Sydney, Australia, resuming at 84-2 on the fourth day, faced a formidable challenge from Pakistan’s bowlers on a deteriorating Perth pitch. Despite losing Steven Smith and Travis Head early in the day, Usman Khawaja (68 not out) and Mitchell Marsh (42 not out) counterattacked, guiding Australia to 186-4 at lunch and a commanding lead of 402 runs.
Debutant fast bowler Khurram Shahzad continued his fine start, dismissing Smith (45) leg before wicket, while Aamer Jamal, who took 6-111 in Australia’s first innings, got Head for the second time. Khawaja survived a close lbw call, enhancing Australia’s lead to 400 runs.
On Day 3, Smith and Khawaja helped Australia recover to 84-2 at stumps after Pakistan collapsed to 271 all out. Offspinner Nathan Lyon is one wicket away from the landmark of 500 test wickets.
Australia, the world test champions, seeks to maintain dominance, while Pakistan aims to break a test match win drought in Australia since 1995.
