High fives for Hazlewood.Credit:Getty
Pakistan:7-67 (Rizwan 5*,Jamal 0*) lead by 81 runs
Ten minutes before stumps,a rush of blood for Shakeel as Josh Hazlewood returns to the attack. It’s floated up outside off stump,not much more than a loosener and he throws his hands at the wide ball. No footwork,poor shot,and all he does is edge it to Steve Smith.
Sajid Khan to the crease as a nightwatchman. He too flashes at his first ball. He won’t last long with that.
And he doesn’t. I’m hardly Nostradamus though,Khan looked a sitting duck. And he departs for one.
Length ball from Hazlewood is chopped on and suddenly Pakistan are six down and drowning. They’ve lost 4-9 since Ayub was spun out by Lyon.
Pakistan:6-67 (Rizwan 5*,Salman 0*) lead by 81 runs
There’s the golden arm. Travis Head spins one past the bat of Babar Azam. It feathers the outside edge and Alex Carey takes a smart catch behind the stumps. That’s a telling breakthrough.
And let’s just take stock of Travis Head:bowling part-time offspin,wearing sunglasses and a sweater,with a serious caterpillar above his top lip and dismissing the opposition’s best batter,one of the most dominant in the world for the past five years. Shucks,I’d vote for him.
Travis Head is off to the races.Credit:Getty
Pakistan now four down and once again the Test could be turning.
Twenty minutes left until stumps. Mohammad Rizwan to the crease and he thumps three with a sweep shot straight away. If Australia can knock over Rizwan quickly this is their game given the damage he can do.
Pakistan:4-63 (Azam 23,Shakeel 0*) lead by 77 runs
Travis Head might have the golden arm but Nathan Lyon has the wicket - Saim Ayub given out LBW,though he does send it up for review.
Ayub’s was drawn onto the front foot and hit absolutely plumb in front. Only thing that will save him is some bat and we’re not seeing any hint of an edge. Replays confirm it,Ball-tracking has this hitting halfway up middle and leg.
Victory for Nathan Lyon.Credit:Getty
An entertaining innings from the youngster ends on 33. Wasted review to be honest. Saud Shakeel to the crease - he also arrived in Australia with big expectations but hasn’t bene able to do much this series.
Pakistan:3-58 (Ayub 33,Azam 21*) lead by 73 runs
Nathan Lyon looking dangerous on this pitch even if he’s bowling quicker than usual. Mark Waugh and Kerry O’Keeffe both concerned in commentary and they’re not wrong when they say he’s been a tad down on form since returning from injury.
He’s got Azam prodding to start his third over and there’s a big shout for caught behind. It’s turned down by the umpire but Australia review. Hot Spot shows nothing and it’s the same on Snicko - Australia lose that DRS call.
Lyon’s sending them down up around 93-95 km/hr so far on an admittedly slower pitch. In this second innings.
For a long time he’s done his best work around 88 km/hr with extra loop and drift. And now,Travis ‘Golden Arm’ Head comes into the attack.
Lyon asks the question.Credit:AP
Pakistan:2-56 (Ayub 31*,Azam 21*) lead by 70 runs
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