PERTH – Pakistan were dismissed for 271 in their first innings with Australia taking a lead of 216 runs on the third day of the first Test being played in Perth.
Opening batsman Imamul Haq was top scorer for Pakistan as he made 62 off 199 balls. Abdullah Shafique made42, meanwhile captain Shan Masood added 30 runs. Babar Azam was dismissed for 21.
Saud Shakeel scored 28 while no one from tail order could perform well.
On Friday, Pakistan managed to post 132-2 after batting 53 overs and trailed by 355 runs at close of play.
Abdullah Shafique and Imam-ul-Haq gave Pakistan a solid start with an opening stand that yielded 74 runs. Abdullah was the first Pakistan batter to return to the pavilion. He was caught at leg slip by David Warner off Lyon’s bowling.
Shan Masood, playing his first Test as captain, was the next batter in. He took charge from the get-go, getting off the mark with a boundary on the second ball he faced. He batted briskly to make 30 off 43, including five boundaries, before he was caught behind off Starc’s bowling.
Khurram (7 not out, 18b, 1×4), who walked in to bat as a night-watchman in the 50th over, accompanied Imam (38 not out, 136b, 3x4s) at the crease till close of play on day two.
