Australia declare innings, set Pakistan 450-run victory target
Cricket
Khawaja overcame a painful blow to his arm to anchor Australia, who moved into a formidable position
(Web Desk) – Australia on Sunday set Pakistan 450-run target for victory after declaring its second innings at 233 for five in the first cricket Test at Optus Stadium in Perth on the fourth day of the series-opening Test.
Captain Pat Cummins declared the innings after lunch when opener Usman Khawaja was removed by Shaheen Afridi for personal 90.
For Pakistan, Khurram bagged three wickets while Shaheen and Aamer Jamal got one apiece.
Khurram removed overnight batsman Steve Smith early for a 45.
Australia lost fourth wicket on 107 when Travis Head was caught off Aamer Jamal for 14.
PRE-LUNCH SESSION
Opener Usman Khawaja bravely battled through the first session after surviving hostile Pakistan pace bowling on a tough Optus Stadium surface as Australia built a strong lead on the fourth day of the series-opening Test.
Khawaja overcame a painful blow to his arm to anchor Australia, who moved into a formidable position. He added 79 runs with in-form all-rounder Mitchell Marsh as they thwarted Pakistan's attack.
All eyes after lunch will be on captain Pat Cummins with a declaration likely in the second session.
With the surface deteriorating, proving particularly difficult for batters combating deliveries rearing but also creeping low, Pakistan face a daunting task to avoid a 15th straight Test defeat in Australia.
With Australia resuming at 84 for 2, Khawaja and Steven Smith hoped to build on their 79-run partnership having survived a punishing short-ball assault late on day three.
Smith needed medical attention just before stumps on day three after a Shaheen Shah Afridi delivery whacked into his forearm. There was particular intrigue over how the pitch would behave as quicks Afridi and Khurram Shahzad concentrated on a short of a length.
Shahzad continued his impressive debut after trapping Smith lbw for 45. But Smith immediately reviewed and gestured that he thought the ball was going down the leg side. The DRS upheld the decision by the slimmest of margins with tracking confirming the ball would have clipped the bails.
Smith trudged off the ground desolate as Shahzad claimed his third wicket of the innings having also late on day three roughed up Marnus Labuschagne who had a fitness scare after being hit on his little finger. But a scan cleared Labuschagne of injury.
Travis Head, as expected, counterattacked and started with a fantastic straight drive to the boundary off Afridi. But the cavalier approach proved particularly risky on this surface and against accurate bowling from a Pakistan attack that improved significantly from a disappointing performance earlier in the match.
Head had a couple of close shaves before hitting debutant quick Aamer Jamal straight to cover in a rash stroke.
Jamal, who took six wickets in Australia's first innings, was on a roll and thought he had Marsh caught behind on the first delivery. But DRS upheld the not out decision with the ball brushing Marsh's forearm.
The fireworks in the over continued when Jamal, bowling from around the wicket, had Khawaja lbw with a delivery that crept low. But the review showed the impact was just outside the line as Khawaja shouldered on.
Khawaja was soon in agony after copping a short length delivery from Jamal on his arm. It was reminiscent of the blows taken by Labuschagne and Smith, but Khawaja continued after receiving medical attention.
Having made 90 in Australia's first innings, Marsh batted confidently and took a liking to spinner Salman Ali Agha with a six down the ground. But facing pace bowling continued to be tough with Marsh hit on the helmet by another ferocious short delivery from Jamal.
Marsh continued, but was lucky to still be at the crease when skipper Shan Masood dropped a straightforward chance at mid-off when he was on 23.
Khawaja battled away and reached his half-century in a dogged performance having come into the match under the spotlight after not being allowed to wear shoes which expressed humanitarian views.
Khawaja may look to score quicker after lunch alongside Marsh as Australia ponder a declaration. – Courtesy ESPNcricinfo
