Australia v Pakistan, 3rd Test Day 2: 5 Talking Points

Australia wrested control on the second day’s play at the Sydney Cricket Ground when they were climbed into a massive total upwards of 550 runs on the morning of the second day’s play against a hapless Pakistan bowling unit. This also saw the likes of Peter Handscomb complete only his second century in Test matches with an impressive 110 before being dismissed in perhaps the most bizarre of manners.

It was yet another horror show for the Pakistanis on the day as there was simply no joy for the seamers and wickets only came in tandem. It was more or less a day that belonged to the Aussies, as has been the narrative, for the most part, this series. It took a herculean effort from Younis Khan and Azhar Ali to pull things back for the visitors on the day. While the aforementioned statement was a talking point in itself, here are five talking points from the day’s play.

1. Matt Renshaw denuded of a splendid double century

Opener Matt Renshaw had batted for the most part of the previous day wherein he had smashed an impressive 167. Against all odds and a failed umpire’s decision, Renshaw had battled all day to ensure that he had remained unbeaten. The second day began in a similar fashion when the 20-year old southpaw began to stamp his authority on the Pakistan pacers.

This continued as even Peter Handscomb got into the act and began cracking a few boundaries. With the declaration well and truly in sight as the lunch session beckoned, Renshaw stood barely 20 runs adrift of what would be a magnificent double-century. He would join Karun Nair who converted his maiden Test match ton into a magnificent 303. However, this was not meant to be as medium pacer Imran Khan breached his defenses 13 runs short.

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2. Peter Handscomb scales the 100-peak yet again

One of Peter Handscomb’s favorite players is Ajinkya Rahane. While the 25-year old Australian batsman certainly has the skills one could boast of, one of the few things he has clearly imbibed from the Indian vice-captain is his sense of calmness. This calmness was clearly visible as Handscomb went ahead and notched up only his second Test match century. Of course, the 25-year old would be dismissed in perhaps the most bizarre manners, but the way he batted on the day has somehow ensured that most have forgotten the impressive average of his predecessor Adam Voges. Handscomb managed an impressive 110 as the Australians coasted towards amassing a massive first-innings lead.

3. Wahab Riaz bowls with all his might

The magnitude of the three-Test series down under has been quite a poor one as far as Pakistan is concerned. Their feeble bowling attack has been quite terrible as well. On the day, while the wickets fell with some risky cricket, it was only Wahab Riaz who showed some intent of what is required from a pacer. Of course, he is one of the fastest bowlers in the world, but he was the only one with one eye focused on getting the Aussies out and putting his batsmen in the limelight. Although Wahab did not pick the wickets he would have wanted, it was quite clear that he does not bowl at his best as often as Pakistan would have liked. This bowling spell at the SCG was precisely one of those times.

4. Josh Hazelwood rocks Pakistan’s top-order

Australian pacer Josh Hazelwood does not boast of terrifying pace. In fact, the youngster is from the Glenn McGrath mold, someone who would bowl the same delivery over and over until the batsman made a mistake. Of course, Hazelwood was rather fortunate that the Pakistani batsmen were making mistakes early on in the innings as he went on to become the only Australian in the wicket takers list at the close of play. He removed Sharjeel Khan with a peach of a delivery, something you wouldn’t really blame the batsman for and also Babar Azam who was trapped right in the middle of his crease.

Watch: David Warner fails to hit the bull’s-eye

A missed chance! Warner can't throw the stumps down…. #AUSvPAK pic.twitter.com/pxb5n5f0D5

— cricket.com.au (@CricketAus) January 4, 2017

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

5. Azhar and Younis Khan solidify the innings

Following the scalps from Hazelwood early on in the innings, it was quite clear that the ship was in turmoil and that someone had to patch up the holes and sail it to shore. The two batsmen tasked with that responsibility was Azhar Ali and Younis Khan. The duo batted with extreme caution and also put a price on their wickets. They stitched a partnership in excess of 100 runs, something that was certainly the need of the hour. The duo also exhibited tremendous caliber as well as character as they reached their respective half-centuries as well. They remained unbeaten on 58 and 64 respectively.