Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc produced a masterful display with an old ball to push Pakistan on the back foot by the end of Day 3 of the third Test match, in Lahore. The pair shared nine wickets to skittle out Pakistan for 268 and secure a 123-run first-innings lead.
Pakistan were at 248/3 at one point, and the game threatened to meander towards a draw. Then Starc got Mohammad Rizwan and Fawad Alam in the space of five overs, while Cummins removed Sajid Ali Khan and Nauman Ali in successive overs. Starc wrapped up things by getting Babar Azam and Naseem Shah.
Australia then walked back unscathed on 11. David Warner and Usman Khawaja need to start quickly, and Australia will aim to score around 230-250 in the second innings before taking field again.
Warner has fizzled out after his brilliant half-century in the opening game. If he gets going on Day 4, Pakistan will be in trouble. Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith. and Travis Head are also capable of adding quick runs.
Pakistan's hope of making a comeback depends on their fast bowl duo of Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem. If they can replicate what Cummins and Starc did for their team, Pakistan may soon regain control.
Fantasy Tips
- Warner and Labuschagne are must-haves for your team.
- Among bowlers, pick Afridi and Naseem.