| 43.2 : N Lyon to Amir, Just a bit outside off, Amir pushes it hard towards the cover fielder. |
| 43.3 : N Lyon to Amir, AHHH.... That was close!! Tossed up outside off, Amir tries to defend it but the ball spins away past the outside edge through to the keeper who dislodges the bails quickly. |
| 43.4 : N Lyon to Amir, Short outside off, Amir cuts it late towards the point fielder. |
| 43.5 : N Lyon to M Amir, Tossed up outside off, Amir drives it through the cover region for a couple. |
| 43.6 : N Lyon to Amir, Outside off, left alone. |
| 44.1 : J Bird to Ahmed, Back of a length ball outside off, Sarfraz stays in his crease to punch it towards covers. |
| 44.2 : J Bird to S Ahmed, Length ball outside off, Ahmed drives it through covers for a triple. |
| 44.3 : J Bird to Amir, Outside off, left alone by Amir. |
| 44.4 : J Bird to Amir, Short and wide outside off, Amir cuts it late through the point region for a couple. |
| 44.5 : J Bird to Amir, A really beautiful delivery which looked like it was angling into the batsman but started nipping away when it was coming close to the stumps. Amir is lucky to survive that scare. |
| 44.6 : J Bird to Amir, Angling into the pads, Amir has worked it down the leg side for a single. |
| 45.1 : N Lyon to Amir, Tossed up on the stumps, Amir lunges forward to defend it. |
| 45.2 : N Lyon to Amir, Floated outside off, Amir gets an edge but is lucky not to found the fielder. |
| 45.3 : N Lyon to Amir, Dragged short, Amir punches it off the back foot on the on side. |
| 45.4 : N Lyon to Amir, Amir lunges forward to defend it. |
| 45.5 : N Lyon to M Amir, Tossed up, Amir reaches out the ball and the ball catches the inside edge and hits the pads. |
| 45.6 : N Lyon to Amir, Amir stays in his crease to defend that one. |
| 46.1 : J Bird to Ahmed, Angling into the pads, Ahmed flicks it towards square leg for a single. |
| 46.2 : J Bird to Amir, Just a tad outside off, left alone. |
| Smith has decided to take a review for a catch taken by Wade. LBW and Caught behind both will be checked in the process. |
| 46.3 : J Bird to Amir, NOT OUT! Australia have wasted a review. Angling into the pads, the ball zipped in after pitching and went straight to the keeper after hitting the thigh pad. Smith calls in for a review regarding a catch. Replays show that there was nothing on the Snicko and the Hotspot. LBW was also checked for but the stumps were missing. |
| 46.4 : J Bird to Amir, Way down the leg side, Amir still tries to go for it. |
| 46.5 : J Bird to Amir, OUT! SHATTERED STUMPS! Back of a length ball outside off and Amir tries to defend it. The ball nipped back after pitching which took a toll of Amir and got the inside edge which went onto hit the stumps. Amir has to depart after staying at the crease for a brief spell. Australia need 3 more wickets to win this match. |
| Sohail Khan comes in to bat. |
| 46.6 : J Bird to Khan, Khan gets in line of the ball to defend it. |
| 47.1 : N Lyon to Ahmed, Floats it up nicely outside off, Sarfraz prods forward to block. |
| 47.2 : N Lyon to Ahmed, Gives it plenty of air and tosses it up on middle and off, Sarfraz leans ahead and defends it down into the track ahead. |
| 47.3 : N Lyon to Ahmed, Goes back to this one and works it back down the track off the back foot. |
| 47.4 : N Lyon to Ahmed, Turning in on a length, it's turned to the mid-wicket region for a single. |
| 47.5 : N Lyon to Khan, Straighter one outside off, Sohail Khan stands his ground and with an open-faced blade, taps it away on the off side. |
| 47.6 : N Lyon to Khan, Flighted ball around off, Sohail Khan once again blocks it off his front foot and into the track. Dot ball to end the over. |
| 48.1 : J Bird to Ahmed, Angling into the stumps, Sarfraz stays in his crease and punches it towards mid on. |
| 48.2 : J Bird to S Ahmed, Length delivery outside off and Sarfraz is quick to pounce onto it and drive it through covers for a couple. |
| 48.3 : J Bird to Ahmed, Back of a length outside off, Sarfraz waits for it and guides it towards third man for a couple. |
| 48.4 : J Bird to Ahmed, Full on the stumps, Sarfraz flicks it through square leg for a single. |
| 48.5 : J Bird to Khan, Length ball angling into the stumps, Sohail defends it solidly with a straight bat. |
| 48.6 : J Bird to Khan, Angling in from outside off, Sohail stays in his crease to defend it solidly back to the bowler. |
| Mitchell Starc comes in for a bowl. |
| 49.1 : M Starc to Ahmed, Angling in from outside off, Sarfraz prods forward to defend it. |
| 49.2 : M Starc to Ahmed, FOUR! LUCKY STUFF! Back of a length delivery outside off, Sarfraz tries to wait for it and defend it but the ball flies off his outside edge just short and wide off the fielder in second slip. The ball raced off to the boundary after Smith got his fingers to it. |
| 49.3 : M Starc to Ahmed, Pacy stuff from Starc, Sarfraz was totally beaten as he seemed to just hovering with the bat in his crease. The ball went just past the outside edge. |
| 49.4 : M Starc to Ahmed, Ahmed lunges forward to defend it. |
| 49.5 : M Starc to Ahmed, Down the leg side, Sarfraz goes fetching for it but is unable to make contact. |
| 49.6 : M Starc to S Ahmed, OUT! COMETH THE MAN, COMETH AT THE OVER! Starc is back at it with an absolute stunner. He made Sarfraz look foolish but it was a really brilliant delivery to follow up with four deliveries which went nipping away after pitching. This one was just pitched outside off and kept the line intact to shatter the defence of Sarfraz. Castled! The skipper is really happy as his strike bowler has again done the trick for him. Australia are now sniffing victory with just 2 wickets |
| Wahab Riaz is the new man in, replacing Sarfraz! |
| 50.1 : J Hazlewood to S Khan, FOUR! Lucky Sohail! Pitched outside off and the ball flies through the slip cordon after catching an outside edge. |
| 50.2 : J Hazlewood to Khan, Angles into the stumps, Khan flicks it through mid-wicket for a couple. |
| 50.3 : J Hazlewood to Khan, Dug in short, Sohail ducks under that one. |
| 50.4 : J Hazlewood to Khan, Length ball outside off, Khan has defended that well from within his crease. |
| 50.5 : J Hazlewood to Khan, Sohail has lunged forward to defend that one which was pitched outside off. |
| 50.6 : J Hazlewood to Khan, Josh ends the over with another short one which is well evaded by Sohail who ducks under it. |
| 51.1 : M Starc to Riaz, Starc is steaming in. That ball was pitched on a length outside off, Riaz tried to defend it but the ball flies past the outside edge. |
| 51.2 : M Starc to Riaz, PRETTY CLOSE! Full and just outside off, it was too quick for Riaz who could not get his back down in time and he is lucky that the ball did not hit the timber. Seems like it is just a matter of time. |
| 51.3 : M Starc to Riaz, Riaz prods forward to defend that one. |
| 51.4 : M Starc to Riaz, Again a steaming yorker, Riaz has somehow managed to keep that ball at bay. |
| 51.5 : M Starc to Riaz, OUT! CLEAN UP TIME! Starc has set up Riaz completely as he follows a zipping in length ball after three yorkers. Riaz expected a yorker but the length ball outside off caught him off guard. Riaz has no idea what the ball was doing there and he could not get his bat in line of the ball to defend it. Starc is steam rolling over the Pakistani tailenders. The slip cordon is really ecstatic as they all celebrate in harmony. Pakistan trail by 22 runs and Australia just need a w |
| Yasir Shah is the last man in! |
| 51.6 : M Starc to Shah, Angling into the stumps, Yasir has comfortably defended it. |
| 52.1 : J Hazlewood to Khan, On a length and just outside off, Sohail stays behind the line and defends it down. |
| 52.2 : J Hazlewood to Khan, Fuller and angling in, Khan jams it out towards mid on. |
| 52.3 : J Hazlewood to Khan, Angles in a full length ball on the pads, SK looks to go for the wild slog across the line but gets it off the inner part of the bat past short leg. |
| 52.4 : J Hazlewood to Khan, FOUR! Shot! Hazlewood hurls in a full length ball on off, Khan drives it beautifully down the ground past mid off. Warner gives it a chase but couldn't stop it from crossing the ropes. |
| 52.5 : J Hazlewood to Khan, Bangs in a short ball on middle, SK ducks to evade it. |
| 52.6 : J Hazlewood to Khan, Good length ball on middle, defended off the back foot. |
| Drinks are on the field! |
| So, Pakistan need 18 more to ask the home side to bat again. 15 overs still in the day's play. Starc is breathing fire at the moment and will be a force to be reckoned with. Let's see what's coming up next... |
| 53.1 : M Starc to Shah, Dug in short down the leg side, Yasir ducks under it. |
| 53.2 : M Starc to Shah, OUT! It's all over for Pakistan! Starc has struck gold and pulled it off for the Aussies. He has been ruthless today, hasn't he? Fires this one down the leg side and Yasir Shah tries to flick it towards mid-wicket but closes the face of the bat early and gets a leading edge which airs towards mid on. Jackson Bird runs some steps backwards to take a simple catch. The Australians are really blooming and are all over the place celebrating their emphatic victory. They WIN BY |
| The famous Boxing Day Test belongs to the Aussies and mind you, they deserved every bit of it, didn't they? Smith and Co. have pulled a rabbit out of the hat today at the MCG! They have sealed the series 2-0 and boy, weren't they absolutely marvelous? We entered day 5 with Smith and Starc on strike. They needed quick runs on the board, they got it through Mitchell Starc. A few eyebrows were raised when Smith declared just minutes before lunch today and in that brief period Josh Hazlewood drew fi |
| Pakistan then somehow were defending it out nicely but then it was time for Nathan Lyon to get the crowd going. He scalped 2 big wickets of the Pakistan veterans, Younis and Misbah, in the same over and turned the match on its head. Azhar Ali hung around till the start of the final session but eventually succumbed to pressure. After that, Sarfraz Ahmed kept on fighting but the man who was breathing fire today, Mitchell Starc, not only had a brilliant day with the willow but came back roaring to |
| Earlier in the match, Pakistan won a good toss and they did manage to post a mammoth first innings total, courtesy a double hundred from Azhar Ali. Who would have thought Australia could surpass it and then also gain a lead of 181 runs? David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Steven Smith and Mitchell Starc were the tormentors-in-chief for doing so. The first two set the platform while the next two exploded and helped their side post such a humongous total on the board. |
| Remember, we got a result in spite of the rain gods having their say for the first two days and then came back again on day 4 and one would have thought the famous Boxing Day Test could be ruined. But, much to everyone's delight, they showed some mercy. Stayed away and helped us witness a cracker of a Test match. Stay tuned as the presentation is coming up in a bit... |
| PAKISTAN SKIPPER, MISBAH-UL-HAQ starts by saying even after scoring over 400 in the first innings, they weren't disciplined with the ball. Feels conceding about 270 runs in 58 overs is where his team lost the momentum. Credits Australia and Starc in particular for pulling off a great win for the hosts. Continues saying that the fact that you can only draw and lose the game puts immense pressure on the side. Is proud of the character shown by Azhar Ali and lauds his batting efforts under tough co |
| VICTORIOUS AUSSIE SKIPPER AND MAN OF THE MATCH, STEVEN SMITH reckons that it has been a pretty good day and they had thought of batting the first session through. He added that they did not lose any wicket for the first 40 minutes which gave them the added advantage to go berserk. Further adds that Starc played really well with the bat and feels that he might have created a record at the MCG by hitting 7-8 sixes in an innings. He lets us know that they thought of declaring when they saw the ball |
| It's been a sensational day of all-round play from the Australians as they started off fiercely with the bat and continued with their same rich form when they came in to bowl. They will be really glad with their performance and hoping to do the same in the final Test. Pakistan will have to pull up their socks as they will try to save face and end the series on a high. |
| For all the stats lovers out there, this one's for you - Before November, there were 2 occasions when a team lost by an innings score after scoring 400 in the first innings. But, it has happened thrice in the last month itself (Mumbai, Chennai, Melbourne). Highly intriguing stuff, isn't it? |
| Right, then! That's it from us. Guess it's safe to say to you guys must have enjoyed this entertaining encounter. Now, the action moves to Sydney where these two teams will play the final Test. It takes place on 3rd January, 2017 at 0500 IST. We hope you join us for it. Till then, goodbye and take care. Cheers! |
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