The first Test between Australia and Pakistan is delicately poised between the two teams after the vistors' top-order's top performance on Day 3 at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. Half-centuries from openers Usman Khawaja, David Warner and Marnus Labuschagne helped Australia post 271/2 on the board as Pakistan toiled hard in the middle like Pat Cummins' brigade did on first two days.
Costly drop
Dropping Khawaja's catch early in the first session proved to be too costly for the hosts. Gully fielder Fawad Alam dropped Khawaja's catch off Shaheen Afridi's bowling in the 11th over of the innings. The Pakistan-born Australian opener was batting on 22 when he was dropped. He rubbed salt on Afridi's wounds by following it up with two boundaries off consecutive deliveries.
While Warner was cautious at the start, Khawaja scored freely and got to his half-century off 67 deliveries. Warner was troubled by Pakistan pacers but got to his half-century a couple of overs before the end of first session.
Sajid gets breakthrough
Off-spinner Sajid Khan provided the first breakthrough. He got Warner bowled as the Aussie opener tried to play the cut shot off the fuller delivery off the back foot. Warner got out after scoring 68 runs from 114 deliveries including 12 boundaries. The two shared a 156-run opening partnership.
Khawaja misses ton
Khawaja was batting beautifully and was on his way to 11th Test century but lost his wicket to Nauman Ali. The hosts had to take a review and DRS showed that Khawaja had edged the ball to short-leg fielder Imam-ul-Haq while trying to reverse sweep off left-arm spinner Ali. He got out for 97 off 159 deliveries. His impressive knock was studded with 15 fours.
After Khawaja's wicket, Labuschagne and Steve Smith frustrated Pakistan bowlers till the end of day's play. Labuschagne remained unbeaten for 69 off 117 deliveries whereas Smith returned not out to the dressing room for 25 as bad light stopped play in the third session.
Draw likely?
With eight wickets in hand, Australia still trail by 205 runs. Pakistan need to wrap up Australia's first innings in the first two sessions itself. Otherwise, the first Test is likely to end in a draw or Australia applying pressure on Pakistan on Day 4 and 5 after posting mammoth total.
