The third Test between Australia and Pakistan saw a thrilling battle at the SCG on Day 3, with the game swinging back and forth, demonstrating the unpredictable character of the format. Pakistan’s hero was Aamer Jamal, who caused havoc in Australia’s lower order after tea and helped his team seize a tenuous 14-run lead in a seesaw struggle.
Mitchell Marsh’s form was remarkable as he scored his fourth consecutive half-century, putting Australia, who looked like they would take an early lead, in a strong position. Before the game abruptly changed shortly before tea, the pair—Alex Carey and myself—stitched up a hopeful 84-run combination. Spinner Sajid Khan bowled Carey for 38, which signaled the beginning of a spectacular collapse. With just 10 runs from 5 wickets, the Australian team collapsed.
Showing off his skill with the ball, Aamer Jamal took his second five-wicket haul of the game.
Important Australian batsmen like Pat Cummins and Marsh were eliminated during the scorching session. Jamal put on a captivating display, finishing with figures of 6 for 69 from 21.4 overs, smashing Australia for 299 and giving Pakistan a 14-run advantage to begin their innings in the current final Test of the series.
The batting order for Pakistan collapses on Day 3
Pakistan’s start to the second innings was far from steady as Shafique and Masood were the first wickets they lost for ducks. Saim Ayub and Babar Azam, however, steadied the ship and established a crucial fifty-man alliance. After Travis Head’s crucial dismissal of Babar, Nathan Lyon slowly found his rhythm, which ended the crucial partnership by dismissing Ayub, and this changed the course of the game.
Sensing their chance, Australia brought Josh Hazlewood into the mix as a calculated bowling change. The tall pacer produced a terrific over and demonstrated the unpredictable nature of the game by taking three fast wickets in an incredible show. With their score at 82/7, Pakistan was in serious trouble, and Aamer Jamal and Rizwan were left to lead their side out of it. As the pitch revealed its complexity, with varying bounces and heavy turns, the match’s pendulum swung back in favour of Australia.
‘X’ users’ reactions on the third day of the AUS vs. PAK test are as follows:
O M R W
21.4 2 69 6
Brilliant bowling figures A.Jamal Congratulations for 2nd 5fer on a debut series…Good workAll the best #PAKvsAUS
— Kamran Akmal (@KamiAkmal23) January 5, 2024
Saim Ayub will be a superstar .. #AUSvsPAK .. Gone early on this one ..
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) January 5, 2024
“The nightwatchman plan is a complete failure!”#AUSvPAK pic.twitter.com/VkwyoJmRlz
— Bilal Bhutta (@BILALSULTA67780) January 5, 2024
An absolute Jaffa! https://t.co/DsmBpgXvRb
— Shikha Pandey (@shikhashauny) January 5, 2024
India
