Honours were even after Day 1 of the third Test match between Pakistan and Australia. After the first two Tests in Rawalpindi and Karachi both ended in draws, the neutral hoped for a more positive outcome in Lahore. As things turned out, Australia finished the day on 232/5.
Australia named an unchanged side, while Pakistan brought in teenage fast bowler Naseem Shah for all-rounder Faheem Ashraf. Australia won the toss and opted to bat but got off to a torrid start. They lost two wickets in three balls in the third over. Shaheen Shah Afridi had David Warner leg before for 7 and Marnus Labuschagne caught behind for a duck.
That brought Steven Smith to the crease much earlier than he would have planned. He and Usman Khawaja repaired the early damage as whatever life was left in the pitch wore off. They added 138 for the third wicket before Naseem trapped Smith leg before for 59. He had faced 169 balls and struck six fours.
At the other end, Khawaja, playing in the land of his birth, continued his form with another commanding innings. He added 41 more for the fourth wicket with Travis Head. But with another century in sight, Khawaja was caught by Babar Azam off Sajid Khan. He had faced 219 balls for his 91, and his innings had contained a six and nine fours.
Nineteen runs later, Naseem had Head caught behind. It was left to Cam Green (20*) and wicketkeeper Alex Carey (8*) to see out the rest of the day.
After the runfests of the first two Tests, this was a much more even contest between bat and ball. Pakistan will hope to wrap up the Australian innings early on Tuesday. It will then be down to their batters to see what they make of the pitch.
Brief scores
Australia 232/5 (Usman Khawaja 91; Naseem Shah 2-36) vs Pakistan.