Rain Halts Third Session, Pakistan Removes Australia Openers

APP

Islamabad: Persistent rain halted the final session on the second day of the SCG Test after Australia managed 116-2 in 47 overs in their first-inning reply in the face of disciplined Pakistan bowling.

The players had earlier walked off due to bad light in the afternoon session, forcing an early tea break, according to information made available here by the Pakistan Cricket Board.

Rain soon arrived following the interval, as inclement weather meant there was no further play possible. Day three will see a 10:00 a.m. local time start, with the weather expected to be better for the rest of the match.

Australia resumed from their overnight score of six for no loss, having batted just one over on the previous day. David Warner and Usman Khawaja continued their sedate progress as Pakistan pacers Mir Hamza and Hasan Ali maintained accurate lines and lengths.

Warner, who will retire from Test cricket following this match, succumbed to the pressure when he edged a good-length ball off Aamir Jamal only to be dropped by Saim Ayub at first slip. Warner (34, 68b, 4x4s) could not capitalise on the missed chance and was later removed by a sharp spinning delivery by Salman Ali Agha, caught neatly by Babar Azam at slip.

Australia’s cautious approach continued in the second session as they scored a total of 38 runs in 17 overs for the loss of Khawaja (47, 143b, 4x4s). The Australia opener, particularly bogged down by the lack of runs, was caught down the leg-side off Aamir. The on-field umpire had initially ruled Khawaja not out but had to reverse his decision after a successful review.

Marnus Labuschagne (23 not out, 66b, 1×4) and Steven Smith (6 not out, 7b, 1×4) will restart their battle against the Pakistan bowling attack tomorrow.