Pakistan six down as Aussies strike telling blows, visitors trail by 284 runs (Day 3, Lunch)

Perth [Australia], December 16 (ANI): The Pakistan batting struggled to stand up to the Australian attack on Day 3 of the opening Test at Perth, with the visitors, led by Shan Masood, staring down the barrel at 203/6 at the end of the first session of play on Saturday.

The hosts made early inroads on Day 3 as nightwatchman Khurram Shahzad was worked over early by skipper Pat Cummins while opener Imam-ul-Haq, who battled hard on Day 2 and was unbeaten at stumps, failed to build on to a significant score.

Former skipper Babar Azam, who relinquished captaincy in the wake of Pakistan’s torrid run in the ODI World Cup earlier this year, failed to come good with the willow as well. He was snared by all-rounder Mitchell Marsh for just 21 off 54 balls.

Meanwhile, Imam’s stubborn innings came to an end after Lyon removed him in the 75th over for a sedate 62.

The hosts took full control of the game, bagging four wickets in the first session with the visitors still 284 runs in arrears.

Following the resumption of play, the Aussies would look to roll over the visitors quickly and build on the lead. Though six down at the close of play in the opening session, Pakistan still have some batting left to get closer to Australia’s first-innings score.

Australia started day two at 346/5, following a century from explosive opener David Warner (164 in 211 balls, with 16 fours and four sixes) and 90 off 107 balls from Marsh with 15 fours and a six.

Usman Khawaja and Travis Head also contributed handsomely with scores of 41 and 40 respectively.

Coming down the order, keeper Alex Carey added a valuable 34 runs, helping Australia get to a massive 487 runs in 113.2 overs.

Aamer Jamal (6/111) was the pick of the bowlers for the visitors in his debut Test.

Pakistan ended the day second at 132/2 in 53 overs in their first innings, with Imam Ul Haq (38) and Khurram Shehzad (7) unbeaten at the crease.

Opener Abdullah Shafique scored 42 off 121 balls, with six fours but couldn’t kick on. Masood also looked to be going well at 30 off 43 balls, with five fours, before he fell.

Brief score: Pakistan 203/6 (Agha Salman 4* and Saud Shakeel 12*) against Australia.