By scoring his fourth fifty of the series in an 84-run stand with Alex Carey, Mitch Marsh made Pakistan pay a steep price for an early reprieve. In doing so, Australia reduced their first innings deficit to just 24. The session was in Australia’s control, although it was marked by two crucial wickets on Day 3, with Sajid Khan breaking the crucial partnership at the stroke of tea.
Marsh, who was batting on seven, was given a lifeline early in the afternoon session when Saim Ayub, making his debut for Pakistan, missed a mid-off chance despite diving forward. Marsh’s unblemished 43 runs added during the session brought the hosts perilously close to seizing the lead in the first innings.
Following the decline, Pakistan reintroduced Aamer Jamal for a final over with the old ball, and in his second over, the pacer confined Travis Head LBW on 10. Despite its examination, the Australian came to no avail. Having taken a wicket, the visitors initially opposed the newly introduced ball for over 11 overs before ultimately succumbing as their advantage gradually diminished to double digits.
Hasan Ali came close to giving Pakistan its second wicket of the session when he shared the new ball with Mir Hamza. However, Marsh immediately challenged the LBW verdict, knowing that the ball would have gone over the stumps. The fifty of his lively partnership with Carey was amassed through a textbook cover drive in the following over.
Marsh experienced a spell of good fortune as he amassed his fourth fifty in five innings, notwithstanding the stout top edge that met his attempted draw. Carey, however, was bowled through the gap by Sajid against the run of play, becoming the third Australian batsman this innings to fail to exploit his start and be dismissed in 30 seconds.
Brief scores:
Australia 289/6 (Marnus Labuschagne 60, Mitch Marsh 50*; Aamer Jamal 2-61) trail Pakistan by 24 runs
