In the third Test between Australia and Pakistan at Sydney, Aamir Jamal’s remarkable bowling display, securing six wickets for 69 runs, helped Pakistan claim a narrow first-innings lead on Friday. However, Australia’s Josh Hazlewood swung the momentum back in their favor with four crucial wickets in the penultimate over of the day, leaving Pakistan at 68-7 with an 82-run lead.
Mohammad Rizwan (6 not out) and Aamir Jamal (yet to score) will resume on Saturday, aiming to set a challenging fourth-innings target for Australia on a deteriorating pitch.
Hazlewood expressed the difficulty of the chase, saying, “It’s quite tough, (a chase of) under 100 would be outstanding but anything under 130 would be ideal.”
Despite the annual Jane McGrath charity day packing Sydney Cricket Ground, the early action remained subdued. Pakistan’s bowlers created pressure, and Australia, resuming on 166 for two, took its time in pursuit of the tourists’ 313. Steve Smith (38) and Marnus Labuschagne (60) fell before lunch, while Jamal removed Travis Head and Sajid Khan dismissed Alex Carey to leave Australia at 289-6.
Australia seemed set for a first-innings lead, but Jamal’s brilliance after the tea break secured his second six-wicket haul of the series. He removed Mitchell Marsh, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Nathan Lyon in quick succession as Australia lost its last four wickets for 10 runs, being dismissed for 299, trailing by 14 runs.
Jamal, playing only his third Test, expressed his pride, stating, “I’m over the moon, proud to be representing my country at this level.”
Conclusion:
Despite Australia already winning the series in Perth and Melbourne, the Sydney Test remains crucial, especially with David Warner’s farewell match at his home ground. Pakistan faces a challenging task to end their 16-match losing streak in Tests in Australia since their last win in 1995. The post-tea session saw a swift decline in Pakistan’s innings, losing key wickets, and Australia aims to capitalize on this momentum heading into the final two days of the series.
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