Shah, Afridi nullify damage of 1st session, Pakistan in control despite Cummins' early strike

The third and final Test of the series is delicately poised between the two teams after the end of Day 2’s play at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore. Pakistan trail by 301 runs after losing Imam-ul-Haq early in the innings. With three days to go, all three results are possible.

Early strike

Skipper Pat Cummins struck towards the end of his first spell. Cummins beat Imam's bat. The umpire did not lift his finger but DRS worked in Australia's favour to give them an early wicket.

Shafique, Azhar steady ship

In-form Abdullah Shafique survived a half-chance early in his innings as the ball beat gully fielder on the dive. Shafique did not give any more chances to Australian bowlers for the rest of the day. The 22-year-old is just five runs away from his half-century. He has played 117 deliveries so far and scored six boundaries. He shared an unbeaten 70-run partnership with Azhar Ali for the second wicket. Azhar scored 30 runs from 79 deliveries including one four and a six.

Green, Carey hit fifties

Earlier, starting the Day 2’s play at 232/5, the visitors got off to an ideal start. Cameron Green and Alex Carey did not let Pakistan new ball bowlers dominate as they scored fifties. The two shared a crucial 135-run partnership for the sixth wicket which helped Australia post a good total on the board despite losing half their side for 206.

Left-arm spinner Nauman Ali got the breakthrough for Pakistan in the second session. Nauman trapped Carey in front of the stumps. The wicketkeeper-batter scored 67 runs from 105 deliveries including seven boundaries. Green could not carry on either as Naseem Shah used reverse swing to its best effect to hit the stumps. Green scored 79 runs from 163 deliveries including nine boundaries. It was the Australian all-rounder's maiden Test half-century.

Tail doesn’t trouble

Australian tail did not wag as Pakistan fast bowlers made short work of them. Cummins remained stranded on one end as Shah and Shaheen Afridi mopped up the tail. The last four scored 37 runs to help Australia post 391 in first innings. Shah and Afridi took four wickets each in the first innings.