AUS v PAK, 3rd Test, Day 2 Review: Azhar Ali, Younis Khan lead fightback for Pakistan

Australia maintained its firm grip on the match by playing out yet another day with utmost command over their opposition Pakistan. Peter Handscomb went on to amplify his overnight score of 40 into his second Test century, thereby becoming the third centurion in this innings for his team as Australia declared at 538/8 just a few overs before Tea.

Australia further gained advantage before the end of the second session as Josh Hazlewood gave a pompous start snapping two wickets in the 4th over of Pakistan’s innings. The batting side, after conceding such a big total would not have expected such a wobbly start. Fortunately, Pakistan did not inflict any further damage as Azhar Ali and Younis Khan applied themselves in the middle and arrested the top order slump with a solid unbeaten 120 runs stand for the 3rd wicket. At stumps on Day two, Pakistan finished with 126/2.

The tourists had a good time today than the opening day with the ball and did not miss Yasir Shah, who did not participate in play today due to a knee issue. Azhar Al, with his part-time leg break, filled his place and did a fairly successful job grabbing two wickets. Imran Khan also was able to soothe his nerves with a couple of wickets while Riaz continued to impress. They resurrected well after bowling amateurishly on day one. After holding on with some patience, they were able to manage 3 wickets for just 27.

Matt Renshaw, who yesterday became the third youngest Australian opener to score a Test hundred on the opening day of the Sydney Test, could not thrive on a fresh day and was the first to fall, squashing all hopes of a double ton from him. Handscomb, however, wasn’t bothered and steadily moved ahead with the support of debutant all-rounder Hilton Cartwright. The pair knitted 91 runs for the 5th wicket and took the team total past 400 runs mark. Cartwright, however, could not survive long enough to watch his partner, who was in his nineties, reach his century and was removed by Imran Khan by an in-swinger while on 37.

Matthew Wade walked in a started off getting runs with boundaries clearly indicating the intentions of skipper Steve Smith. Handscomb also in the meantime completed his milestone but shortly brought his downfall after he hit the wickets while trying to guide an away swinger from Wahab Riaz standing deep inside the crease. It was sort of bizarre way to get out after a fabulous knock.

Pakistan finally was able to compete with the Aussies to some extent in the match for the first time in 5 sessions. A couple of overs later Azhar Ali produced a double-wicket over being able to end Wade’s as well as Starc’s stay in the middle, prompting Smith to declare the innings.

But, the confidence they had achieved with the late strikes during the 135 overs stay in the field was shattered almost immediately as they lost Opener Sharjeel Khan and one down man Babar Azam before the tea was taken.

The onus fell yet again on the experienced Younis Khan to script a revival and the veteran responded very impressively, hitting his 33rd test half-century, finishing not out at 64. To support him was the opener Azhar Ali also registered a fifty and ended at 58. The efforts of these two batsmen not only ensured that Pakistan survived the last session of the day without any damage but also has raised hope of Pakistan’s chances in the contest.

Brief Scores:

Watch: LOL moment as Nathan Lyon’s excitement costs Australia four runs

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