NEW DELHI: Pakistan endured a disastrous start to the third Test in Sydney on Wednesday, finding themselves in a precarious position as Australia seized control in their quest for a series clean sweep.
At lunch, the tourists were reeling at 75 for four, with skipper Shan Masood on 32 and wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan on 12. Pat Cummins proved to be the thorn in Pakistan's side, claiming 2-16 from five overs.
Scorecard: Australia vs Pakistan, 3rd Test
The morning session belonged to the Australians, determined to send off 37-year-old opening batsman David Warner on a winning note in his 112th and final Test match, held in his hometown.
Despite winning the toss, Pakistan lost both openers Abdullah Shafique and debutant Saim Ayub within the first two overs. Shafique departed on the second ball of Mitchell Starc's opening over, playing a loose drive and offering a catch to Steve Smith at second slip for a duck. Ayub's Test debut was short-lived, lasting only two balls before falling to a Josh Hazlewood outswinger, caught behind by Alex Carey.
With Pakistan at a precarious four for two, Babar Azam briefly resisted with some elegant cover drives, reaching 26 before being dismissed just before the first-hour drinks break. Cummins' lbw appeal against Azam was initially turned down, but a successful review left Pakistan struggling at 39 for three.
Saud Shakeel faced a challenging delivery from Cummins that struck him on the collarbone, and in the next over, he prodded a catch behind to Carey for five. The wickets kept falling, leaving Pakistan at 75 for four at lunch.
Australia had already clinched the three-match series with a tense 79-run win in the second Test in Melbourne over the Christmas period.
As the Sydney Test unfolds, Pakistan face an uphill battle to recover and avoid a series whitewash at the hands of the dominant Australian side.
(With inputs from AFP)
