The third Test match between Australia and Pakistan got underway at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) on January 3, 2024. Australia, already leading the series 2-0, aims for a white-wash.
Pakistan captain Shan Masood won the toss and chose to bat first. Pakistan had made two changes in bringing in Saim Ayub for his debut and Sajid Khan came in for Shaheen Afridi.
However, Australian bowlers were all over the Pakistani batters, as both openers Ayub and Abdullah Shafique were dismissed for ducks. Then Pat Cummins landed the big blow and dismissed Babar Azam for 26 runs.
Much depended on Shan Masood and he looked good for his 35 runs as he grinded it out instead of playing cavalier shots. However, Mitchell Marsh cut his innings twice, but he survived once in a bizarre fashion.
Marsh forced an outside edge from Masood’s bat and the Pakistan captain was caught in slips. However, the joyous celebrations were cut short as the umpire signaled a no-ball. Replays showed that Marsh had overstepped by some distance and the bowler seemed disappointed as he had a wry smile.
While Masood was relieved after getting a life, he couldn’t make much of the opportunity. 10 balls later, Mitchell Marsh bowled a similar delivery and Masood couldn’t help but edge it to the slips and had to walk back this time.
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Pakistan managed to post 313 on day one of the 3rd Test with Mohammad Rizwan (88) and Aamer Jamal (82) being the top scorers and Agha Salman also hitting a fifty. For Australia, captain Pat Cummins starred with figures of 5/61.
