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In a riveting day of Test cricket at the Sydney Cricket Ground, Australian captain Pat Cummins led from the front with a sensational five-wicket haul, marking his third consecutive in Test matches. This stellar performance came against Pakistan in the third and final match of the series, where Pakistan's shaky top order crumbled before staging a commendable comeback to post a total of 313 on the first day.
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Pakistan's innings began on a precarious note. Winning the toss and electing to bat under clear skies seemed like a promising decision, but it quickly backfired as they found themselves struggling at 96-5 post-lunch. The early damage was inflicted by Australian pacers Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood, who each claimed a wicket in the opening overs, setting the stage for Cummins' entry.
Cummins, riding high on his ten-wicket haul from the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne, continued his dominant form. He claimed two vital wickets, including that of Pakistan's star batsman Babar Azam, leaving Pakistan teetering at 47-4. Babar's dismissal was particularly crucial, as he was adjudged LBW after a successful Australian review.
The situation seemed dire for Pakistan, but a middle-order revival was led by wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan. His brisk 88, combined with Agha Salman's half-century and a stunning maiden Test fifty from Aamer Jamal, propelled Pakistan to a respectable score. Rizwan's aggressive approach paid off as he raced to his fifty off 74 balls, but his innings was eventually cut short by Cummins.
Cummins continued his onslaught, claiming two more wickets, including Sajid Khan and Hasan Ali, to complete his five-wicket haul. In contrast, Starc ended Salman's resilient innings at 53, further denting Pakistan's hopes.
Despite the top-order collapse, Pakistan's lower order showed remarkable tenacity. The final-wicket partnership between Jamal and Mir Hamza added a vital 86 runs, frustrating the Australian bowlers for almost 23 overs. Jamal's aggressive 82 off 97 balls, adorned with boundaries and sixes, was a highlight before he was eventually caught off Nathan Lyon's bowling.
Australian openers David Warner, in what might be his final Test, and Usman Khawaja had a brief stint at the crease under diminishing light. Warner, known for his aggressive batting, hit a boundary off the first ball but had a close call later in the over. Australia concluded the day at 6 without loss, setting the stage for an intriguing second day.
The focus may have been on Warner's potential last Test match, but it was undoubtedly the fast bowlers who grabbed the limelight on the first day. The Australian attack, led by Cummins, showcased their skill and consistency, while Pakistan's lower order displayed commendable grit to give the team a fighting chance. As the Test progresses, the balance of play could swing either way, promising more exciting cricket in the days to come.
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