Pak vs Aus: Australia Dominates with Commanding Lead as Pakistan Falters in Perth Test
In a display of collective bowling prowess, Australia’s bowlers thwarted Nathan Lyon’s quest for his 500th wicket as Pakistan succumbed for 271 in their first innings during the ongoing first Test at Perth Cricket Stadium on Saturday.
Australia, holding a substantial 300-run lead on day three, showcased a formidable performance with Lyon taking 3-66 but narrowly missing his milestone. The batting responsibility for Pakistan fell on Imam-ul-Haq, who top-scored with 62 in their 101.5 overs.
Opting not to enforce the follow-on, Australia concluded the day at 84-2 from 33 overs after posting an imposing 487 in their initial innings.
Australian paceman Josh Hazlewood, who contributed with 1-49, commented, “I think batting looked really tough there at the end. As the game goes along, I think the cracks will come more into play.”
Starting the day at 132-2, Pakistan faced an early scare when Khurram Shahzad almost fell victim to a run-out, but skipper Pat Cummins (2-35) averted further damage by dismissing the nightwatchman (7) two deliveries later.
Imam’s uncharacteristic dismissal, dancing past a Lyon delivery to get stumped by Alex Carey, triggered a collapse before lunch, resulting in three quick wickets lost for 14 runs.
Despite some resistance from Agha Salman (28 not out), Lyon’s second stumping for wicket 499 came when Aamer Jamal (10) fell. Part-time spinner Travis Head concluded the Pakistan innings by drawing Shaheen Afridi into a slog-sweep, caught by Usman Khawaja at mid-on.
In the post-tea session, Australia faced a brief setback as first-inning centurion David Warner fell for a duck and Marnus Labuschagne for two. Shahzad’s double-strike injected some spice into the contest as pacers Shahzad and Afridi displayed increased hostility in their second effort.
Khawaja and Steve Smith, however, steadied the ship, ending the day unbeaten at 34 and 43, respectively, as Australia asserted its dominance in the first Test at Perth.
