Australia vs Pakistan: Josh Hazlewood runs riot on Day 3, sets up dream Warner farewell
The Sydney Test exploded into life as Australia suffered a shocking collapse, then Josh Hazlewood ran riot in an extraordinary session to set up a dream David Warner farewell.
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David Warner has the chance to be the final hero of a wild SCG Test after Josh Hazlewood pulled the carpet from underneath a Pakistani revival.
The celebrations over Warner Week suddenly became a desperately serious scrap at one point on day three, as Pakistan threatened to become the party poopers no one saw coming when they assumed an unexpected 14-run lead after Australia lost their last five wickets for just 10 runs.
That was before a stunning blitzkrieg started off by first-over specialist Mitchell Starc and hammered home by Hazlewood’s pulsating spell of 4-9 put Australia in the box seat to waltz home to victory on day four.
Pakistan are in strife at 7-68 and lead by just 82 runs, although they aren’t completely out of the Test if their tail can wag as it did in the first innings, given any sort of meaningful target could prove tricky batting last on a throwback Sydney Cricket Ground pitch hailed by Usman Khawaja as the best in years.
Pakistan are adamant they are not dead and buried in this Test and if they can clamber to a 150-run lead, they are still in the Test.
Australian wicketkeeper Alex Carey also said his team weren’t resting on their laurels, as he relived having the best seat in the house to the last session magic.
“You can’t take your eyes off it,” Carey said.
“It’s obviously really exciting. You hear a crowd get behind it and that’s why Test cricket is so exciting.
“You have six hours of play and then the last five minutes you get the crowd going like that.
“I guess growing up as a youngster, you play a bit of backyard cricket, you come in, you watch the last little bit (on the TV). So it’s just so exciting to see an over like that. But a session like that as well.
“He certainly didn’t start that last over with a warm-up ball. It was a pretty crucial over for us.
“To Pakistan’s credit they bowled the areas that needed to be bowled on this wicket. They hung in there. They got our batters out when we got starts … but by the end of the day we’re probably happy with the position we’re in.”
Hazlewood is an all-time great with a consistent record to rival the man who makes day three at the SCG so special – Glenn McGrath.
But it’s hard to remember a more electrifying moment in his career than the carnage he performed late in play with a heaving pink crowd of 37,129 whipped into a frenzy.
It was a classic cricket atmosphere as the crowd clapped his run-ups to the wicket as Hazlewood destroyed Pakistan’s top order lynchpins Babar Azam and captain Shan Masood.
Hazlewood, who made a hole-in-one at a Sydney golf course earlier this week, is now just two wickets away from eclipsing the 250-wicket mark passed by his captain Pat Cummins last week.
In the second last over of the day, Hazlewood ripped apart the brave Pakistanis with three wickets in six balls as the scoreboard stayed still.
The scenes were reminiscent of the destruction derby that took place in a two-day Test in South Africa this week, with a total of 11 wickets taken from both teams in the final session.
After Pakistan bowled Australia out for 299, Starc did what he’s done more than any other bowler in the modern era, and struck gold with the very first over of the innings.
Spinners Nathan Lyon and Travis Head chipped in, but otherwise it was the Bendemeer Bullet who grabbed the bull by the horns to give the man they call The Bull – Warner – a shot at the ultimate curtain close for his illustrious Test career.
Warner won’t likely get a chance to replicate the feats of Greg Chappell and score a hundred in his final Test – but the stage is set for him to play a leading role in mowing down the victory target for a clean-sweep.
All Pakistan’s batsmen needed to do was scramble their way to a second innings total of 200 plus, but barring another late-hitting miracle from Aamir Jamal, the visitors will struggle to get to a competitive mark.
Pakistan has not won a Test on Australian soil since 1995 and it would appear the drought is set to continue.
Only four times since 2000 has a team chased a total of 100 plus in the fourth innings and won at the SCG, while no team has chased in the fourth innings at the SCG and won since Australia’s 5-141 against Sri Lanka in January 2013.
Jamal is 0 not out and must be the man again if Pakistan are to lift themselves off the canvas after the Hazlewood rampage.
The former Hawkesbury grade cricketer smashed 82 in the first innings to give Pakistan a stunning last-wicket partnership which changed the shape of the match.
The young quick then delivered in his main discipline with the ball, as he claimed figures of 6-69 to completely dominate Australia, including taking the key wickets of danger men Mitch Marsh and Travis Head.
Earlier, Marsh’s brilliant run of form continued with a well-made 54 which threatened to put Australia in the driver’s seat until he threw his wicket away with a meek pop-up to be caught at mid-off.
Cummins, Lyon and Hazlewood were then marched out in quick succession … before the real procession began.
RE-LIVE ALL THE ACTION FROM A CRAZY DAY’S PLAY BELOW
- By Joe Barton
STUMPS: HAZLEWOOD SET STAGE FOR DREAM WARNER FAREWELL
Well, Josh Hazlewood has turned this Test on its head once again.
In a remarkable final session, 11 wickets fell for 78 runs – culminating in an over of genius from Hazlewood.
Three wickets in five balls ripped the heart out of Pakistan’s middle order, and set the scene for David Warner to exit Test cricket in fairytale fashion.
First-innings heroes Mohammad Rizwan and Aamir Jamal finished the day unbeaten for Pakistan, but not before the damage was well and truly done.
They end the day 7-68, with a lead of just 82.
It was a remarkable fightback from Australia, who themselves had a spectacular collapse of 5-10 to end their first innings and concede a 14-run first-innings lead.
At that point, Pakistan were firmly on top. Before Australia hit back in a big way, with Mitchell Starc striking in the first over, Nathan Lyon and Travis Head chipping in, and Hazlewood’s triple-wicket maiden the cherry on top.
5.55PM: WICKET! HAZLEWOOD GOES OFF AGAIN, AND AGAIN
Oh, what a ball.
Josh Hazlewood, absolute star. Sajid Khan comes out as nightwatchman and lasts just two deliveries before copping a jaffa from the star Aussie quick.
He plays all around one that nips back and crashes into off stump.
Josh Hazlewood has 3-9. Pakistan are in massive trouble.
The scoreboard at the SCG is struggling to catch up with the carnage – it reads 4-67… but they are, in fact, 6-67.
Hold that thought, they are 7-67 because Hazlewood has a FOURTH and a third in this over.
Agha Salman, this time, out edging to David Warner at first slip. A dream farewell gift for Warner, and Pakistan have absolutely fallen to bits.
5.50PM: WICKET! HAZLEWOOD STRIKES FIRST BALL
There it is, the wicket that swings the match back in Australia’s favour just before stumps.
First ball after being recalled to the attack, Josh Hazlewood coaxes Saud Shakeel into a wafty shot outside off-stump.
He does nothing but slash a chance to Steve Smith at second slip. Shakeel goes for 2, Pakistan are 5-67.
They lead by 81 runs, and Australia smells blood in the water.
“They just keep gifting Australia… whether it’s in the field with the catching, or now with the bat,” says Michael Vaughan.
5.45PM: AUSSIES HUNT FOR ONE MORE SCALP
Pakistan may just be clinging to favouritism late on day three of this Test, but they need this pair to see it through to stumps.
Rizwan delivered a key knock in the first innings and could yet play an important role again, especially if he and Saud Shakeel can combine to build Pakistan’s lead past 100 and beyond.
But is there another twist in the tail from Australia? Nathan Lyon is zeroing in on another chance, and there’s sure to be another burst from one of Australia’s fast bowlers.
5.35PM: WICKET! TRAVIS HEAD CHIPS WITH SHOCK WICKET
That is a big wicket with 25 minutes to go in the day.
Travis Head knocks over Babar Azam, caught behind for 23, in what could be a huge moment this late in the day.
Pakistan’s lead has nudged up to 74, but they dearly would’ve liked Babar to be there at stumps.
Instead he is lulled into an edge off Head, and a wonderful catch from Carey.
Pakistan are 4-60. And this Test will finish the day evenly poised no matter what happens in the next 20 minutes.
5.25PM: WICKET! LYON LANDS VITAL BLOW
This afternoon was starting to get away from Australia, but Nathan Lyon has dragged it back with a crucial wicket.
Saim Ayub is trapped in front for 33 and is absolutely plum – but opts for a review. I’m not sure debutants should be allowed to review based on the result here. It missed the bat and is hitting a halfway up middle stump.
That ends a 57-run partnership, which has given Pakistan a 72-run lead.
Ayub looked the part during his stay in the middle. He took on the Australian attack, on a difficult wicket. But he fell victim to the GOAT.
5.17PM: CHANCE FALLS INCHES WIDE AS LYON STRUGGLES TO HIT MARK
Nathan Lyon hasn’t quite nailed his assignment over his first few overs.
While Pakistan’s bowlers were able to extract significant turn and make the most of the variable bounce, Lyon’s struggled to build pressure.
And when he does get the edge off Ayub, it balloons over the head of Marnus Labuschagne at bat pad and lands safely.
Labuschagne tracks back and makes a giant dive with an outstretched arm… but it evades him by an inch.
The following over Australia burns a review in pursuit of Babar Azam’s wicket, on an optimistic caught behind call.
Pakistan’s lead has grown to 70, and this partnership could soon graduate from a frustrating one to a potential match-winning one.
5.00PM: HOW MANY CAN AUSTRALIA CHASE?
With an hour to go in the day, what is the general match situation? What can Australia, feasibly, chase?
In the past few overs we’ve seen Pat Cummins hit the dead patch on this wicket several times, making life difficult for debutant Saim Ayub.
There’s no question there are now demons in this pitch that did not exist even at the start of today’s play.
Runs will come at a premium across the next two days (and that’s if the match gets as far as Sunday), and Pakistan have the game in their control.
They lead by 55 runs, with eight wickets in hand, and know they’ll be bowling last on what could be a minefield by tomorrow morning.
Australia will not want to chase anything north of 200, and perhaps even that would be too treacherous a target. A crucial final hour looms.
4.45PM: DEBUTANT THUMPS CUMMINS AS PITCH GETS WEIRD
A potentially big moment, with Pat Cummins bringing himself into the attack for Australia.
He’s been Australia’s best throughout the series, and he knows what it might mean if he was able to pump the brakes on Pakistan’s little rebuild.
But he’s left licking his wounds after being flayed to the midwicket boundary by the debutant Saim Ayub, a 21-year-old with a massive future.
“A young man playing without fear, and with great confidence,” says Adam Gilchrist, who as a player knew a little bit about playing without fear.
Two balls later and a length ball dies completely, dribbling to Alex Carey behind the stumps. That is uneven bounce. And that is why any total is going to be a nightmare chase for Australia.
4.30PM: RE-CAPPING AN HOUR OF MADNESS
It’s been a pretty wild ride over the past hour or so, so let’s recap.
- Australia lost their final five wickets for just 10 runs
- Pakistan took a 14-run lead into the second innings
- The pitch suddenly turned into Newlands 2.0
- Pakistan then lost two of their top three batsman to ducks
- Debutant Saim Ayub is now throwing the kitchen sink at everything
And with that, Pakistan are 2-21 after six overs… and have a 35 run lead.
4.10PM: WICKET! HAZLEWOOD REMOVES SHAN MASOOD
Australia are on fire and once again Pakistan are in enormous trouble.
Shan Masood, the best of the visitors’ batsmen this series, goes for a golden duck – fending at a length ball and nicking behind to Alex Carey.
In just eight deliveries Australia have turned the match on its head again. Pakistan are 2-1, Australia have their tails up. And suddenly it looks like they’re playing at the Newlands!
4.08PM: WICKET! STARC CONSIGNS SHAFIQUE TO A PAIR
Oh boy, this Test match has exploded into life, and Pakistan are 1-0 for the second time this Test.
Mitchell Starc with a ripsnorter of a delivery, which shapes back a long way and blasts through the defences of Abdullah Shafique.
He jags a pair, after his two-ball duck in the first innings.
That’s exactly the start Australia needed – and just what Pakistan was desperate to avoid.
4.00PM: SCG PITCH FALLS APART, WREAKS HAVOC ON BATSMEN
After offering the bowlers very little over the first two days, the SCG wicket has roared to life today and batsmen on both sides will be terrified.
The already parched deck has dried out even further, opening up cracks on a good length for seamers to attack – and plenty of footmarks for the spinners to target.
“In that last hour or so it started to explode even more,” said Adam Gilchrist.
Batting fourth on this pitch will be a tough scenario for Australia, who have already given up a 14-run lead on the first innings.
They’ll need to get things right, but if they do Michael Vaughan believes wickets could tumble.
“These cracks on a length, so, so dry. If Australia get it right there’s going to be so much action there for the bowlers,” Vaughan said.
3.50PM: ALL OUT! AUSSIES IN TATTERS AS LYON, HAZLEWOOD GOES
That’s four in quick time around tea for Australia as Nathan Lyon falls to a juggling act at gully by Saud Shakeel.
It’s Aamir Jamal’s fifth wicket, and Lyon departs for five.
Jamal drew a thick edge from Lyon and it presented a low chance to Shakeel, who looks to make a mess of the opportunity at first.
It bounces around, has gone through his hands, bounces up off his leg and Shakeel manages to regather it in time before he lands on his back.
“It wasn’t pretty, but it was effective,” says Mark Waugh.
Josh Hazlewood lasts just two balls before becoming Jamal’s sixth victim.
Australia has lost 5-10 in 21 deliveries to be 299 all out, and 14 shy of Pakistan’s first total.
3.40PM: WICKET! CUMMINS FALLS FOR A DUCK
It’s all falling apart for Australia after tea – with Pat Cummins out LBW for a duck, on review.
It looked good live, and that decision is confirmed by the third umpire after Aamir Jamal convinces his skipper to go upstairs.
It’s a shin-high full toss that Cummins just misses. Pakistan are two wickets away from a first-innings lead, and they’re doing it by bowling full and fast – the opposite of Australia’s short-pitched plan that helped deliver an 86-run 10th wicket partnership to Pakistan.
3.35PM: WICKET! MARSH FALLS AFTER TEA
That is a BIG wicket. Mitchell Marsh falls just after the tea break, and he falls for 54.
Marsh has played without fear, but that’s one risk too many – trying to drive Aamir Jamal, and only managing to club him to mid-off.
Australia now 7-293, 20 runs behind Pakistan’s first innings score.
Things are starting to happen with the wicket playing a few tricks. Batting fourth on this pitch will not be fun – and Australia suddenly don’t look like they’ll have much of a first-innings lead to play with, if they have one at all.
3.10PM: WICKET! AND TEA! PAKISTAN LAND LATE BLOW
In the blink of an eye, Australia feel back on top. When Travis Head was dismissed, Pakistan had the game in their hands.
But the rest of the middle session was all Australia – right up until the last ball before tea, when Sajid Khan ripped one back a mile to graze the top of leg stump and remove Alex Carey for 38.
It came shortly after Mitchell Marsh brought up his half-century with a wild hoik off Aamir Jamal, skying a pullshot that flies over the top of Mohammad Rizwan.
That seemed the exclamation point on what had been a superb session for Australia, on the back of an 84-run partnership between Carey and Marsh.
But the former’s late, late dismissal changed the mood once more. Can the Australian tail take a leaf out of Jamal’s book, and contribute with the bat? It could be match-defining.
2.55PM: GAME STARTS TO SLIP AWAY FROM PAKISTAN
This afternoon has started to slip away from Pakistan, as Marsh and Carey quickly gobble up Pakistan’s first innings lead.
They’ve only been together for 19 overs, but cruising along at just under 4 an over is chalk and cheese compared to the Khawaja, Labuschagne and Smith innings over the past two days.
And if Pakistan looks up at the scoreboard now, they’ll see that Australia is not just 5-281, but they’re a mere 32 runs shy of the visitors’ first-innings total.
It’s crept up on everyone.
Carey, especially, has been productive. He’s not done anything especially expansive, but has quietly added 35 from 48 as part of the 76-run partnership.
2.35PM: MARSH RIDES LUCK IN MASSIVE RESCUE MISSION
So much rests on the shoulders of Mitchell Marsh right now.
And Pakistan will be kicking themselves that he’s still out there at all.
Marsh was on just 7 when debutant Saim Ayub shelled a chance at mid-off, giving the Australian a reminder of Pakistan’s generosity in the Boxing Day Test.
In Melbourne, Marsh was on 20 when he was given a life. He went on to make 96 in a match-defining innings.
“The Test match was on that catch,” Fox Cricket’s Kerry O’Keeffe said at the time.
Back in Sydney, he was given a second life when he successfully overturned a shocker of an LBW decision against Hasan Ali – with replays showing the ball was sailing over the stumps.
And he’s making the most of his extra lives, surging towards another half-century as Australia trims Pakistan’s lead to under 50.
2.20PM: MARSH SAVED FROM HORROR CALL
A huge moment in the match, as it appears Mitchell Marsh is trapped LBW to Hasan Ali.
Marsh was looking to thump Hasan onto the legside, but the ball snuck through and hit him on the back leg.
Marsh quickly reviews, and rightly so – because its hit him halfway up the thigh and replays show that it is clearing the stumps by some margin.
Marsh survives, Australia continue, and they’re only 60 runs behind now.
Marsh saved by the review! #AUSvPAKpic.twitter.com/34BI2FfjyO
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) January 5, 2024
2.10PM: DRINKS! MARSH, HEAD ACCELERATE REVIVAL
This had to be an important partnership for Australia, and it is developing into one.
Marsh and Carey have been at the crease for the best part of 10 overs now, and have added 38 runs.
It means Australia trails by just 70 runs on Pakistan’s first innings – and that is with 52 overs remaining in the day.
The last ball before the drinks break, a vicious cut from Carey off Hasan Ali, indicates that Australia is not intimidated by the new ball – which was recently taken by Pakistan.
“Mitch Marsh could wipe this deficit in an hour, if he’s in the mood,” says Adam Gilchrist.
2.00PM: ‘IT’S JUST A JOKE’: PAKISTAN MAKE MOCKERY OF DRINKS BREAK
We’re 10 minutes from the drinks break, and Pakistan have earned the ire of England great Michael Vaughan – by asking for a drink.
“It’s just a joke, what are the umpires doing out there?” says Vaughan.
Whether it was an insatiable thirst for a sports drink, or a message being passed on from the dressing room, is unclear.
Australia is 5-229, with Mitchell Marsh (25) starting to get things going.
That’s something to discuss at drinks…. In 10 minutes.
1.40PM: WHO IS IN FRONT MIDWAY THROUGH DAY THREE?
It’s remarkable that we can even consider posing this question, given where Pakistan were at the halfway mark of their innings, but are they on top in this Test?
With Australia having lost 3-18 around the lunchbreak, the match has swung firmly in favour of the tourists.
Australia are 5-211, still trailing by 102. More worryingly for the Australians is that the pitch, which was flagged as a dry one before the Test, has already shown that it is favouring spin.
Salman ripped a ball through the gate of Marnus Labuschagne, and that should set alarm bells off considering Australia will be batting last on this wicket.
Much of Australia’s hopes will rest on this partnership between Mitchell Marsh (13 not out) and Alex Carey (1 not out).
If Pakistan can get another breakthrough, they’ll have their sights on a first-innings lead… and from there they’ll be hard to stop.
1.25PM: WICKET! HEAD FALLS TO TIGHT LBW
It’s been a busy little period after lunch - and Pakistan has a huge wicket.
Aamir Jamal has had a tremendous series, and he traps Travis Head on the crease. Umpire Michael Gough has no hesitation in raising the finger, nor does Travis Head in calling for a review.
It’s a tight one, but ball-tracking sides with the bowler suggesting it would be clipping leg stump.
“Live I thought it might have been sliding down, but it’s just shaving the leg stump,” says Mark Waugh.
1:20PM: DROPPED! MARSH GETS A LIFE, HEAD NOT SO LUCKY
The worst possible start to the middle session for Pakistan, with Saim Ayub dropping a low chance off Mitchell Marsh.
With Marsh on 7, Salman draws the false shot from the Australian, who had moved to start his walk to the dressing room as the ball hung in the air.
The ball carries to Ayub at mid-off, but he can’t get down low enough and doesn’t control the catch.
“That’s a costly list from Saim Ayub, off a dangerous batter in great nick,” says Wasim Akram.
1:15PM: AUSTRALIA BRING AGGRESSION AS 200 IS NOTCHED
In the minutes after the lunch break, Australia has moved past its next milestone with the 200 coming up.
With their two freest runscorers – Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh - at the crease, there’s the opportunity to move the game along a touch and quickly eat into Pakistan’s first-innings lead, which has so far been reduced to 113 now.
“They can change the game in half an hour. Both natural strokeplayers, I think they’ll look to score,” says Mark Waugh.
If these two can combine for a decent chunk of this middle session, I think we’ll see the match situation change considerably – but Australia will be eager for one of them at least to chalk up a big score today.
1:00PM: FOX REIGNITES JOHNSON-WARNER BATTLE?
David Warner’s public spat with Mitchell Johnson gripped the nation before this Test series, as well as his missing baggy greens this week, well according to Fox the two could be linked.
Fox Cricket’s lunch program The Big Break revealed “exclusive” footage of where they may have gone.
“Cricket Australia couldn’t get to the bottom of this but we did ... this is exclusive vision of where David Warner’s caps were retrieved from .. I didn’t wish to do that (the image) Mitch if you’re watching it was Mitch our producers idea,” Mark Howard said.
A more light-hearted look at one of the defining stories of the summer so far.
12.30PM: LUNCH! PAKISTAN HIT BACK AFTER AUSSIE ONSLAUGHT
Another even session, but Pakistan will enjoy their lunch far more than Steve Smith or Manus Labuschagne after Australia’s leading batsmen fell in the half hour before the break.
What looked like a steady session for the hosts, one which would set the platform for a big afternoon, both Smith and Labuschagne fell in quick succession to give Pakistan a major lift.
Smith went first, lulled into a trap by Mir Hamza, before Labuschagne copped a gem of a delivery shortly after notching a half-century.
In truth, both should’ve heeded the advice from Pakistan legend Wasim Akram before play.
“They should look for runs otherwise they’ll get a good delivery from a spinner or fast bowler,” Akram said on Fox Cricket.
He was spot on, as the Australian pair scored at a glacial pace before being undone but some SCG pitch trickery.
In total, Australia added just 83 runs in the extended session for the loss of two wickets.
They trail by 114 on Pakistan’s first innings.
12.10PM: WICKET! MARNUS FOLLOWS SMITH!
What a ball! An absolute cracker from Agha Salman, who undoes Marnus Labuschagne with a gem that spits out of the rough.
It turns sharply and rips through the gate, taking Labuschagne’s off stump.
The Australian No.3 is baffled as to how that has beaten him, with a Gatting-esque reaction.
But he has to go, on his way for 60. Australia have now lost 2-0, with both set batsmen back in the dressing room.
Suddenly Australia are 4-187, still trailing by 126, and can’t afford any more slip-ups before lunch.
12.05PM: CONCERN FOR HAMZA AFTER HEAVY FALL
The very next ball after dismissing Steve Smith, Mir Hamza landed heavily on his left knee and caused a further delay.
The paceman required a brief assessment from the medical staff before being able to complete his over.
Hamza collected his hat and jumper following his over and took his place on the boundary.
Pakistan have been in the wars this Test, with Hasan Ali forced from the field yesterday with an ankle injury. But he returned to the attack this morning.
12PM: WICKET! SMITH THROWS AWAY INNINGS
Steve Smith has spent 20 seconds looking at the pitch after falling into Pakistan’s trap, falling half an hour before the lunch break for 38.
Facing up to Mir Hamza, Smith chips a meek offering in the air right into the section of the field where Pakistan have stacked three players at short extra-cover.
“He’s a great player, but he’s fallen for the trap. Great players very rarely fall into those traps,” says Michael Vaughan on Fox Cricket.
After such a patient innings, that was a bizarre way to go out for Smith.
Australia are 3-187, trailing by 126. But Smith’s dismissal brings Travis Head to the crease… and that should change the tempo of things.
11.50AM: SYDNEY TEST COPS MOST BIZARRE DELAY YET
We’ve had play stopped for bad light. We’ve had play stopped for rain.
But we’ve come to expect that of the Sydney Test.
A scrunched up ball of tape, though? That’s a new one.
But it forced a 10 minute delay at the SCG on Friday, when Steve Smith spotted the ball of electrical tape just to the right of the sightscreen.
It took an army of groundstaff to isolate the problem, before one enterprising member of staff climbed up the white sheeting that is covering the seats behind the sightscreen and retrieved the problematic ball of tape.
“He’s saved the Test match, that bloke. He has saved the Test match,” muses Ian Smith on Fox Cricket.
Well, this is peak nonsense. Wonderful sport.#AUSvPAK
— Andrew McGlashan (@andymcg_cricket) January 5, 2024
Surely a tiny scrunched up bit of tape hasn’t put a stop to the Test… #AUSvPAK
— John Dean (@JohnDean_) January 5, 2024
11.45AM: MARNUS NOTCHES PATIENT HALF CENTURY
It’s been a long time coming, but an Australian has posted a half-century.
Marnus Labuschagne, halfway through the morning session on day three, brought up the mark from his 131st ball.
It’s been a hard graft, but Australia are well placed to put on a mighty first innings score. With 45 minutes to play before lunch on day three, they trail by 135 runs.
Australia, 2-178, with Smith and Labuschagne well set. Pakistan will be chasing a wicket rather urgently otherwise lunch will not taste particularly nice.
11.30AM: UMPIRES MISS RARE PENALTY
Pakistan debutant Saim Ayub has been a tearaway in the field, throwing himself around to keep the pressure up on Smith and Labuschagne.
He also took an enormous divot out of the SCG outfield when he prevented a boundary off a Steve Smith cover drive – but replays suggest it was the youngster’s hat, which fell from his head during the mistimed dive, which stopped the ball.
As per cricket’s laws, should the ball touch the fielder’s cap, or helmet, ‘a penalty of five runs would be awarded to the batting side’.
The rule was introduced in 1798.
But on this occasion Ayub escaped with just a sore knee, rather than an additional five-run
penalty.
Yep that's one way to do your knee 🤕😮 pic.twitter.com/UjuBj7ob6b
— Fox Cricket (@FoxCricket) January 5, 2024
10.20AM: PM ALBO WEIGHS IN ON WARNER CAP MYSTERY
With David Warner’s baggy greens safe and secure, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has weighed in on the latest developments.
Ablanese was asked to step in and sort out the mess when Warner initially made his public plea for the return of his beloved caps.
Pakistan captain Shan Masood jokingly called for Albanese to trigger a nationwide search, and while that was ultimately not required, the PM was still pleased at the update on Friday.
“It is great that the caps are back. It’s something that should be earned, not procured,” Albanese said on Fox Cricket.
11.10AM: PAKISTAN BURN DRS ON MARNUS
Is this our first desperation review of the day?
Sajid Khan thinks he has Marnus Labuschagne out LBW, just shy of a half-century.
The initial calls were for a catch – before the ball landed safely – but Sajid was able to extract a DRS from his captain.
One replay was enough to confirm a mark on HotSpot, so Labuschagne survives. It also looked a touch high, if not for the inside edge!
Labuschagne remains unbeaten on 45. Steve Smith is on 27, Australia are 2-161 and have lifted the runrate a touch over the past 10 overs.
Pakistan lose their first review after a thin inside edge #AUSvPAKpic.twitter.com/z8A3SPGvmB
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) January 5, 2024
10.45AM: THE WORLD’S TOUGHEST PITCH… FOR BOWLERS
It used to be the MCG that had the reputation of Australia’s deadest pitch – but has that been passed on to the SCG?
In recent years the MCG pitch has been revived, providing some outstanding contests… and the SCG has pivoted towards draws, albeit many of them rain-affected.
In the past nine years, there have been six draws.
Because on top of the rain issue, it is also the hardest ground on the planet to take a wicket.
“A wicket falls once every 80 balls on average, with that the worst strike-rate of any ground in Test cricket,” writes journalist Scott Bailey.
A batter’s paradise? Perhaps. Although Australia have made hard work of it so far, scoring at roughly 2.5 runs an over through their first 60 overs.
A not so fun fact: The SCG pitch is officially the hardest in the world to get a wicket on in the past decade.
— Scott Bailey (@ScottBaileyAAP) January 4, 2024
A wicket falls once every 80 balls on average, with that the worst strike-rate of any ground in Test cricket.
Story on @AAPSport#AUSvPAKhttps://t.co/3LZAhAd1dK
10.30AM: SLOW GOING FOR AUSTRALIA
Half an hour into day three, and Australia’s strategy remains one of attrition – with just 10 runs added to the overnight score.
With Smith and Labuschagne at the crease, that’s likely to be the case certainly for as long as Pakistan’s first-choice seamers Hasan Ali and Mir Hamza are working through their first spells.
Smith is unbeaten on 11, with Labuschagne on 28, having worked their way through five maidens on Friday morning.
They do, of course, have the gamechangers coming in next in the form of Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh.
But after losing more than 40 overs to rain yesterday, both teams might want to move the game along a touch today.
10.20AM: MYSTERY SURROUNDS WARNER’S BAGGY GREEN RETRIEVAL
In the other biggest news of the day – David Warner’s baggy green caps have been found, and returned to his possession.
Warner went public earlier this week calling for the return of his treasured caps, and just prior to play on day three he posted on Instagram trumpeting their return.
It’s great news for Warner in the middle of his 100th Test, but now the mystery turns to just what happened to them over the past week.
News Corp cricket writers Ben Horne and Robert Craddock have the latest on the saga here.
10.05AM: ‘SHUT YOUR MOUTH’: INDIA HIT BACK AT CRITICS
Fresh from thrashing South Africa by seven wickets in the quickest Test match ever played, India have taken on a fresh enemy: the haters.
After triumphing on a Newlands pitch where 23 wickets fell on the opening day, and India chased down the modest victory target inside five sessions.
And that gave captain Rohit Sharma the chance to have a crack at the critics of India’s dustbowl home pitches.
“I don’t mind playing on pitches like this as long as everyone keeps their mouth shut in India and doesn’t complain about Indian pitches,” he said.
“You come here to challenge yourself. And when people come to India it is challenging as well.”
9.50AM: HUGE DAY LOOMS FOR AUSTRALIA
So we’ve made it to Day Three at the SCG. Jane McGrath day, with the famous old ground a sea of pink.
And the stage is set for a big day for Australia and Pakistan, following the time lost to rain yesterday.
Australia will resume on 2-116, trailing by 197, and with Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne at the crease.
After crawling along at around 2.5 runs an over throughout yesterday, the senior pair have been encouraged to lift the tempo today and properly take the fight to the tourists.
“I can understand they were struggling as far as runrate was concerned on the Melbourne pitch – it was a seaming pitch,” said Pakistan great Wasim Akram on Fox Cricket.
“But this is a slow pitch, but the runrate was just under 2.5 yesterday.
“That’s adding extra pressure on the batters. Today when they come out to bat, both experienced player, they should look for runs otherwise they’ll get a good delivery from a spinner or fast bowler.”
9:35AM: ‘EVENTUALLY, SHE WILL DIE AND AT HER GRAVE WILL BE MISS T20’
Yesterday’s early stoppage in play due to bad light and subsequent rain caused many to savage where Test cricket is headed, but Fox Cricket’s Kerry O’Keeffe took a more light-hearted approach to the matter.
O’Keeffe labelled himself a “devotee of Test cricket,” as the growth of franchise cricket and shorter-forms threaten a game that appears to some to be antiquated.
The former Test player himself said that T20 cricket will simply never have the history and stature of the longest form of the game.
"She doesn't need botox! She doesn't need filler!"
— Fox Cricket (@FoxCricket) January 4, 2024
Kerry compares Test Cricket and T20 Cricket in this wild monologue. 😂ðŸ˜
📺 Watch Day 3 #AUSvPak on Fox Cricket and Kayo Sports: https://t.co/VNpf5Xojhg
âœï¸ BLOG: https://t.co/ejMaDboVuT
🔢 MATCH CENTRE: https://t.co/yRfZUM8adDpic.twitter.com/zijrZsDHt4
8:45AM: KHAWAJA: WARNER WAS ORDERED TO GET IN PEOPLE’S FACES
-Lachlan McKirdy
David Warner sacrificed his own external image to be the antagonist for Australia in the early part of his career, according to his opening partner Usman Khawaja.
Warner’s penultimate innings in Test cricket ended on Thursday for 34 when he was dismissed before lunch on day two at the SCG.
While there are still more celebrations to come in “Warner Week”, Khawaja became emotional when he reflected on the career of a friend he has known for more than 30 years.
“I always love batting with Davey,” Khawaja said. “This series he has batted beautifully. too.
“He got that big 100 in the first game … it’s nice to see him leave on a high.
“He has been such an amazing cricketer for Australian cricket for so long, it’s nice for him to go out on his own terms in front of his home crowd.
“I couldn’t think of a better way for him to go and he’s still entertaining. Four off the first ball yesterday, he’s still doing it the Davey Warner way.”
With public perception still firmly split on Warner despite his record as one of Australia’s best openers, Khawaja offered a new take on the 37-year-old’s unique career.
Khawaja felt that while in the past he might have come off as aggressive and abrasive, often he was asked to play the attack dog role by the team and it didn’t reflect who he really was.
And since returning from his ban after Cape Town, Australian fans have finally had a chance to see the David Warner that Khawaja has known the entire time.
“For a long period of time, he was in people’s faces and doing stuff playing cricket,” Khawaja said. “But that wasn’t always Davey. He was also getting told to play a certain way by the coaching staff.
“If coaches or senior players asked him to get into the contest and sledge the other team, he’d do it. He’d always put himself second in those situations.
“He doesn’t have to go out and do it but he wants to do it because he wants to help the team and that’s how he felt like he had to help the team.
“You’ve seen a very different David Warner since he’s come back, after 2019 he’s been great. He’s scored runs. He’s done it his own way.
“You can tell he’s smiling a lot on the field. He’s doing it David Warner’s way, which has been really good to see in the last half of his career.”
8:00AM: SUN PEEKS OUT IN SYDNEY
Good morning, it’s 21 degrees and partly cloudy in Sydney!
Yesterday’s weather drama looks like it won’t be repeated on Day 3, with chances of showers lowering dramatically as the day progresses.
Play will start at 10am AEDT to make up for lost time.
FORMER AUSSIE SKIPPER BLASTS ‘TERRIBLE’ SCG WICKET
- Ben Horne
Usman Khawaja has come to the defence of the SCG pitch, after former Test captain Tim Paine slammed the wicket as “terrible.”
The Australian opener declared the surface to be the “perfect SCG wicket”, but his comments stood in stark contrast to the assessment of Paine, who doesn’t believe the Sydney pitch has improved from earlier in the season when he made damning comments following a Sheffield Shield game.
“The wicket it just looked terrible again. I don’t know what’s going on there. They were bowling balls on day one of a Test match and it was rolling,” Paine said on SEN.
“ … I can’t believe that, for day one of a Test match in Australia, the ball was rolling along the ground.”
Paine last month described a pitch which yielded 24 wickets in a single day as an “absolute disgrace” and “embarrassing.”
However, Khawaja, who grew up playing in Sydney, leapt to the defence of SCG curators and praised them for the surface served up for the Test match.
Khawaja believes the SCG has actually replicated the great Sydney pitches of old in this Test.
“I think this is as close to an SCG pitch that I grew up playing on,” Khawaja said after play on day two.
“Once that new ball got a shine off after 10 overs, it was quite a slow wicket and it spun a bit and the ball stayed low. And that’s what we want.
“That’s the SCG we grew up playing.
“I think that’s what we love about Australia, all the wickets aren’t the same.
“Yeah, if this was Perth or the Gabba then you’d be like, ‘Yeah, something’s not right here’.
“But this is the SCG. I think that’s a really good wicket out there. I think it’s a perfect SCG wicket out there.
“If we keep getting play on it, I expect it to deteriorate, it’s already taking turn. I think it’s a very good wicket.”
On Channel 7, former Australian Test bowler Trent Copeland revealed that there is a dead patch in the middle of the wicket due to the centre bounce area for Sydney Swans matches at the AFL.
Curators are powerless to do anything about the quirk of that patch in the pitch due to the traffic from AFL season.
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Originally published as Australia vs Pakistan: Josh Hazlewood runs riot on Day 3, sets up dream Warner farewell
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