Australia’s bowlers stifle Pakistan fightback. – BY TREVINE RODRIGO IN MELBOURNE. (eLanka Sports editor)
Australia’s bowlers suffocated and finally extricated Pakistan’s remaining eight wickets to put them in the box seat in a see- sawing third day’s play.Stung by being bowled out for 271, continuing from 132 for two overnight, Pakistan’s bowlers sent shock waves through the Australia’s camp when Khurram Shahzad removed first innings hero David Warner for a duck and Marnus Labuschagne in quick succession.
It underlined the tourists promise that they are not a pushover on this tour. But Steve Smith and Usman Khawaja dug in and weathered the storm under seige from a hostile Pakistan pace attack and carried Australia to a 300 run lead by the close, taking the sting out of a fightback.
It sure was an engaging day’s cricket that may have a few more twists to its tail as Australia search for quick runs and a winning total that will give them a first up win that they can carry through the rest of the series.
Nathan Lyon grabbed three wickets, Pat Cummins and Mitchell Stark two each and all the Australian bowlers chipped in to contain the Pakistan batting. Lyon’s spin and turn aided by the bounce in Perth, made him a handful.
Obviously the outcome will be decided on how the Pakistani batsmen cope with Australia’s lethal pace and spin attack which absolutely shaded Pakistan’s quartet who were guilty of inconsistent line and length.
From an Australian perspective, all eyes will be on Nathan Lyon who is one wicket short of claiming 500 Test wickets. The milestone will make him just the third Australian bowler to achieve the remarkable feat after the late and great Shane Warne and Glenn McGrath.
Pakistan will have it on themselves to adapt to the unpredictable Perth track and bat with authority if they are to save this Test.
The odds at this stage are stacked against them.
