NEW DELHI:
Australia
extended their lead against
Pakistan
to 300 runs on day three of the first Test in Perth on Saturday.
Usman Khawaja
and Steve Smith's partnership proved pivotal as they reached stumps at 84/2, thwarting Pakistan's hopes of a Test victory on Australian soil since 1995.
Scorecard: Australia vs Pakistan, 1st Test
"A 300 lead now and we've got Travis (Head) and Mitch (Marsh) coming in next, and things can tick along pretty quickly with those two," remarked Australian pace spearhead Josh Hazlewood, hinting at a possible declaration on Sunday.
The day witnessed veteran spinner
Nathan Lyon
inching towards a historic milestone, standing one wicket away from the elite 500-club.
"For me, probably the general idea would be halfway through the day tomorrow (to declare), could be earlier or later but that will be the rough guide," added Hazlewood.
Australia faced a shaky start with
David Warner
, the first innings centurion, departing for a duck. The top order crumbled to 5/2, but Khawaja (34*) and Smith (43*) showcased resilience, forming an unbeaten 79-run partnership.
Pakistan's batting struggled against Australia's formidable attack, with Lyon (3-66) leading the charge. Batting coach Adam Hollioake acknowledged the challenge, stating, "Getting used to the pace and bounce of this wicket was a little bit hard."
The visitors, resuming at 132/2, faced a daunting task against Australia's top-class bowling. Debutant Khurram Shahzad fell early, and dangerman
Babar Azam
, in his 50th Test, contributed 21 before falling to Mitchell Marsh.
A mini-collapse ensued, with Imam-ul-Haq and Sarfaraz Ahmed departing, and Lyon claiming his 499th wicket with another stumping. Australia took the new ball, and Hazlewood's quality bouncer accounted for Saud Shakeel.
Lyon's milestone wicket and a crucial breakthrough by Head's part-time spin completed Pakistan's innings at 271.
Australia's lead of 300, with Khawaja and Smith at the crease, sets the stage for an intriguing day four.
As the sun-baked pitch continues to challenge both teams, Australia eye a declaration, while Pakistan seek a resurgence to turn the tide in a bid to level the series.
The cricketing world awaits Lyon's historic achievement, poised to join the elite group of players with 500 Test wickets.
(With inputs from AFP)
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