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Despite a challenging start on the first day of the third Test at Sydney on Wednesday (January 3), Pakistan managed to post a total of 313 runs in their first innings. Pat Cummins played a pivotal role in early setbacks for Pakistan, capitalizing on their struggles in the first two sessions of the opening day. However, resilient performances from wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan (88) and Aamer Jamal (82) allowed the visitors to mount a comeback, in spite of Cummins achieving his consecutive third five-fer in as many innings. As for Australia, they closed the day at 6/0 with only one over bowled.
Mohammad Rizwan’s flourish and Pat Cummins’ dominance
Earlier, facing the formidable Australian pace trio of Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins, Pakistan’s top order struggled, losing both openers for ducks. Cummins wreaked havoc, dismissing Babar Azam (26) with a fiery inswinger and quickly removing Saud Shakeel (5).
Nevertheless, Rizwan and Salman Ali Agha (53) showcased resilience, counter-attacking the Australian bowlers to construct a vital 94-run partnership for the sixth wicket. Rizwan, in particular, displayed fluent strokes but fell victim to Cummins, missing out on a well-deserved century. Cummins, continuing his impressive form, seemed poised for another fౠive-wicket haul as he dismantled the lower order.
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Aamer Jamal and Mir Hamza’s remarkable last-wicket stand
Yet, the unexpected resilience of the last-wicket duo, Jamal and Mir Hamza, surpassed all expectations. Jamal’s essential boundaries and Hamza’s unwavering defensive prowess became apparent. The last -wicket partnership created frustration among the Australian bowlers, accentuated by a couple of dropped catches off Jamal. The tenacious partnership concluded when Jamal was caught in the deep off Nathan Lyon after contributing 82 runs.
Regardless of the challenges, Pakistan’s determined effort resulted in a competitive total on the scoreboard. Australia’s openers encountered only one challenging over before play was halted for the day.
Here’s how Twitter reacted:
꧒Brilliant fightback by Pakistan! Aamer Jamal and Rizwan both were simply sensational. Also a han꧑dy Knock from Salman 👏🏻
— RottenPotato (@AvadaxKedavara)
Love the fighting sp🐈irit Pakistan have shown again today .. Such a good team to watch ..
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan)
Finally the last wicket falls. Lyon gets it. Horrifically bad 90 minutes for the Aussies. That’s potentially cost them the match. Need to get those runs back 🥃and can’t chew up time.
— Rory Burnside (@RoryBurnside)
While the pitch appears to be a belter, the scoreboard doesn't tell the whole story, especially against Australia's batting and without Shaheen leading the attack. The top order falter remains a frustrating mystery.
— z. (@sunflowerbbyx_)
Start an Aamer Jamal𒊎 fan-club already. So much heart &꧒amp; so much spirit
— Bharat Sundaresan (@beastieboy07)
Rizwan's was brilliant, Salman's was superb…but I've enjoyed Aamer Jamal's maiden test half century the most. A clinic in farming the strike and frustrating the opposition. And invaluable runs at the end of the innings. A breakthrough series for this young man…
— Aatif Nawaz (@AatifNawaz)
Excellent batting by Aamer Jamal and Mohammad Rizwan today. Sadly both missed out on de📖ser𒀰ving centuries. Over to the bowlers now!
— Wajahat Kazmi (@KazmiWajahat)
Aamer Jamal has been find of the Australian tour. That's one hell of an innings. Alongside Rizwan and Agha, Pakistan has posted a decent total after losing top order cheaply!
— Basit Subhani (@BasitSubhani)
One normal day of Australia bowling at the tail
— Daniel Cherny (@DanielCherny)
Sohail Khan in 2016, Yasir Shaꦍh scored 100 during last tour and now Ja🍌mal reaching 50. Every series a Pakistani bowler bats better than frontline batter in Australia 🤣
— Prithvi (@Puneite_)
Day 1 definitely belongs to Pakistan. Cummins takes 6 but got his tactics ✨completely wrong today. Interesting cricket ahead
— Ryan Adamson (@radamson15)
Some day of test cricket that.
— Paul Persic (@Paul_Persic97)
A sensational opening day of 3rd Test ends 🔥
Scorecard:— betvisa68.com (@CricketTimesHQ)
A great day of cricket!
Australia survive one over before stumps
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau)
