Younis, Azhar steady Pakistan after another trying day

Peter Handscomb’s second Test century continued Australia’s domination of the third Test but resolute Pakistani batting late on day two (January 4) ensured the tourists showcased some much needed fight in Sydney.

On a flat SCG pitch, with minimal turn or movement for the bowlers, Pakistan finished with 126 for 2, with Younis Khan 64 not out and Azhar Ali unbeaten on 58, in reply to Australia’s 538 for 8 declared, highlighted by Handscomb’s stellar 110. The Victorian became just the second Australian to notch up 50 in each of his first four Tests and now sports an astounding average of 89.75.

Coming together before Tea with Pakistan teetering at 6 for 2, after four overs, Younis and Azhar batted resolutely in the final session and were mostly untroubled apart from a couple of shoddy running between the wickets, which almost proved fatal.

David Warner, Australia’s vice-captain and pocket rocket fielder, had two chances to conjure a run-out but missed both times. In a major mix-up when on 12 and Pakistan 21 for 2, Azhar was halfway down the pitch before getting sent back but Warner badly missed at the bowler’s end despite having three stumps to aim at.

Shortly after, Warner had an opportunity to run out Younis (then on 32) but once again missed the stumps albeit by a narrower margin on this occasion. With the pitch ideal for batting, Younis – who has been struggling during this series – rediscovered his sublime form with several flowing drives piercing the field, particularly off off-spinner Nathan Lyon.

Azhar, Pakistan’s redoubtable opener, continued his stellar form with an impeccable defence and picking off any loose deliveries; it was another indication of his growing standing at his team’s best batsman.

Pakistan’s reply started on a disastrous note when they lost two wickets in the fourth over with Josh Hazelwood (2 for 32 from 11 overs) snaring debutant Sharjeel Khan (4) and struggling No.3 Babar Azam, who departed for an inglorious four-ball duck.

A highly attacking batsman but one with a faltering first class record, Sharjeel wafted at a wide Hazelwood delivery and nicked to slip, while Babar was trapped LBW by a full delivery.

Earlier in the day, Australian opener Matt Renshaw was poised for a double century after starting on 167 but in an anti-climax, he was bowled by Imran Khan within the opening 30 minutes. It ended a 142-run partnership with Handscomb, perhaps foreshadowing Australia’s future with the pair looking like batting mainstays.

After a lengthy wait, Hilton Cartwright’s initiation into Test cricket loomed as tricky but the Western Australian allrounder handled the situation with aplomb by dispatching his first delivery to the cover boundary with an exquisite stroke.

In a familiar sight throughout the series, Pakistan’s attack was toothless with the exception of the hardworking Imran (2 for 111 off 27 overs), who hit back after a horrid opening day. With legspinner Yasir Shah struggling due to a back injury and spearhead Mohammad Amir enduring a disappointing performance, Pakistan were unable to stymie the runs, which didn’t come at a furious pace like the previous day but, nonetheless, were trickling along with ease.

Just before lunch, Younis’ horrid series at slip continued when he dropped Cartwright but it didn’t prove costly with the debutant perishing shortly after resumption when a brilliant Imran in-swinger went through his defence.

In another welcome sign for Australia’s future, Cartwright and Handscomb combined for a fifth-wicket partnership of 91 runs. Handscomb’s highly impressive start to his Test career continued, showcasing a stout defence fused with an ability to cleverly rotate the strike and hit bad balls to the boundary.

Approaching his century, Handscomb suddenly was struck by the nervous nineties as he mishit several strokes but, eventually, he notched his second century to continue the golden start to his Test career.

Handscomb was in imperious touch as his Test average ballooned past 100 but, fittingly, only the bizarre ended his sublime innings. Going deep into his crease, Handscomb stretched out to hit the ball but his bat swing grazed the leg stump and the bail came off. It was a strange way to end such a brilliant knock but the damage had been already done as Pakistan seemingly had checked out of the contest.

Looking for quick runs, a slew of wickets prompted Australia’s declaration half-an-hour before the Tea break. Gritty Pakistani batting, something they desperately needed on the final day in Melbourne, has provided some hope that this Test isn’t a foregone Australian victory.

Brief Scores: Australia 538/8 decl. (Matt Renshaw 184, David Warner 113, Peter Handscomb 110; Wahab Riaz 3-89) lead Pakistan 126/2 (Younis Khan 64*, Azhar Ali 58*; Josh Hazlewood 2-32) by 412 runs.