The commencement of the post-lunch session on the third day of the Pak vs Aus second Test faced a delay when third umpire Richard Illingworth got stuck in an elevator.
Australian opener David Warner, batting at that time, found the reason amusing and couldn’t help but laugh at the unexpected delay. However, after a brief pause, the match resumed as Illingworth settled in the umpire’s box.
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In the game itself, Pakistan took control during the second innings by swiftly claiming four Australian wickets. Starting at 6-2 post-lunch, Mir Hamza’s consecutive wickets rattled the home side. David Warner (6) knocked one onto his stumps, while Travis Head (0) fell to a sharp inswinger.
Earlier on day three, Pakistan wrapped up their first innings at 264 in response to Australia’s 318. Cummins clinched 5-48, while Nathan Lyon took 4-73, limiting Australia’s lead to 54 runs.
Australia faced a challenging 15-minute stint before lunch, faltering to 6-2. Khawaja went for a duck, caught behind by Mohammad Rizwan off Shaheen Shah Afridi. The session concluded with Labuschagne caught down the legside for five, leaving David Warner unbeaten on one.
Pakistan appeared strong at 124-1 initially in their pursuit of Australia’s 318. However, a compelling performance by Cummins saw them collapse to 194-6 in the final session on Wednesday, and he remained influential on Thursday.
Following a 45-minute rain delay, Pakistan resumed their innings 124 runs behind with Rizwan on 29 and Aamer Jamal on two. Rizwan, chosen over Sarfaraz Ahmed for his batting skills, started confidently but fell victim to Cummins, caught by Warner at cover.
Rizwan departed for 42, ending a 45-run partnership with Jamal, who displayed some aggression alongside Afridi, chipping away at the lead. Afridi managed a spirited 21 but was eventually trapped lbw by Lyon.
Jamal, with 33 not out, showcased good form, striking the ball well. Cummins secured his fifth wicket, dismissing Hasan Ali for two. Lyon contributed by stumping Mir Hamza for two, claiming his 505th Test wicket.
