SYDNEY: On the second day of the third Test in Sydney, Pakistan claimed crucial wickets to restrict Australia to 116-2 at tea. The day’s play ended early due to bad light, with Marnus Labuschagne (23*) and Steve Smith (6*) at the crease when play was stopped.
Openers David Warner and Usman Khawaja fell victim to Pakistan’s bowling attack. Warner, playing in his 112th and final Test match, missed out on a century as he was dismissed for 34. Offspinner Agha Salman produced a delivery with extra bounce and turn, inducing an edge that was caught by slip fielder Babar Azam. Despite a reprieve on 20 when he was dropped by debutant Saim Ayub, Warner couldn’t capitalize on the opportunity.
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Usman Khawaja, with a Test average of 130 at the SCG, was dismissed for 47 with a glove catch down the leg-side off Aamer Jamal. The decision was confirmed by Hot Spot on review. Khawaja had batted patiently for 143 balls, and his wicket was a significant breakthrough for the tourists.
With storms approaching and Australia trailing by 197 runs, the umpires decided to take an early tea. The match is finely poised, and the outcome remains uncertain as the series stands at 1-1, with Australia winning the second Test in Melbourne.
The early tea break followed a series of dropped catches by Pakistan in this Test series, highlighting their fielding struggles. The play will resume as both teams look to gain an advantage in the ongoing contest.
