Australia v Pakistan: Boxing Day Test, day three – live | Australia cricket team

We shot our wrap of yesterday’s play within the MCC Library, by the best way, in order for you a take a look at that august establishment. It is a real cricket nerd treasure trove in there, there’s an exhibition for the time being of some great outdated paperwork, together with the primary dictionary to say the phrase ‘cricket’, and a few enormous blown-up copies of the Sarfraz Nawaz scorecard from the well-known 9-for.

Two early wickets, so Smith will start with Warner after the break. Pakistan buoyant. Can they maintain this coming?

third over: Australia 6-2 (Warner 1) Last ball earlier than lunch, are you able to imagine that!

They set him up for it, and it really works on the final gasp. Shaheen’s second ball of the over has swing once more, into Labuschagne, who manages an inside edge for 4, one ball after he practically gloves one other try down the leg facet. Slip and leg slip in place, and that’s the place they need him to play. Shaheen bowls too huge of leg fro the fourth ball, then too huge of off. But together with his final alternative he will get it simply on that leg stump line, and Labuschagne tries to look however can’t meet up with the swing, edging it by means of and Rizwan erupts!

2nd over: Australia 2-1 (Warner 1, Labuschagne 0) Decent over from Hamza, retains Warner quiet and makes him play at most of these balls, however can’t draw an error. Shan Masood is tweaking the sector continuously. One extra over till lunch.

1st over: Australia 2-1 (Warner 1, Labuschagne 0) First ball to Labuschagne, beats him handsomely too, shaping in after which seaming away from the right-hander this time. Gets too straight subsequent ball and Labuschagne can get pad in the best way exterior leg stump and take an additional. Warner digs out a swinging yorker, then dabs away a single behind level.

That’s the best begin! Second ball of the innings, Shaheen comes left-arm over, angles it in the direction of the stumps, swings it away, and kisses the sting of the bat. Wonderful new-ball bowling, that’s what Shaheen has struggled to realize to date in Australia. Scrambles off the seam after it swings, at simply the best size.

Australia to face a few overs earlier than lunch…

Australia blissful to have wrapped up Pakistan, however 54 isn’t an enormous lead, the guests have achieved properly to haul it again to one thing manageable. They will nonetheless must bowl very properly to remain on this recreation, however that might have been the case had they been 50 in entrance. Batting final right here will probably be arduous. Australia in one of the best place, clearly.

73.4 overs: Pakistan 264 (Jamal 33) Last-wicket stand, so Jamal goes laaaaarge! Charges Lyon and belts him manner over midwicket for six. Not simply over the rope, into the gang. You must hit them enormous on the MCG and he does. Tries once more subsequent ball, and will get fortunate. Cummins has pushed Travis Head out to that very same spot, and a flat shot is spilt on the market. Jamal has run a single, and should remorse that, as Hamza swings on the subsequent ball and misses. Has dragged his toe out of his floor as he will get down on one knee, and Carey has the bails off.

73rd over: Pakistan 257-9 (Jamal 26, Hamza 2) Mir Hamza will get off the mark with a sliced two. Cummins 5 for 48. Pakistan down by 61.

Five wickets for Pat Cummins, and that’s gold-class quick bowling.

Does begin with a bouncer, Hasan not having to do a lot because it goes down leg. Beats the skin edge with the following one, Hasan pushing at it. Couple of slips in, and Smith nearly has a catch as Cummins will get the ball to rear! Horrible supply. Hasan Ali is aware of nothing about it, he’s wanting on the sky having yanked his head away as that ball crushes his gloves. The padding takes simply sufficient tempo off it to make it fall brief. Then the fifth ball of the over goes straight by means of, severe inward jag off the pitch once more. Hasan isn’t certain what to play, he’s hanging again, then pushes his arms down the road of the ball in a useless try at defence. But nowhere close to it, and it hits the skin curve of the off stump.

72nd over: Pakistan 255-8 (Jamal 26, Hasan 2) Doing his bit is Hasan Ali, nudging one as an alternative of attempting a glory shot. And Jamal goes at Lyon too, a half step in the direction of the pitch and smacks it over midwicket. The ball goes squarer than he meant however nonetheless picks up 4. Then he pulls out the reverse sweep! Only will get one as Starc dives properly at backward level, however an fascinating shot.

Pakistan behind by 63. Pat Cummins is coming again on, eight overs in need of the second new ball, 4 wickets in his pocket. Bumpers coming?

71st over: Pakistan 250-8 (Jamal 22, Hasan 1) At eight down, Jamal decides it’s time to go. Drives Starc sq. to start with, not solely managed however will get it previous gully and away to the fence. Then will get his entrance foot out of the best way and cannons an on drive down the bottom! Serious hit, alongside the turf for 4. That’s with a few singles to make it 10 from the over, and 68 behind.

seventieth over: Pakistan 240-8 (Jamal 13, Hasan 0) Eight down. Hasan Ali can bat, smashed a first-class ton within the Qaid comp a couple of years in the past, as a lot as that was a one-off. A really dangerous counterattacking form of innings, it was, and he got here off. But he can smash runs for shorter intervals extra recurrently, he’s hit 20 sixes and is in his twenty third Test. Blocks his first 4 balls immediately.

Lyon 3 for 61.

Off spin 101 from Lyon. Around the wicket, beats the sting of a ahead grope from Shaheen, the left-hander with the off break turning away. Then bowls a straight one which hits him in keeping with off stump, the batter on the again foot awkwardly attempting to get bat on it throughout the road. Hits him on the pad flap but it surely’s the again leg, so Shaheen’s evaluation simply exhibits it hitting the highest of off stump.

69th over: Pakistan 240-7 (Jamal 13, Shaheen 21) Nailed by Shaheen! That’s a superb shot, will get on the entrance canine and clouts Starc out by means of the covers. Not the elegant timing sort, extra the give-it-everything sort. Similar strategy as he swings throughout the road and will get a high edge over Carey. Four extra! Steve Smith from slip collects the ball after which stays on the fence, a really high-quality deep third somewhat than a real lengthy cease behind the keeper. Next, a single to midwicket. “Good batting, good batting,” rumble the knowledgable.

That’s Shaheen’s highest Test rating, and the hole between the groups is right down to 78.

68th over: Pakistan 231-7 (Jamal 13, Shaheen 12) Lyon to Jamal, two by means of cowl. Then beats the sting after which takes it in consecutive deliveries, however into the bottom. Slip and leg slip. Jamal drives at width however on the bounce to cowl this time. Drinks, with Pakistan behind by 87 runs.

67th over: Pakistan 229-7 (Jamal 11, Shaheen 12) Starc on for Cummins now, that long term in. Just one slip with this older ball, in addition to a gully and a brief leg standing a couple of paces again for Shaheen. Left-arm over the wicket to left-hand bat. Mostly defends, however will get shocked by a brief ball that doesn’t stand up and slams him on the gloves. He’s okay.

66th over: Pakistan 229-7 (Jamal 11, Shaheen 12) Vegemite on toast! Talk a couple of smear, Shaheen will get down on one knee and swipes Lyon over midwicket for an additional bouncing boundary. Unconvincing but it surely works this time.

sixty fifth over: Pakistan 223-7 (Jamal 10, Shaheen 7) A run going high-quality for Shaheen. Jamal goals a extra highly effective swing at Cummins however solely will get one to high-quality leg. Cummins across the wicket to Shaheen, in on the pads however the Pakistani paceman retains it out.

sixty fourth over: Pakistan 221-7 (Jamal 9, Shaheen 6) There goes Shaheen! Lyon again on, and the tall left-hander shuffles down and smears him over mid on. Not by a lot, however will get 4. Keeps the strike too with a push sq.. The deficit is down into double figures.

63rd over: Pakistan 216-7 (Jamal 9, Shaheen 1) So it’s Shaheen Shah Afridi at 9, which is simply too excessive for him actually, he’s a slapper of the ball greater than a participant of precise innings. Can lump a few sixes earlier than he hits one up within the air, however the latter comes alongside quickly sufficient. Starts with a mild run off the hip immediately. Now to Jamal – does he look to advance the scoring from right here, because the extra achieved batter? Not to that ball, which seams sharply, goes over leg stump, swings after it passes, and practically beats Carey who stops it on the bounce huge to his left. That went miles off the straight. Jamal geese the shorter one to comply with. Cummins 4 for 44 to date.

There he goes. Did the shortage of strike play a component? Misreads the tempo off the pitch, should like Shafique yesterday. Sees a driveable size huge of the stumps, throws his arms by means of the road of the ball. Cummins has two covers in place, Warner squarer and nearer, and Rizwan is simply too early on the shot, half sliced, straight into these dependable arms for the 89th catch of Warner’s Test profession.

62nd over: Pakistan 215-6 (Rizwan 42, Jamal 9) A shot! A shot from Jamal. Gets strike after Rizwan’s look, and lays right into a pull in opposition to Hazlewood. Leathers it properly in entrance of sq.. Then takes a run to mid off and once more flirts with a second as Marnus strains up the stumps. Labuschagne is without doubt one of the greatest floor fielders on the planet lately, you possibly can’t take him on. Rizwan pulls behind sq. to maintain the strike. The deficit is right down to 103.

61st over: Pakistan 208-6 (Rizwan 40, Jamal 4) There it’s, not fairly within the groove is Rizwan – performs it out previous cowl, takes the primary, by no means a second however he takes off. Jamal sends him again. Labuschagne once more quick in eliminating the ball, and his throw from midway to the boundary at cowl solely simply misses as Rizwan dives in. Would have been a 3rd umpire forensic job had it hit.

Australia with a leg slip in for Jamal now, and he’s undecided about his ducking approach anymore. Turns and will get hit by a brief ball behind the shoulder. But then will get the chook out once more to get underneath Cummins, and once more Cummins needs the toe of the bat. Hands on head. Gets a leg bye, Rizwan one other run.

sixtieth over: Pakistan 205-6 (Rizwan 38, Jamal 4) A barely completely different duck from Jamal, twisting to his left somewhat than bowing straight at Hazlewood, however the periscope is up once more and it’s near the ball once more. Blocks the total ball to shut the over and Rizwan will see some bowling subsequent.

59th over: Pakistan 205-6 (Rizwan 38, Jamal 4) He’s hogging the strike! Beaten by Cummins a few instances, however Jamal glances a run from the fifth ball of the over. He’s doing loads of leaving. Good temperament in help. You simply surprise if this day trip of the motion will unbalance Rizwan, who began so productively.

58th over: Pakistan 204-6 (Rizwan 38, Jamal 3) Rizwan pulls a run first ball, blissful to provide Jamal the strike, and there’s much more ducking. I feel the Australians have an interest on this periscope bat state of affairs. Josh Hazlewood additionally has an “oooh” to himself after his brief ball on off stump doesn’t miss the bat by a lot. Jamal pushes away a run to level to finish the over.

57th over: Pakistan 202-6 (Rizwan 37, Jamal 2) Having saved strike, Rizwan launches a bottom-handed drive arduous at mid off and may’t rating. Cummins opening proceedings for the day. Hits the following one by means of cowl on the up, diagonal bat, and is considering of working 4 however Labuschagne removes the ball so rapidly after sliding into its path at deep cowl. Three runs, Jamal on strike and he dips down just like the wood chook that fills in for Homer on the energy plant, leaning ahead on the waist to go underneath the ball. Only downside is that his motion leaves the bat poking up within the air behind him, and Cummins practically nicks the toe of it with that brief ball. The look on the bowler’s face, he knew it was shut. Hard dismissal to plan for.

56th over: Pakistan 199-6 (Rizwan 34, Jamal 2) Like many a long-distance swimmer, Hazlewood is straight within the channel. Rizwan is blissful to go fishing in these waters, twice reaching out to steer Hazlewood away for 2. Then thwacks throughout the road with a cross-bat shot off the entrance foot to get a mistimed underneath edge behind sq. for one run.

Revised begin is 10:45am, which is 25 minutes away. So half an hour early turns into quarter-hour late.

The hessian covers are coming off the pitch now.

I feel it’ll cross over fairly rapidly.

Well, I used to be too optimistic. Bit of misty drizzle has are available in over the MCG, so our early begin will now be a late begin.

Or it’s another variety of minutes that I’m but to find out. Anyway, we’ll be on quickly.

Remember we begin half an hour early to make up for the rain on day one. Which is in 4 minutes. So stand by.

Meanwhile, Andy Bull has pulled collectively the votes for our Guardian males’s Test team of the 12 months. Thoughts?

Here is the wires report on yesterday’s day of play.

Preamble

Geoff Lemon

Good (Australian) morning, Christmas bike gang. I say that as a result of I assume that you’ve got all obtained bikes for Christmas, and by now you may have put in the pedals and lights and reflectors and you’re able to cruise round your neighbourhoods in a giant OBO phalanx.

Day three in Melbourne has dawned cloudy and boring to date, however not a lot in the best way of rain predicted or evident, so with a bit of luck we get the total day once more. It simply gained’t be the gold and blue color scheme of yesterday. Wonder if it would do something to assist bowlers. Australia’s quicks have been actually good yesterday after Nathan Lyon acquired the primary wicket, particularly Pat Cummins together with his burst that took out the well-set Abdullah Shafique earlier than Babar Azam.

Pakistan slid a good distance after that, from 124 to 1 all the best way to 170 for six. By stumps that rating was as much as 194, with Rizwan to renew on 29 and Aamer Jamal on 2. They have loads of work to do with their team nonetheless 124 behind.

Let’s see what they’ll do.

We shot our wrap of yesterday’s play within the MCC Library, by the best way, in order for you a take a look at that august establishment. It is a real cricket nerd treasure trove in there, there’s an exhibition for the time being of some great outdated paperwork, together with the primary dictionary to say the phrase ‘cricket’, and a few enormous blown-up copies of the Sarfraz Nawaz scorecard from the well-known 9-for.

Two early wickets, so Smith will start with Warner after the break. Pakistan buoyant. Can they maintain this coming?

third over: Australia 6-2 (Warner 1) Last ball earlier than lunch, are you able to imagine that!

They set him up for it, and it really works on the final gasp. Shaheen’s second ball of the over has swing once more, into Labuschagne, who manages an inside edge for 4, one ball after he practically gloves one other try down the leg facet. Slip and leg slip in place, and that’s the place they need him to play. Shaheen bowls too huge of leg fro the fourth ball, then too huge of off. But together with his final alternative he will get it simply on that leg stump line, and Labuschagne tries to look however can’t meet up with the swing, edging it by means of and Rizwan erupts!

2nd over: Australia 2-1 (Warner 1, Labuschagne 0) Decent over from Hamza, retains Warner quiet and makes him play at most of these balls, however can’t draw an error. Shan Masood is tweaking the sector continuously. One extra over till lunch.

1st over: Australia 2-1 (Warner 1, Labuschagne 0) First ball to Labuschagne, beats him handsomely too, shaping in after which seaming away from the right-hander this time. Gets too straight subsequent ball and Labuschagne can get pad in the best way exterior leg stump and take an additional. Warner digs out a swinging yorker, then dabs away a single behind level.

That’s the best begin! Second ball of the innings, Shaheen comes left-arm over, angles it in the direction of the stumps, swings it away, and kisses the sting of the bat. Wonderful new-ball bowling, that’s what Shaheen has struggled to realize to date in Australia. Scrambles off the seam after it swings, at simply the best size.

Australia to face a few overs earlier than lunch…

Australia blissful to have wrapped up Pakistan, however 54 isn’t an enormous lead, the guests have achieved properly to haul it again to one thing manageable. They will nonetheless must bowl very properly to remain on this recreation, however that might have been the case had they been 50 in entrance. Batting final right here will probably be arduous. Australia in one of the best place, clearly.

73.4 overs: Pakistan 264 (Jamal 33) Last-wicket stand, so Jamal goes laaaaarge! Charges Lyon and belts him manner over midwicket for six. Not simply over the rope, into the gang. You must hit them enormous on the MCG and he does. Tries once more subsequent ball, and will get fortunate. Cummins has pushed Travis Head out to that very same spot, and a flat shot is spilt on the market. Jamal has run a single, and should remorse that, as Hamza swings on the subsequent ball and misses. Has dragged his toe out of his floor as he will get down on one knee, and Carey has the bails off.

73rd over: Pakistan 257-9 (Jamal 26, Hamza 2) Mir Hamza will get off the mark with a sliced two. Cummins 5 for 48. Pakistan down by 61.

Five wickets for Pat Cummins, and that’s gold-class quick bowling.

Does begin with a bouncer, Hasan not having to do a lot because it goes down leg. Beats the skin edge with the following one, Hasan pushing at it. Couple of slips in, and Smith nearly has a catch as Cummins will get the ball to rear! Horrible supply. Hasan Ali is aware of nothing about it, he’s wanting on the sky having yanked his head away as that ball crushes his gloves. The padding takes simply sufficient tempo off it to make it fall brief. Then the fifth ball of the over goes straight by means of, severe inward jag off the pitch once more. Hasan isn’t certain what to play, he’s hanging again, then pushes his arms down the road of the ball in a useless try at defence. But nowhere close to it, and it hits the skin curve of the off stump.

72nd over: Pakistan 255-8 (Jamal 26, Hasan 2) Doing his bit is Hasan Ali, nudging one as an alternative of attempting a glory shot. And Jamal goes at Lyon too, a half step in the direction of the pitch and smacks it over midwicket. The ball goes squarer than he meant however nonetheless picks up 4. Then he pulls out the reverse sweep! Only will get one as Starc dives properly at backward level, however an fascinating shot.

Pakistan behind by 63. Pat Cummins is coming again on, eight overs in need of the second new ball, 4 wickets in his pocket. Bumpers coming?

71st over: Pakistan 250-8 (Jamal 22, Hasan 1) At eight down, Jamal decides it’s time to go. Drives Starc sq. to start with, not solely managed however will get it previous gully and away to the fence. Then will get his entrance foot out of the best way and cannons an on drive down the bottom! Serious hit, alongside the turf for 4. That’s with a few singles to make it 10 from the over, and 68 behind.

seventieth over: Pakistan 240-8 (Jamal 13, Hasan 0) Eight down. Hasan Ali can bat, smashed a first-class ton within the Qaid comp a couple of years in the past, as a lot as that was a one-off. A really dangerous counterattacking form of innings, it was, and he got here off. But he can smash runs for shorter intervals extra recurrently, he’s hit 20 sixes and is in his twenty third Test. Blocks his first 4 balls immediately.

Lyon 3 for 61.

Off spin 101 from Lyon. Around the wicket, beats the sting of a ahead grope from Shaheen, the left-hander with the off break turning away. Then bowls a straight one which hits him in keeping with off stump, the batter on the again foot awkwardly attempting to get bat on it throughout the road. Hits him on the pad flap but it surely’s the again leg, so Shaheen’s evaluation simply exhibits it hitting the highest of off stump.

69th over: Pakistan 240-7 (Jamal 13, Shaheen 21) Nailed by Shaheen! That’s a superb shot, will get on the entrance canine and clouts Starc out by means of the covers. Not the elegant timing sort, extra the give-it-everything sort. Similar strategy as he swings throughout the road and will get a high edge over Carey. Four extra! Steve Smith from slip collects the ball after which stays on the fence, a really high-quality deep third somewhat than a real lengthy cease behind the keeper. Next, a single to midwicket. “Good batting, good batting,” rumble the knowledgable.

That’s Shaheen’s highest Test rating, and the hole between the groups is right down to 78.

68th over: Pakistan 231-7 (Jamal 13, Shaheen 12) Lyon to Jamal, two by means of cowl. Then beats the sting after which takes it in consecutive deliveries, however into the bottom. Slip and leg slip. Jamal drives at width however on the bounce to cowl this time. Drinks, with Pakistan behind by 87 runs.

67th over: Pakistan 229-7 (Jamal 11, Shaheen 12) Starc on for Cummins now, that long term in. Just one slip with this older ball, in addition to a gully and a brief leg standing a couple of paces again for Shaheen. Left-arm over the wicket to left-hand bat. Mostly defends, however will get shocked by a brief ball that doesn’t stand up and slams him on the gloves. He’s okay.

66th over: Pakistan 229-7 (Jamal 11, Shaheen 12) Vegemite on toast! Talk a couple of smear, Shaheen will get down on one knee and swipes Lyon over midwicket for an additional bouncing boundary. Unconvincing but it surely works this time.

sixty fifth over: Pakistan 223-7 (Jamal 10, Shaheen 7) A run going high-quality for Shaheen. Jamal goals a extra highly effective swing at Cummins however solely will get one to high-quality leg. Cummins across the wicket to Shaheen, in on the pads however the Pakistani paceman retains it out.

sixty fourth over: Pakistan 221-7 (Jamal 9, Shaheen 6) There goes Shaheen! Lyon again on, and the tall left-hander shuffles down and smears him over mid on. Not by a lot, however will get 4. Keeps the strike too with a push sq.. The deficit is down into double figures.

63rd over: Pakistan 216-7 (Jamal 9, Shaheen 1) So it’s Shaheen Shah Afridi at 9, which is simply too excessive for him actually, he’s a slapper of the ball greater than a participant of precise innings. Can lump a few sixes earlier than he hits one up within the air, however the latter comes alongside quickly sufficient. Starts with a mild run off the hip immediately. Now to Jamal – does he look to advance the scoring from right here, because the extra achieved batter? Not to that ball, which seams sharply, goes over leg stump, swings after it passes, and practically beats Carey who stops it on the bounce huge to his left. That went miles off the straight. Jamal geese the shorter one to comply with. Cummins 4 for 44 to date.

There he goes. Did the shortage of strike play a component? Misreads the tempo off the pitch, should like Shafique yesterday. Sees a driveable size huge of the stumps, throws his arms by means of the road of the ball. Cummins has two covers in place, Warner squarer and nearer, and Rizwan is simply too early on the shot, half sliced, straight into these dependable arms for the 89th catch of Warner’s Test profession.

62nd over: Pakistan 215-6 (Rizwan 42, Jamal 9) A shot! A shot from Jamal. Gets strike after Rizwan’s look, and lays right into a pull in opposition to Hazlewood. Leathers it properly in entrance of sq.. Then takes a run to mid off and once more flirts with a second as Marnus strains up the stumps. Labuschagne is without doubt one of the greatest floor fielders on the planet lately, you possibly can’t take him on. Rizwan pulls behind sq. to maintain the strike. The deficit is right down to 103.

61st over: Pakistan 208-6 (Rizwan 40, Jamal 4) There it’s, not fairly within the groove is Rizwan – performs it out previous cowl, takes the primary, by no means a second however he takes off. Jamal sends him again. Labuschagne once more quick in eliminating the ball, and his throw from midway to the boundary at cowl solely simply misses as Rizwan dives in. Would have been a 3rd umpire forensic job had it hit.

Australia with a leg slip in for Jamal now, and he’s undecided about his ducking approach anymore. Turns and will get hit by a brief ball behind the shoulder. But then will get the chook out once more to get underneath Cummins, and once more Cummins needs the toe of the bat. Hands on head. Gets a leg bye, Rizwan one other run.

sixtieth over: Pakistan 205-6 (Rizwan 38, Jamal 4) A barely completely different duck from Jamal, twisting to his left somewhat than bowing straight at Hazlewood, however the periscope is up once more and it’s near the ball once more. Blocks the total ball to shut the over and Rizwan will see some bowling subsequent.

59th over: Pakistan 205-6 (Rizwan 38, Jamal 4) He’s hogging the strike! Beaten by Cummins a few instances, however Jamal glances a run from the fifth ball of the over. He’s doing loads of leaving. Good temperament in help. You simply surprise if this day trip of the motion will unbalance Rizwan, who began so productively.

58th over: Pakistan 204-6 (Rizwan 38, Jamal 3) Rizwan pulls a run first ball, blissful to provide Jamal the strike, and there’s much more ducking. I feel the Australians have an interest on this periscope bat state of affairs. Josh Hazlewood additionally has an “oooh” to himself after his brief ball on off stump doesn’t miss the bat by a lot. Jamal pushes away a run to level to finish the over.

57th over: Pakistan 202-6 (Rizwan 37, Jamal 2) Having saved strike, Rizwan launches a bottom-handed drive arduous at mid off and may’t rating. Cummins opening proceedings for the day. Hits the following one by means of cowl on the up, diagonal bat, and is considering of working 4 however Labuschagne removes the ball so rapidly after sliding into its path at deep cowl. Three runs, Jamal on strike and he dips down just like the wood chook that fills in for Homer on the energy plant, leaning ahead on the waist to go underneath the ball. Only downside is that his motion leaves the bat poking up within the air behind him, and Cummins practically nicks the toe of it with that brief ball. The look on the bowler’s face, he knew it was shut. Hard dismissal to plan for.

56th over: Pakistan 199-6 (Rizwan 34, Jamal 2) Like many a long-distance swimmer, Hazlewood is straight within the channel. Rizwan is blissful to go fishing in these waters, twice reaching out to steer Hazlewood away for 2. Then thwacks throughout the road with a cross-bat shot off the entrance foot to get a mistimed underneath edge behind sq. for one run.

Revised begin is 10:45am, which is 25 minutes away. So half an hour early turns into quarter-hour late.

The hessian covers are coming off the pitch now.

I feel it’ll cross over fairly rapidly.

Well, I used to be too optimistic. Bit of misty drizzle has are available in over the MCG, so our early begin will now be a late begin.

Or it’s another variety of minutes that I’m but to find out. Anyway, we’ll be on quickly.

Remember we begin half an hour early to make up for the rain on day one. Which is in 4 minutes. So stand by.

Meanwhile, Andy Bull has pulled collectively the votes for our Guardian males’s Test team of the 12 months. Thoughts?

Here is the wires report on yesterday’s day of play.

Preamble

Geoff Lemon

Good (Australian) morning, Christmas bike gang. I say that as a result of I assume that you’ve got all obtained bikes for Christmas, and by now you may have put in the pedals and lights and reflectors and you’re able to cruise round your neighbourhoods in a giant OBO phalanx.

Day three in Melbourne has dawned cloudy and boring to date, however not a lot in the best way of rain predicted or evident, so with a bit of luck we get the total day once more. It simply gained’t be the gold and blue color scheme of yesterday. Wonder if it would do something to assist bowlers. Australia’s quicks have been actually good yesterday after Nathan Lyon acquired the primary wicket, particularly Pat Cummins together with his burst that took out the well-set Abdullah Shafique earlier than Babar Azam.

Pakistan slid a good distance after that, from 124 to 1 all the best way to 170 for six. By stumps that rating was as much as 194, with Rizwan to renew on 29 and Aamer Jamal on 2. They have loads of work to do with their team nonetheless 124 behind.

Let’s see what they’ll do.

We shot our wrap of yesterday’s play within the MCC Library, by the best way, in order for you a take a look at that august establishment. It is a real cricket nerd treasure trove in there, there’s an exhibition for the time being of some great outdated paperwork, together with the primary dictionary to say the phrase ‘cricket’, and a few enormous blown-up copies of the Sarfraz Nawaz scorecard from the well-known 9-for.

Two early wickets, so Smith will start with Warner after the break. Pakistan buoyant. Can they maintain this coming?

third over: Australia 6-2 (Warner 1) Last ball earlier than lunch, are you able to imagine that!

They set him up for it, and it really works on the final gasp. Shaheen’s second ball of the over has swing once more, into Labuschagne, who manages an inside edge for 4, one ball after he practically gloves one other try down the leg facet. Slip and leg slip in place, and that’s the place they need him to play. Shaheen bowls too huge of leg fro the fourth ball, then too huge of off. But together with his final alternative he will get it simply on that leg stump line, and Labuschagne tries to look however can’t meet up with the swing, edging it by means of and Rizwan erupts!

2nd over: Australia 2-1 (Warner 1, Labuschagne 0) Decent over from Hamza, retains Warner quiet and makes him play at most of these balls, however can’t draw an error. Shan Masood is tweaking the sector continuously. One extra over till lunch.

1st over: Australia 2-1 (Warner 1, Labuschagne 0) First ball to Labuschagne, beats him handsomely too, shaping in after which seaming away from the right-hander this time. Gets too straight subsequent ball and Labuschagne can get pad in the best way exterior leg stump and take an additional. Warner digs out a swinging yorker, then dabs away a single behind level.

That’s the best begin! Second ball of the innings, Shaheen comes left-arm over, angles it in the direction of the stumps, swings it away, and kisses the sting of the bat. Wonderful new-ball bowling, that’s what Shaheen has struggled to realize to date in Australia. Scrambles off the seam after it swings, at simply the best size.

Australia to face a few overs earlier than lunch…

Australia blissful to have wrapped up Pakistan, however 54 isn’t an enormous lead, the guests have achieved properly to haul it again to one thing manageable. They will nonetheless must bowl very properly to remain on this recreation, however that might have been the case had they been 50 in entrance. Batting final right here will probably be arduous. Australia in one of the best place, clearly.

73.4 overs: Pakistan 264 (Jamal 33) Last-wicket stand, so Jamal goes laaaaarge! Charges Lyon and belts him manner over midwicket for six. Not simply over the rope, into the gang. You must hit them enormous on the MCG and he does. Tries once more subsequent ball, and will get fortunate. Cummins has pushed Travis Head out to that very same spot, and a flat shot is spilt on the market. Jamal has run a single, and should remorse that, as Hamza swings on the subsequent ball and misses. Has dragged his toe out of his floor as he will get down on one knee, and Carey has the bails off.

73rd over: Pakistan 257-9 (Jamal 26, Hamza 2) Mir Hamza will get off the mark with a sliced two. Cummins 5 for 48. Pakistan down by 61.

Five wickets for Pat Cummins, and that’s gold-class quick bowling.

Does begin with a bouncer, Hasan not having to do a lot because it goes down leg. Beats the skin edge with the following one, Hasan pushing at it. Couple of slips in, and Smith nearly has a catch as Cummins will get the ball to rear! Horrible supply. Hasan Ali is aware of nothing about it, he’s wanting on the sky having yanked his head away as that ball crushes his gloves. The padding takes simply sufficient tempo off it to make it fall brief. Then the fifth ball of the over goes straight by means of, severe inward jag off the pitch once more. Hasan isn’t certain what to play, he’s hanging again, then pushes his arms down the road of the ball in a useless try at defence. But nowhere close to it, and it hits the skin curve of the off stump.

72nd over: Pakistan 255-8 (Jamal 26, Hasan 2) Doing his bit is Hasan Ali, nudging one as an alternative of attempting a glory shot. And Jamal goes at Lyon too, a half step in the direction of the pitch and smacks it over midwicket. The ball goes squarer than he meant however nonetheless picks up 4. Then he pulls out the reverse sweep! Only will get one as Starc dives properly at backward level, however an fascinating shot.

Pakistan behind by 63. Pat Cummins is coming again on, eight overs in need of the second new ball, 4 wickets in his pocket. Bumpers coming?

71st over: Pakistan 250-8 (Jamal 22, Hasan 1) At eight down, Jamal decides it’s time to go. Drives Starc sq. to start with, not solely managed however will get it previous gully and away to the fence. Then will get his entrance foot out of the best way and cannons an on drive down the bottom! Serious hit, alongside the turf for 4. That’s with a few singles to make it 10 from the over, and 68 behind.

seventieth over: Pakistan 240-8 (Jamal 13, Hasan 0) Eight down. Hasan Ali can bat, smashed a first-class ton within the Qaid comp a couple of years in the past, as a lot as that was a one-off. A really dangerous counterattacking form of innings, it was, and he got here off. But he can smash runs for shorter intervals extra recurrently, he’s hit 20 sixes and is in his twenty third Test. Blocks his first 4 balls immediately.

Lyon 3 for 61.

Off spin 101 from Lyon. Around the wicket, beats the sting of a ahead grope from Shaheen, the left-hander with the off break turning away. Then bowls a straight one which hits him in keeping with off stump, the batter on the again foot awkwardly attempting to get bat on it throughout the road. Hits him on the pad flap but it surely’s the again leg, so Shaheen’s evaluation simply exhibits it hitting the highest of off stump.

69th over: Pakistan 240-7 (Jamal 13, Shaheen 21) Nailed by Shaheen! That’s a superb shot, will get on the entrance canine and clouts Starc out by means of the covers. Not the elegant timing sort, extra the give-it-everything sort. Similar strategy as he swings throughout the road and will get a high edge over Carey. Four extra! Steve Smith from slip collects the ball after which stays on the fence, a really high-quality deep third somewhat than a real lengthy cease behind the keeper. Next, a single to midwicket. “Good batting, good batting,” rumble the knowledgable.

That’s Shaheen’s highest Test rating, and the hole between the groups is right down to 78.

68th over: Pakistan 231-7 (Jamal 13, Shaheen 12) Lyon to Jamal, two by means of cowl. Then beats the sting after which takes it in consecutive deliveries, however into the bottom. Slip and leg slip. Jamal drives at width however on the bounce to cowl this time. Drinks, with Pakistan behind by 87 runs.

67th over: Pakistan 229-7 (Jamal 11, Shaheen 12) Starc on for Cummins now, that long term in. Just one slip with this older ball, in addition to a gully and a brief leg standing a couple of paces again for Shaheen. Left-arm over the wicket to left-hand bat. Mostly defends, however will get shocked by a brief ball that doesn’t stand up and slams him on the gloves. He’s okay.

66th over: Pakistan 229-7 (Jamal 11, Shaheen 12) Vegemite on toast! Talk a couple of smear, Shaheen will get down on one knee and swipes Lyon over midwicket for an additional bouncing boundary. Unconvincing but it surely works this time.

sixty fifth over: Pakistan 223-7 (Jamal 10, Shaheen 7) A run going high-quality for Shaheen. Jamal goals a extra highly effective swing at Cummins however solely will get one to high-quality leg. Cummins across the wicket to Shaheen, in on the pads however the Pakistani paceman retains it out.

sixty fourth over: Pakistan 221-7 (Jamal 9, Shaheen 6) There goes Shaheen! Lyon again on, and the tall left-hander shuffles down and smears him over mid on. Not by a lot, however will get 4. Keeps the strike too with a push sq.. The deficit is down into double figures.

63rd over: Pakistan 216-7 (Jamal 9, Shaheen 1) So it’s Shaheen Shah Afridi at 9, which is simply too excessive for him actually, he’s a slapper of the ball greater than a participant of precise innings. Can lump a few sixes earlier than he hits one up within the air, however the latter comes alongside quickly sufficient. Starts with a mild run off the hip immediately. Now to Jamal – does he look to advance the scoring from right here, because the extra achieved batter? Not to that ball, which seams sharply, goes over leg stump, swings after it passes, and practically beats Carey who stops it on the bounce huge to his left. That went miles off the straight. Jamal geese the shorter one to comply with. Cummins 4 for 44 to date.

There he goes. Did the shortage of strike play a component? Misreads the tempo off the pitch, should like Shafique yesterday. Sees a driveable size huge of the stumps, throws his arms by means of the road of the ball. Cummins has two covers in place, Warner squarer and nearer, and Rizwan is simply too early on the shot, half sliced, straight into these dependable arms for the 89th catch of Warner’s Test profession.

62nd over: Pakistan 215-6 (Rizwan 42, Jamal 9) A shot! A shot from Jamal. Gets strike after Rizwan’s look, and lays right into a pull in opposition to Hazlewood. Leathers it properly in entrance of sq.. Then takes a run to mid off and once more flirts with a second as Marnus strains up the stumps. Labuschagne is without doubt one of the greatest floor fielders on the planet lately, you possibly can’t take him on. Rizwan pulls behind sq. to maintain the strike. The deficit is right down to 103.

61st over: Pakistan 208-6 (Rizwan 40, Jamal 4) There it’s, not fairly within the groove is Rizwan – performs it out previous cowl, takes the primary, by no means a second however he takes off. Jamal sends him again. Labuschagne once more quick in eliminating the ball, and his throw from midway to the boundary at cowl solely simply misses as Rizwan dives in. Would have been a 3rd umpire forensic job had it hit.

Australia with a leg slip in for Jamal now, and he’s undecided about his ducking approach anymore. Turns and will get hit by a brief ball behind the shoulder. But then will get the chook out once more to get underneath Cummins, and once more Cummins needs the toe of the bat. Hands on head. Gets a leg bye, Rizwan one other run.

sixtieth over: Pakistan 205-6 (Rizwan 38, Jamal 4) A barely completely different duck from Jamal, twisting to his left somewhat than bowing straight at Hazlewood, however the periscope is up once more and it’s near the ball once more. Blocks the total ball to shut the over and Rizwan will see some bowling subsequent.

59th over: Pakistan 205-6 (Rizwan 38, Jamal 4) He’s hogging the strike! Beaten by Cummins a few instances, however Jamal glances a run from the fifth ball of the over. He’s doing loads of leaving. Good temperament in help. You simply surprise if this day trip of the motion will unbalance Rizwan, who began so productively.

58th over: Pakistan 204-6 (Rizwan 38, Jamal 3) Rizwan pulls a run first ball, blissful to provide Jamal the strike, and there’s much more ducking. I feel the Australians have an interest on this periscope bat state of affairs. Josh Hazlewood additionally has an “oooh” to himself after his brief ball on off stump doesn’t miss the bat by a lot. Jamal pushes away a run to level to finish the over.

57th over: Pakistan 202-6 (Rizwan 37, Jamal 2) Having saved strike, Rizwan launches a bottom-handed drive arduous at mid off and may’t rating. Cummins opening proceedings for the day. Hits the following one by means of cowl on the up, diagonal bat, and is considering of working 4 however Labuschagne removes the ball so rapidly after sliding into its path at deep cowl. Three runs, Jamal on strike and he dips down just like the wood chook that fills in for Homer on the energy plant, leaning ahead on the waist to go underneath the ball. Only downside is that his motion leaves the bat poking up within the air behind him, and Cummins practically nicks the toe of it with that brief ball. The look on the bowler’s face, he knew it was shut. Hard dismissal to plan for.

56th over: Pakistan 199-6 (Rizwan 34, Jamal 2) Like many a long-distance swimmer, Hazlewood is straight within the channel. Rizwan is blissful to go fishing in these waters, twice reaching out to steer Hazlewood away for 2. Then thwacks throughout the road with a cross-bat shot off the entrance foot to get a mistimed underneath edge behind sq. for one run.

Revised begin is 10:45am, which is 25 minutes away. So half an hour early turns into quarter-hour late.

The hessian covers are coming off the pitch now.

I feel it’ll cross over fairly rapidly.

Well, I used to be too optimistic. Bit of misty drizzle has are available in over the MCG, so our early begin will now be a late begin.

Or it’s another variety of minutes that I’m but to find out. Anyway, we’ll be on quickly.

Remember we begin half an hour early to make up for the rain on day one. Which is in 4 minutes. So stand by.

Meanwhile, Andy Bull has pulled collectively the votes for our Guardian males’s Test team of the 12 months. Thoughts?

Here is the wires report on yesterday’s day of play.

Preamble

Geoff Lemon

Good (Australian) morning, Christmas bike gang. I say that as a result of I assume that you’ve got all obtained bikes for Christmas, and by now you may have put in the pedals and lights and reflectors and you’re able to cruise round your neighbourhoods in a giant OBO phalanx.

Day three in Melbourne has dawned cloudy and boring to date, however not a lot in the best way of rain predicted or evident, so with a bit of luck we get the total day once more. It simply gained’t be the gold and blue color scheme of yesterday. Wonder if it would do something to assist bowlers. Australia’s quicks have been actually good yesterday after Nathan Lyon acquired the primary wicket, particularly Pat Cummins together with his burst that took out the well-set Abdullah Shafique earlier than Babar Azam.

Pakistan slid a good distance after that, from 124 to 1 all the best way to 170 for six. By stumps that rating was as much as 194, with Rizwan to renew on 29 and Aamer Jamal on 2. They have loads of work to do with their team nonetheless 124 behind.

Let’s see what they’ll do.

We shot our wrap of yesterday’s play within the MCC Library, by the best way, in order for you a take a look at that august establishment. It is a real cricket nerd treasure trove in there, there’s an exhibition for the time being of some great outdated paperwork, together with the primary dictionary to say the phrase ‘cricket’, and a few enormous blown-up copies of the Sarfraz Nawaz scorecard from the well-known 9-for.

Two early wickets, so Smith will start with Warner after the break. Pakistan buoyant. Can they maintain this coming?

third over: Australia 6-2 (Warner 1) Last ball earlier than lunch, are you able to imagine that!

They set him up for it, and it really works on the final gasp. Shaheen’s second ball of the over has swing once more, into Labuschagne, who manages an inside edge for 4, one ball after he practically gloves one other try down the leg facet. Slip and leg slip in place, and that’s the place they need him to play. Shaheen bowls too huge of leg fro the fourth ball, then too huge of off. But together with his final alternative he will get it simply on that leg stump line, and Labuschagne tries to look however can’t meet up with the swing, edging it by means of and Rizwan erupts!

2nd over: Australia 2-1 (Warner 1, Labuschagne 0) Decent over from Hamza, retains Warner quiet and makes him play at most of these balls, however can’t draw an error. Shan Masood is tweaking the sector continuously. One extra over till lunch.

1st over: Australia 2-1 (Warner 1, Labuschagne 0) First ball to Labuschagne, beats him handsomely too, shaping in after which seaming away from the right-hander this time. Gets too straight subsequent ball and Labuschagne can get pad in the best way exterior leg stump and take an additional. Warner digs out a swinging yorker, then dabs away a single behind level.

That’s the best begin! Second ball of the innings, Shaheen comes left-arm over, angles it in the direction of the stumps, swings it away, and kisses the sting of the bat. Wonderful new-ball bowling, that’s what Shaheen has struggled to realize to date in Australia. Scrambles off the seam after it swings, at simply the best size.

Australia to face a few overs earlier than lunch…

Australia blissful to have wrapped up Pakistan, however 54 isn’t an enormous lead, the guests have achieved properly to haul it again to one thing manageable. They will nonetheless must bowl very properly to remain on this recreation, however that might have been the case had they been 50 in entrance. Batting final right here will probably be arduous. Australia in one of the best place, clearly.

73.4 overs: Pakistan 264 (Jamal 33) Last-wicket stand, so Jamal goes laaaaarge! Charges Lyon and belts him manner over midwicket for six. Not simply over the rope, into the gang. You must hit them enormous on the MCG and he does. Tries once more subsequent ball, and will get fortunate. Cummins has pushed Travis Head out to that very same spot, and a flat shot is spilt on the market. Jamal has run a single, and should remorse that, as Hamza swings on the subsequent ball and misses. Has dragged his toe out of his floor as he will get down on one knee, and Carey has the bails off.

73rd over: Pakistan 257-9 (Jamal 26, Hamza 2) Mir Hamza will get off the mark with a sliced two. Cummins 5 for 48. Pakistan down by 61.

Five wickets for Pat Cummins, and that’s gold-class quick bowling.

Does begin with a bouncer, Hasan not having to do a lot because it goes down leg. Beats the skin edge with the following one, Hasan pushing at it. Couple of slips in, and Smith nearly has a catch as Cummins will get the ball to rear! Horrible supply. Hasan Ali is aware of nothing about it, he’s wanting on the sky having yanked his head away as that ball crushes his gloves. The padding takes simply sufficient tempo off it to make it fall brief. Then the fifth ball of the over goes straight by means of, severe inward jag off the pitch once more. Hasan isn’t certain what to play, he’s hanging again, then pushes his arms down the road of the ball in a useless try at defence. But nowhere close to it, and it hits the skin curve of the off stump.

72nd over: Pakistan 255-8 (Jamal 26, Hasan 2) Doing his bit is Hasan Ali, nudging one as an alternative of attempting a glory shot. And Jamal goes at Lyon too, a half step in the direction of the pitch and smacks it over midwicket. The ball goes squarer than he meant however nonetheless picks up 4. Then he pulls out the reverse sweep! Only will get one as Starc dives properly at backward level, however an fascinating shot.

Pakistan behind by 63. Pat Cummins is coming again on, eight overs in need of the second new ball, 4 wickets in his pocket. Bumpers coming?

71st over: Pakistan 250-8 (Jamal 22, Hasan 1) At eight down, Jamal decides it’s time to go. Drives Starc sq. to start with, not solely managed however will get it previous gully and away to the fence. Then will get his entrance foot out of the best way and cannons an on drive down the bottom! Serious hit, alongside the turf for 4. That’s with a few singles to make it 10 from the over, and 68 behind.

seventieth over: Pakistan 240-8 (Jamal 13, Hasan 0) Eight down. Hasan Ali can bat, smashed a first-class ton within the Qaid comp a couple of years in the past, as a lot as that was a one-off. A really dangerous counterattacking form of innings, it was, and he got here off. But he can smash runs for shorter intervals extra recurrently, he’s hit 20 sixes and is in his twenty third Test. Blocks his first 4 balls immediately.

Lyon 3 for 61.

Off spin 101 from Lyon. Around the wicket, beats the sting of a ahead grope from Shaheen, the left-hander with the off break turning away. Then bowls a straight one which hits him in keeping with off stump, the batter on the again foot awkwardly attempting to get bat on it throughout the road. Hits him on the pad flap but it surely’s the again leg, so Shaheen’s evaluation simply exhibits it hitting the highest of off stump.

69th over: Pakistan 240-7 (Jamal 13, Shaheen 21) Nailed by Shaheen! That’s a superb shot, will get on the entrance canine and clouts Starc out by means of the covers. Not the elegant timing sort, extra the give-it-everything sort. Similar strategy as he swings throughout the road and will get a high edge over Carey. Four extra! Steve Smith from slip collects the ball after which stays on the fence, a really high-quality deep third somewhat than a real lengthy cease behind the keeper. Next, a single to midwicket. “Good batting, good batting,” rumble the knowledgable.

That’s Shaheen’s highest Test rating, and the hole between the groups is right down to 78.

68th over: Pakistan 231-7 (Jamal 13, Shaheen 12) Lyon to Jamal, two by means of cowl. Then beats the sting after which takes it in consecutive deliveries, however into the bottom. Slip and leg slip. Jamal drives at width however on the bounce to cowl this time. Drinks, with Pakistan behind by 87 runs.

67th over: Pakistan 229-7 (Jamal 11, Shaheen 12) Starc on for Cummins now, that long term in. Just one slip with this older ball, in addition to a gully and a brief leg standing a couple of paces again for Shaheen. Left-arm over the wicket to left-hand bat. Mostly defends, however will get shocked by a brief ball that doesn’t stand up and slams him on the gloves. He’s okay.

66th over: Pakistan 229-7 (Jamal 11, Shaheen 12) Vegemite on toast! Talk a couple of smear, Shaheen will get down on one knee and swipes Lyon over midwicket for an additional bouncing boundary. Unconvincing but it surely works this time.

sixty fifth over: Pakistan 223-7 (Jamal 10, Shaheen 7) A run going high-quality for Shaheen. Jamal goals a extra highly effective swing at Cummins however solely will get one to high-quality leg. Cummins across the wicket to Shaheen, in on the pads however the Pakistani paceman retains it out.

sixty fourth over: Pakistan 221-7 (Jamal 9, Shaheen 6) There goes Shaheen! Lyon again on, and the tall left-hander shuffles down and smears him over mid on. Not by a lot, however will get 4. Keeps the strike too with a push sq.. The deficit is down into double figures.

63rd over: Pakistan 216-7 (Jamal 9, Shaheen 1) So it’s Shaheen Shah Afridi at 9, which is simply too excessive for him actually, he’s a slapper of the ball greater than a participant of precise innings. Can lump a few sixes earlier than he hits one up within the air, however the latter comes alongside quickly sufficient. Starts with a mild run off the hip immediately. Now to Jamal – does he look to advance the scoring from right here, because the extra achieved batter? Not to that ball, which seams sharply, goes over leg stump, swings after it passes, and practically beats Carey who stops it on the bounce huge to his left. That went miles off the straight. Jamal geese the shorter one to comply with. Cummins 4 for 44 to date.

There he goes. Did the shortage of strike play a component? Misreads the tempo off the pitch, should like Shafique yesterday. Sees a driveable size huge of the stumps, throws his arms by means of the road of the ball. Cummins has two covers in place, Warner squarer and nearer, and Rizwan is simply too early on the shot, half sliced, straight into these dependable arms for the 89th catch of Warner’s Test profession.

62nd over: Pakistan 215-6 (Rizwan 42, Jamal 9) A shot! A shot from Jamal. Gets strike after Rizwan’s look, and lays right into a pull in opposition to Hazlewood. Leathers it properly in entrance of sq.. Then takes a run to mid off and once more flirts with a second as Marnus strains up the stumps. Labuschagne is without doubt one of the greatest floor fielders on the planet lately, you possibly can’t take him on. Rizwan pulls behind sq. to maintain the strike. The deficit is right down to 103.

61st over: Pakistan 208-6 (Rizwan 40, Jamal 4) There it’s, not fairly within the groove is Rizwan – performs it out previous cowl, takes the primary, by no means a second however he takes off. Jamal sends him again. Labuschagne once more quick in eliminating the ball, and his throw from midway to the boundary at cowl solely simply misses as Rizwan dives in. Would have been a 3rd umpire forensic job had it hit.

Australia with a leg slip in for Jamal now, and he’s undecided about his ducking approach anymore. Turns and will get hit by a brief ball behind the shoulder. But then will get the chook out once more to get underneath Cummins, and once more Cummins needs the toe of the bat. Hands on head. Gets a leg bye, Rizwan one other run.

sixtieth over: Pakistan 205-6 (Rizwan 38, Jamal 4) A barely completely different duck from Jamal, twisting to his left somewhat than bowing straight at Hazlewood, however the periscope is up once more and it’s near the ball once more. Blocks the total ball to shut the over and Rizwan will see some bowling subsequent.

59th over: Pakistan 205-6 (Rizwan 38, Jamal 4) He’s hogging the strike! Beaten by Cummins a few instances, however Jamal glances a run from the fifth ball of the over. He’s doing loads of leaving. Good temperament in help. You simply surprise if this day trip of the motion will unbalance Rizwan, who began so productively.

58th over: Pakistan 204-6 (Rizwan 38, Jamal 3) Rizwan pulls a run first ball, blissful to provide Jamal the strike, and there’s much more ducking. I feel the Australians have an interest on this periscope bat state of affairs. Josh Hazlewood additionally has an “oooh” to himself after his brief ball on off stump doesn’t miss the bat by a lot. Jamal pushes away a run to level to finish the over.

57th over: Pakistan 202-6 (Rizwan 37, Jamal 2) Having saved strike, Rizwan launches a bottom-handed drive arduous at mid off and may’t rating. Cummins opening proceedings for the day. Hits the following one by means of cowl on the up, diagonal bat, and is considering of working 4 however Labuschagne removes the ball so rapidly after sliding into its path at deep cowl. Three runs, Jamal on strike and he dips down just like the wood chook that fills in for Homer on the energy plant, leaning ahead on the waist to go underneath the ball. Only downside is that his motion leaves the bat poking up within the air behind him, and Cummins practically nicks the toe of it with that brief ball. The look on the bowler’s face, he knew it was shut. Hard dismissal to plan for.

56th over: Pakistan 199-6 (Rizwan 34, Jamal 2) Like many a long-distance swimmer, Hazlewood is straight within the channel. Rizwan is blissful to go fishing in these waters, twice reaching out to steer Hazlewood away for 2. Then thwacks throughout the road with a cross-bat shot off the entrance foot to get a mistimed underneath edge behind sq. for one run.

Revised begin is 10:45am, which is 25 minutes away. So half an hour early turns into quarter-hour late.

The hessian covers are coming off the pitch now.

I feel it’ll cross over fairly rapidly.

Well, I used to be too optimistic. Bit of misty drizzle has are available in over the MCG, so our early begin will now be a late begin.

Or it’s another variety of minutes that I’m but to find out. Anyway, we’ll be on quickly.

Remember we begin half an hour early to make up for the rain on day one. Which is in 4 minutes. So stand by.

Meanwhile, Andy Bull has pulled collectively the votes for our Guardian males’s Test team of the 12 months. Thoughts?

Here is the wires report on yesterday’s day of play.

Preamble

Geoff Lemon

Good (Australian) morning, Christmas bike gang. I say that as a result of I assume that you’ve got all obtained bikes for Christmas, and by now you may have put in the pedals and lights and reflectors and you’re able to cruise round your neighbourhoods in a giant OBO phalanx.

Day three in Melbourne has dawned cloudy and boring to date, however not a lot in the best way of rain predicted or evident, so with a bit of luck we get the total day once more. It simply gained’t be the gold and blue color scheme of yesterday. Wonder if it would do something to assist bowlers. Australia’s quicks have been actually good yesterday after Nathan Lyon acquired the primary wicket, particularly Pat Cummins together with his burst that took out the well-set Abdullah Shafique earlier than Babar Azam.

Pakistan slid a good distance after that, from 124 to 1 all the best way to 170 for six. By stumps that rating was as much as 194, with Rizwan to renew on 29 and Aamer Jamal on 2. They have loads of work to do with their team nonetheless 124 behind.

Let’s see what they’ll do.

We shot our wrap of yesterday’s play within the MCC Library, by the best way, in order for you a take a look at that august establishment. It is a real cricket nerd treasure trove in there, there’s an exhibition for the time being of some great outdated paperwork, together with the primary dictionary to say the phrase ‘cricket’, and a few enormous blown-up copies of the Sarfraz Nawaz scorecard from the well-known 9-for.

Two early wickets, so Smith will start with Warner after the break. Pakistan buoyant. Can they maintain this coming?

third over: Australia 6-2 (Warner 1) Last ball earlier than lunch, are you able to imagine that!

They set him up for it, and it really works on the final gasp. Shaheen’s second ball of the over has swing once more, into Labuschagne, who manages an inside edge for 4, one ball after he practically gloves one other try down the leg facet. Slip and leg slip in place, and that’s the place they need him to play. Shaheen bowls too huge of leg fro the fourth ball, then too huge of off. But together with his final alternative he will get it simply on that leg stump line, and Labuschagne tries to look however can’t meet up with the swing, edging it by means of and Rizwan erupts!

2nd over: Australia 2-1 (Warner 1, Labuschagne 0) Decent over from Hamza, retains Warner quiet and makes him play at most of these balls, however can’t draw an error. Shan Masood is tweaking the sector continuously. One extra over till lunch.

1st over: Australia 2-1 (Warner 1, Labuschagne 0) First ball to Labuschagne, beats him handsomely too, shaping in after which seaming away from the right-hander this time. Gets too straight subsequent ball and Labuschagne can get pad in the best way exterior leg stump and take an additional. Warner digs out a swinging yorker, then dabs away a single behind level.

That’s the best begin! Second ball of the innings, Shaheen comes left-arm over, angles it in the direction of the stumps, swings it away, and kisses the sting of the bat. Wonderful new-ball bowling, that’s what Shaheen has struggled to realize to date in Australia. Scrambles off the seam after it swings, at simply the best size.

Australia to face a few overs earlier than lunch…

Australia blissful to have wrapped up Pakistan, however 54 isn’t an enormous lead, the guests have achieved properly to haul it again to one thing manageable. They will nonetheless must bowl very properly to remain on this recreation, however that might have been the case had they been 50 in entrance. Batting final right here will probably be arduous. Australia in one of the best place, clearly.

73.4 overs: Pakistan 264 (Jamal 33) Last-wicket stand, so Jamal goes laaaaarge! Charges Lyon and belts him manner over midwicket for six. Not simply over the rope, into the gang. You must hit them enormous on the MCG and he does. Tries once more subsequent ball, and will get fortunate. Cummins has pushed Travis Head out to that very same spot, and a flat shot is spilt on the market. Jamal has run a single, and should remorse that, as Hamza swings on the subsequent ball and misses. Has dragged his toe out of his floor as he will get down on one knee, and Carey has the bails off.

73rd over: Pakistan 257-9 (Jamal 26, Hamza 2) Mir Hamza will get off the mark with a sliced two. Cummins 5 for 48. Pakistan down by 61.

Five wickets for Pat Cummins, and that’s gold-class quick bowling.

Does begin with a bouncer, Hasan not having to do a lot because it goes down leg. Beats the skin edge with the following one, Hasan pushing at it. Couple of slips in, and Smith nearly has a catch as Cummins will get the ball to rear! Horrible supply. Hasan Ali is aware of nothing about it, he’s wanting on the sky having yanked his head away as that ball crushes his gloves. The padding takes simply sufficient tempo off it to make it fall brief. Then the fifth ball of the over goes straight by means of, severe inward jag off the pitch once more. Hasan isn’t certain what to play, he’s hanging again, then pushes his arms down the road of the ball in a useless try at defence. But nowhere close to it, and it hits the skin curve of the off stump.

72nd over: Pakistan 255-8 (Jamal 26, Hasan 2) Doing his bit is Hasan Ali, nudging one as an alternative of attempting a glory shot. And Jamal goes at Lyon too, a half step in the direction of the pitch and smacks it over midwicket. The ball goes squarer than he meant however nonetheless picks up 4. Then he pulls out the reverse sweep! Only will get one as Starc dives properly at backward level, however an fascinating shot.

Pakistan behind by 63. Pat Cummins is coming again on, eight overs in need of the second new ball, 4 wickets in his pocket. Bumpers coming?

71st over: Pakistan 250-8 (Jamal 22, Hasan 1) At eight down, Jamal decides it’s time to go. Drives Starc sq. to start with, not solely managed however will get it previous gully and away to the fence. Then will get his entrance foot out of the best way and cannons an on drive down the bottom! Serious hit, alongside the turf for 4. That’s with a few singles to make it 10 from the over, and 68 behind.

seventieth over: Pakistan 240-8 (Jamal 13, Hasan 0) Eight down. Hasan Ali can bat, smashed a first-class ton within the Qaid comp a couple of years in the past, as a lot as that was a one-off. A really dangerous counterattacking form of innings, it was, and he got here off. But he can smash runs for shorter intervals extra recurrently, he’s hit 20 sixes and is in his twenty third Test. Blocks his first 4 balls immediately.

Lyon 3 for 61.

Off spin 101 from Lyon. Around the wicket, beats the sting of a ahead grope from Shaheen, the left-hander with the off break turning away. Then bowls a straight one which hits him in keeping with off stump, the batter on the again foot awkwardly attempting to get bat on it throughout the road. Hits him on the pad flap but it surely’s the again leg, so Shaheen’s evaluation simply exhibits it hitting the highest of off stump.

69th over: Pakistan 240-7 (Jamal 13, Shaheen 21) Nailed by Shaheen! That’s a superb shot, will get on the entrance canine and clouts Starc out by means of the covers. Not the elegant timing sort, extra the give-it-everything sort. Similar strategy as he swings throughout the road and will get a high edge over Carey. Four extra! Steve Smith from slip collects the ball after which stays on the fence, a really high-quality deep third somewhat than a real lengthy cease behind the keeper. Next, a single to midwicket. “Good batting, good batting,” rumble the knowledgable.

That’s Shaheen’s highest Test rating, and the hole between the groups is right down to 78.

68th over: Pakistan 231-7 (Jamal 13, Shaheen 12) Lyon to Jamal, two by means of cowl. Then beats the sting after which takes it in consecutive deliveries, however into the bottom. Slip and leg slip. Jamal drives at width however on the bounce to cowl this time. Drinks, with Pakistan behind by 87 runs.

67th over: Pakistan 229-7 (Jamal 11, Shaheen 12) Starc on for Cummins now, that long term in. Just one slip with this older ball, in addition to a gully and a brief leg standing a couple of paces again for Shaheen. Left-arm over the wicket to left-hand bat. Mostly defends, however will get shocked by a brief ball that doesn’t stand up and slams him on the gloves. He’s okay.

66th over: Pakistan 229-7 (Jamal 11, Shaheen 12) Vegemite on toast! Talk a couple of smear, Shaheen will get down on one knee and swipes Lyon over midwicket for an additional bouncing boundary. Unconvincing but it surely works this time.

sixty fifth over: Pakistan 223-7 (Jamal 10, Shaheen 7) A run going high-quality for Shaheen. Jamal goals a extra highly effective swing at Cummins however solely will get one to high-quality leg. Cummins across the wicket to Shaheen, in on the pads however the Pakistani paceman retains it out.

sixty fourth over: Pakistan 221-7 (Jamal 9, Shaheen 6) There goes Shaheen! Lyon again on, and the tall left-hander shuffles down and smears him over mid on. Not by a lot, however will get 4. Keeps the strike too with a push sq.. The deficit is down into double figures.

63rd over: Pakistan 216-7 (Jamal 9, Shaheen 1) So it’s Shaheen Shah Afridi at 9, which is simply too excessive for him actually, he’s a slapper of the ball greater than a participant of precise innings. Can lump a few sixes earlier than he hits one up within the air, however the latter comes alongside quickly sufficient. Starts with a mild run off the hip immediately. Now to Jamal – does he look to advance the scoring from right here, because the extra achieved batter? Not to that ball, which seams sharply, goes over leg stump, swings after it passes, and practically beats Carey who stops it on the bounce huge to his left. That went miles off the straight. Jamal geese the shorter one to comply with. Cummins 4 for 44 to date.

There he goes. Did the shortage of strike play a component? Misreads the tempo off the pitch, should like Shafique yesterday. Sees a driveable size huge of the stumps, throws his arms by means of the road of the ball. Cummins has two covers in place, Warner squarer and nearer, and Rizwan is simply too early on the shot, half sliced, straight into these dependable arms for the 89th catch of Warner’s Test profession.

62nd over: Pakistan 215-6 (Rizwan 42, Jamal 9) A shot! A shot from Jamal. Gets strike after Rizwan’s look, and lays right into a pull in opposition to Hazlewood. Leathers it properly in entrance of sq.. Then takes a run to mid off and once more flirts with a second as Marnus strains up the stumps. Labuschagne is without doubt one of the greatest floor fielders on the planet lately, you possibly can’t take him on. Rizwan pulls behind sq. to maintain the strike. The deficit is right down to 103.

61st over: Pakistan 208-6 (Rizwan 40, Jamal 4) There it’s, not fairly within the groove is Rizwan – performs it out previous cowl, takes the primary, by no means a second however he takes off. Jamal sends him again. Labuschagne once more quick in eliminating the ball, and his throw from midway to the boundary at cowl solely simply misses as Rizwan dives in. Would have been a 3rd umpire forensic job had it hit.

Australia with a leg slip in for Jamal now, and he’s undecided about his ducking approach anymore. Turns and will get hit by a brief ball behind the shoulder. But then will get the chook out once more to get underneath Cummins, and once more Cummins needs the toe of the bat. Hands on head. Gets a leg bye, Rizwan one other run.

sixtieth over: Pakistan 205-6 (Rizwan 38, Jamal 4) A barely completely different duck from Jamal, twisting to his left somewhat than bowing straight at Hazlewood, however the periscope is up once more and it’s near the ball once more. Blocks the total ball to shut the over and Rizwan will see some bowling subsequent.

59th over: Pakistan 205-6 (Rizwan 38, Jamal 4) He’s hogging the strike! Beaten by Cummins a few instances, however Jamal glances a run from the fifth ball of the over. He’s doing loads of leaving. Good temperament in help. You simply surprise if this day trip of the motion will unbalance Rizwan, who began so productively.

58th over: Pakistan 204-6 (Rizwan 38, Jamal 3) Rizwan pulls a run first ball, blissful to provide Jamal the strike, and there’s much more ducking. I feel the Australians have an interest on this periscope bat state of affairs. Josh Hazlewood additionally has an “oooh” to himself after his brief ball on off stump doesn’t miss the bat by a lot. Jamal pushes away a run to level to finish the over.

57th over: Pakistan 202-6 (Rizwan 37, Jamal 2) Having saved strike, Rizwan launches a bottom-handed drive arduous at mid off and may’t rating. Cummins opening proceedings for the day. Hits the following one by means of cowl on the up, diagonal bat, and is considering of working 4 however Labuschagne removes the ball so rapidly after sliding into its path at deep cowl. Three runs, Jamal on strike and he dips down just like the wood chook that fills in for Homer on the energy plant, leaning ahead on the waist to go underneath the ball. Only downside is that his motion leaves the bat poking up within the air behind him, and Cummins practically nicks the toe of it with that brief ball. The look on the bowler’s face, he knew it was shut. Hard dismissal to plan for.

56th over: Pakistan 199-6 (Rizwan 34, Jamal 2) Like many a long-distance swimmer, Hazlewood is straight within the channel. Rizwan is blissful to go fishing in these waters, twice reaching out to steer Hazlewood away for 2. Then thwacks throughout the road with a cross-bat shot off the entrance foot to get a mistimed underneath edge behind sq. for one run.

Revised begin is 10:45am, which is 25 minutes away. So half an hour early turns into quarter-hour late.

The hessian covers are coming off the pitch now.

I feel it’ll cross over fairly rapidly.

Well, I used to be too optimistic. Bit of misty drizzle has are available in over the MCG, so our early begin will now be a late begin.

Or it’s another variety of minutes that I’m but to find out. Anyway, we’ll be on quickly.

Remember we begin half an hour early to make up for the rain on day one. Which is in 4 minutes. So stand by.

Meanwhile, Andy Bull has pulled collectively the votes for our Guardian males’s Test team of the 12 months. Thoughts?

Here is the wires report on yesterday’s day of play.

Preamble

Geoff Lemon

Good (Australian) morning, Christmas bike gang. I say that as a result of I assume that you’ve got all obtained bikes for Christmas, and by now you may have put in the pedals and lights and reflectors and you’re able to cruise round your neighbourhoods in a giant OBO phalanx.

Day three in Melbourne has dawned cloudy and boring to date, however not a lot in the best way of rain predicted or evident, so with a bit of luck we get the total day once more. It simply gained’t be the gold and blue color scheme of yesterday. Wonder if it would do something to assist bowlers. Australia’s quicks have been actually good yesterday after Nathan Lyon acquired the primary wicket, particularly Pat Cummins together with his burst that took out the well-set Abdullah Shafique earlier than Babar Azam.

Pakistan slid a good distance after that, from 124 to 1 all the best way to 170 for six. By stumps that rating was as much as 194, with Rizwan to renew on 29 and Aamer Jamal on 2. They have loads of work to do with their team nonetheless 124 behind.

Let’s see what they’ll do.

We shot our wrap of yesterday’s play within the MCC Library, by the best way, in order for you a take a look at that august establishment. It is a real cricket nerd treasure trove in there, there’s an exhibition for the time being of some great outdated paperwork, together with the primary dictionary to say the phrase ‘cricket’, and a few enormous blown-up copies of the Sarfraz Nawaz scorecard from the well-known 9-for.

Two early wickets, so Smith will start with Warner after the break. Pakistan buoyant. Can they maintain this coming?

third over: Australia 6-2 (Warner 1) Last ball earlier than lunch, are you able to imagine that!

They set him up for it, and it really works on the final gasp. Shaheen’s second ball of the over has swing once more, into Labuschagne, who manages an inside edge for 4, one ball after he practically gloves one other try down the leg facet. Slip and leg slip in place, and that’s the place they need him to play. Shaheen bowls too huge of leg fro the fourth ball, then too huge of off. But together with his final alternative he will get it simply on that leg stump line, and Labuschagne tries to look however can’t meet up with the swing, edging it by means of and Rizwan erupts!

2nd over: Australia 2-1 (Warner 1, Labuschagne 0) Decent over from Hamza, retains Warner quiet and makes him play at most of these balls, however can’t draw an error. Shan Masood is tweaking the sector continuously. One extra over till lunch.

1st over: Australia 2-1 (Warner 1, Labuschagne 0) First ball to Labuschagne, beats him handsomely too, shaping in after which seaming away from the right-hander this time. Gets too straight subsequent ball and Labuschagne can get pad in the best way exterior leg stump and take an additional. Warner digs out a swinging yorker, then dabs away a single behind level.

That’s the best begin! Second ball of the innings, Shaheen comes left-arm over, angles it in the direction of the stumps, swings it away, and kisses the sting of the bat. Wonderful new-ball bowling, that’s what Shaheen has struggled to realize to date in Australia. Scrambles off the seam after it swings, at simply the best size.

Australia to face a few overs earlier than lunch…

Australia blissful to have wrapped up Pakistan, however 54 isn’t an enormous lead, the guests have achieved properly to haul it again to one thing manageable. They will nonetheless must bowl very properly to remain on this recreation, however that might have been the case had they been 50 in entrance. Batting final right here will probably be arduous. Australia in one of the best place, clearly.

73.4 overs: Pakistan 264 (Jamal 33) Last-wicket stand, so Jamal goes laaaaarge! Charges Lyon and belts him manner over midwicket for six. Not simply over the rope, into the gang. You must hit them enormous on the MCG and he does. Tries once more subsequent ball, and will get fortunate. Cummins has pushed Travis Head out to that very same spot, and a flat shot is spilt on the market. Jamal has run a single, and should remorse that, as Hamza swings on the subsequent ball and misses. Has dragged his toe out of his floor as he will get down on one knee, and Carey has the bails off.

73rd over: Pakistan 257-9 (Jamal 26, Hamza 2) Mir Hamza will get off the mark with a sliced two. Cummins 5 for 48. Pakistan down by 61.

Five wickets for Pat Cummins, and that’s gold-class quick bowling.

Does begin with a bouncer, Hasan not having to do a lot because it goes down leg. Beats the skin edge with the following one, Hasan pushing at it. Couple of slips in, and Smith nearly has a catch as Cummins will get the ball to rear! Horrible supply. Hasan Ali is aware of nothing about it, he’s wanting on the sky having yanked his head away as that ball crushes his gloves. The padding takes simply sufficient tempo off it to make it fall brief. Then the fifth ball of the over goes straight by means of, severe inward jag off the pitch once more. Hasan isn’t certain what to play, he’s hanging again, then pushes his arms down the road of the ball in a useless try at defence. But nowhere close to it, and it hits the skin curve of the off stump.

72nd over: Pakistan 255-8 (Jamal 26, Hasan 2) Doing his bit is Hasan Ali, nudging one as an alternative of attempting a glory shot. And Jamal goes at Lyon too, a half step in the direction of the pitch and smacks it over midwicket. The ball goes squarer than he meant however nonetheless picks up 4. Then he pulls out the reverse sweep! Only will get one as Starc dives properly at backward level, however an fascinating shot.

Pakistan behind by 63. Pat Cummins is coming again on, eight overs in need of the second new ball, 4 wickets in his pocket. Bumpers coming?

71st over: Pakistan 250-8 (Jamal 22, Hasan 1) At eight down, Jamal decides it’s time to go. Drives Starc sq. to start with, not solely managed however will get it previous gully and away to the fence. Then will get his entrance foot out of the best way and cannons an on drive down the bottom! Serious hit, alongside the turf for 4. That’s with a few singles to make it 10 from the over, and 68 behind.

seventieth over: Pakistan 240-8 (Jamal 13, Hasan 0) Eight down. Hasan Ali can bat, smashed a first-class ton within the Qaid comp a couple of years in the past, as a lot as that was a one-off. A really dangerous counterattacking form of innings, it was, and he got here off. But he can smash runs for shorter intervals extra recurrently, he’s hit 20 sixes and is in his twenty third Test. Blocks his first 4 balls immediately.

Lyon 3 for 61.

Off spin 101 from Lyon. Around the wicket, beats the sting of a ahead grope from Shaheen, the left-hander with the off break turning away. Then bowls a straight one which hits him in keeping with off stump, the batter on the again foot awkwardly attempting to get bat on it throughout the road. Hits him on the pad flap but it surely’s the again leg, so Shaheen’s evaluation simply exhibits it hitting the highest of off stump.

69th over: Pakistan 240-7 (Jamal 13, Shaheen 21) Nailed by Shaheen! That’s a superb shot, will get on the entrance canine and clouts Starc out by means of the covers. Not the elegant timing sort, extra the give-it-everything sort. Similar strategy as he swings throughout the road and will get a high edge over Carey. Four extra! Steve Smith from slip collects the ball after which stays on the fence, a really high-quality deep third somewhat than a real lengthy cease behind the keeper. Next, a single to midwicket. “Good batting, good batting,” rumble the knowledgable.

That’s Shaheen’s highest Test rating, and the hole between the groups is right down to 78.

68th over: Pakistan 231-7 (Jamal 13, Shaheen 12) Lyon to Jamal, two by means of cowl. Then beats the sting after which takes it in consecutive deliveries, however into the bottom. Slip and leg slip. Jamal drives at width however on the bounce to cowl this time. Drinks, with Pakistan behind by 87 runs.

67th over: Pakistan 229-7 (Jamal 11, Shaheen 12) Starc on for Cummins now, that long term in. Just one slip with this older ball, in addition to a gully and a brief leg standing a couple of paces again for Shaheen. Left-arm over the wicket to left-hand bat. Mostly defends, however will get shocked by a brief ball that doesn’t stand up and slams him on the gloves. He’s okay.

66th over: Pakistan 229-7 (Jamal 11, Shaheen 12) Vegemite on toast! Talk a couple of smear, Shaheen will get down on one knee and swipes Lyon over midwicket for an additional bouncing boundary. Unconvincing but it surely works this time.

sixty fifth over: Pakistan 223-7 (Jamal 10, Shaheen 7) A run going high-quality for Shaheen. Jamal goals a extra highly effective swing at Cummins however solely will get one to high-quality leg. Cummins across the wicket to Shaheen, in on the pads however the Pakistani paceman retains it out.

sixty fourth over: Pakistan 221-7 (Jamal 9, Shaheen 6) There goes Shaheen! Lyon again on, and the tall left-hander shuffles down and smears him over mid on. Not by a lot, however will get 4. Keeps the strike too with a push sq.. The deficit is down into double figures.

63rd over: Pakistan 216-7 (Jamal 9, Shaheen 1) So it’s Shaheen Shah Afridi at 9, which is simply too excessive for him actually, he’s a slapper of the ball greater than a participant of precise innings. Can lump a few sixes earlier than he hits one up within the air, however the latter comes alongside quickly sufficient. Starts with a mild run off the hip immediately. Now to Jamal – does he look to advance the scoring from right here, because the extra achieved batter? Not to that ball, which seams sharply, goes over leg stump, swings after it passes, and practically beats Carey who stops it on the bounce huge to his left. That went miles off the straight. Jamal geese the shorter one to comply with. Cummins 4 for 44 to date.

There he goes. Did the shortage of strike play a component? Misreads the tempo off the pitch, should like Shafique yesterday. Sees a driveable size huge of the stumps, throws his arms by means of the road of the ball. Cummins has two covers in place, Warner squarer and nearer, and Rizwan is simply too early on the shot, half sliced, straight into these dependable arms for the 89th catch of Warner’s Test profession.

62nd over: Pakistan 215-6 (Rizwan 42, Jamal 9) A shot! A shot from Jamal. Gets strike after Rizwan’s look, and lays right into a pull in opposition to Hazlewood. Leathers it properly in entrance of sq.. Then takes a run to mid off and once more flirts with a second as Marnus strains up the stumps. Labuschagne is without doubt one of the greatest floor fielders on the planet lately, you possibly can’t take him on. Rizwan pulls behind sq. to maintain the strike. The deficit is right down to 103.

61st over: Pakistan 208-6 (Rizwan 40, Jamal 4) There it’s, not fairly within the groove is Rizwan – performs it out previous cowl, takes the primary, by no means a second however he takes off. Jamal sends him again. Labuschagne once more quick in eliminating the ball, and his throw from midway to the boundary at cowl solely simply misses as Rizwan dives in. Would have been a 3rd umpire forensic job had it hit.

Australia with a leg slip in for Jamal now, and he’s undecided about his ducking approach anymore. Turns and will get hit by a brief ball behind the shoulder. But then will get the chook out once more to get underneath Cummins, and once more Cummins needs the toe of the bat. Hands on head. Gets a leg bye, Rizwan one other run.

sixtieth over: Pakistan 205-6 (Rizwan 38, Jamal 4) A barely completely different duck from Jamal, twisting to his left somewhat than bowing straight at Hazlewood, however the periscope is up once more and it’s near the ball once more. Blocks the total ball to shut the over and Rizwan will see some bowling subsequent.

59th over: Pakistan 205-6 (Rizwan 38, Jamal 4) He’s hogging the strike! Beaten by Cummins a few instances, however Jamal glances a run from the fifth ball of the over. He’s doing loads of leaving. Good temperament in help. You simply surprise if this day trip of the motion will unbalance Rizwan, who began so productively.

58th over: Pakistan 204-6 (Rizwan 38, Jamal 3) Rizwan pulls a run first ball, blissful to provide Jamal the strike, and there’s much more ducking. I feel the Australians have an interest on this periscope bat state of affairs. Josh Hazlewood additionally has an “oooh” to himself after his brief ball on off stump doesn’t miss the bat by a lot. Jamal pushes away a run to level to finish the over.

57th over: Pakistan 202-6 (Rizwan 37, Jamal 2) Having saved strike, Rizwan launches a bottom-handed drive arduous at mid off and may’t rating. Cummins opening proceedings for the day. Hits the following one by means of cowl on the up, diagonal bat, and is considering of working 4 however Labuschagne removes the ball so rapidly after sliding into its path at deep cowl. Three runs, Jamal on strike and he dips down just like the wood chook that fills in for Homer on the energy plant, leaning ahead on the waist to go underneath the ball. Only downside is that his motion leaves the bat poking up within the air behind him, and Cummins practically nicks the toe of it with that brief ball. The look on the bowler’s face, he knew it was shut. Hard dismissal to plan for.

56th over: Pakistan 199-6 (Rizwan 34, Jamal 2) Like many a long-distance swimmer, Hazlewood is straight within the channel. Rizwan is blissful to go fishing in these waters, twice reaching out to steer Hazlewood away for 2. Then thwacks throughout the road with a cross-bat shot off the entrance foot to get a mistimed underneath edge behind sq. for one run.

Revised begin is 10:45am, which is 25 minutes away. So half an hour early turns into quarter-hour late.

The hessian covers are coming off the pitch now.

I feel it’ll cross over fairly rapidly.

Well, I used to be too optimistic. Bit of misty drizzle has are available in over the MCG, so our early begin will now be a late begin.

Or it’s another variety of minutes that I’m but to find out. Anyway, we’ll be on quickly.

Remember we begin half an hour early to make up for the rain on day one. Which is in 4 minutes. So stand by.

Meanwhile, Andy Bull has pulled collectively the votes for our Guardian males’s Test team of the 12 months. Thoughts?

Here is the wires report on yesterday’s day of play.

Preamble

Geoff Lemon

Good (Australian) morning, Christmas bike gang. I say that as a result of I assume that you’ve got all obtained bikes for Christmas, and by now you may have put in the pedals and lights and reflectors and you’re able to cruise round your neighbourhoods in a giant OBO phalanx.

Day three in Melbourne has dawned cloudy and boring to date, however not a lot in the best way of rain predicted or evident, so with a bit of luck we get the total day once more. It simply gained’t be the gold and blue color scheme of yesterday. Wonder if it would do something to assist bowlers. Australia’s quicks have been actually good yesterday after Nathan Lyon acquired the primary wicket, particularly Pat Cummins together with his burst that took out the well-set Abdullah Shafique earlier than Babar Azam.

Pakistan slid a good distance after that, from 124 to 1 all the best way to 170 for six. By stumps that rating was as much as 194, with Rizwan to renew on 29 and Aamer Jamal on 2. They have loads of work to do with their team nonetheless 124 behind.

Let’s see what they’ll do.

We shot our wrap of yesterday’s play within the MCC Library, by the best way, in order for you a take a look at that august establishment. It is a real cricket nerd treasure trove in there, there’s an exhibition for the time being of some great outdated paperwork, together with the primary dictionary to say the phrase ‘cricket’, and a few enormous blown-up copies of the Sarfraz Nawaz scorecard from the well-known 9-for.

Two early wickets, so Smith will start with Warner after the break. Pakistan buoyant. Can they maintain this coming?

third over: Australia 6-2 (Warner 1) Last ball earlier than lunch, are you able to imagine that!

They set him up for it, and it really works on the final gasp. Shaheen’s second ball of the over has swing once more, into Labuschagne, who manages an inside edge for 4, one ball after he practically gloves one other try down the leg facet. Slip and leg slip in place, and that’s the place they need him to play. Shaheen bowls too huge of leg fro the fourth ball, then too huge of off. But together with his final alternative he will get it simply on that leg stump line, and Labuschagne tries to look however can’t meet up with the swing, edging it by means of and Rizwan erupts!

2nd over: Australia 2-1 (Warner 1, Labuschagne 0) Decent over from Hamza, retains Warner quiet and makes him play at most of these balls, however can’t draw an error. Shan Masood is tweaking the sector continuously. One extra over till lunch.

1st over: Australia 2-1 (Warner 1, Labuschagne 0) First ball to Labuschagne, beats him handsomely too, shaping in after which seaming away from the right-hander this time. Gets too straight subsequent ball and Labuschagne can get pad in the best way exterior leg stump and take an additional. Warner digs out a swinging yorker, then dabs away a single behind level.

That’s the best begin! Second ball of the innings, Shaheen comes left-arm over, angles it in the direction of the stumps, swings it away, and kisses the sting of the bat. Wonderful new-ball bowling, that’s what Shaheen has struggled to realize to date in Australia. Scrambles off the seam after it swings, at simply the best size.

Australia to face a few overs earlier than lunch…

Australia blissful to have wrapped up Pakistan, however 54 isn’t an enormous lead, the guests have achieved properly to haul it again to one thing manageable. They will nonetheless must bowl very properly to remain on this recreation, however that might have been the case had they been 50 in entrance. Batting final right here will probably be arduous. Australia in one of the best place, clearly.

73.4 overs: Pakistan 264 (Jamal 33) Last-wicket stand, so Jamal goes laaaaarge! Charges Lyon and belts him manner over midwicket for six. Not simply over the rope, into the gang. You must hit them enormous on the MCG and he does. Tries once more subsequent ball, and will get fortunate. Cummins has pushed Travis Head out to that very same spot, and a flat shot is spilt on the market. Jamal has run a single, and should remorse that, as Hamza swings on the subsequent ball and misses. Has dragged his toe out of his floor as he will get down on one knee, and Carey has the bails off.

73rd over: Pakistan 257-9 (Jamal 26, Hamza 2) Mir Hamza will get off the mark with a sliced two. Cummins 5 for 48. Pakistan down by 61.

Five wickets for Pat Cummins, and that’s gold-class quick bowling.

Does begin with a bouncer, Hasan not having to do a lot because it goes down leg. Beats the skin edge with the following one, Hasan pushing at it. Couple of slips in, and Smith nearly has a catch as Cummins will get the ball to rear! Horrible supply. Hasan Ali is aware of nothing about it, he’s wanting on the sky having yanked his head away as that ball crushes his gloves. The padding takes simply sufficient tempo off it to make it fall brief. Then the fifth ball of the over goes straight by means of, severe inward jag off the pitch once more. Hasan isn’t certain what to play, he’s hanging again, then pushes his arms down the road of the ball in a useless try at defence. But nowhere close to it, and it hits the skin curve of the off stump.

72nd over: Pakistan 255-8 (Jamal 26, Hasan 2) Doing his bit is Hasan Ali, nudging one as an alternative of attempting a glory shot. And Jamal goes at Lyon too, a half step in the direction of the pitch and smacks it over midwicket. The ball goes squarer than he meant however nonetheless picks up 4. Then he pulls out the reverse sweep! Only will get one as Starc dives properly at backward level, however an fascinating shot.

Pakistan behind by 63. Pat Cummins is coming again on, eight overs in need of the second new ball, 4 wickets in his pocket. Bumpers coming?

71st over: Pakistan 250-8 (Jamal 22, Hasan 1) At eight down, Jamal decides it’s time to go. Drives Starc sq. to start with, not solely managed however will get it previous gully and away to the fence. Then will get his entrance foot out of the best way and cannons an on drive down the bottom! Serious hit, alongside the turf for 4. That’s with a few singles to make it 10 from the over, and 68 behind.

seventieth over: Pakistan 240-8 (Jamal 13, Hasan 0) Eight down. Hasan Ali can bat, smashed a first-class ton within the Qaid comp a couple of years in the past, as a lot as that was a one-off. A really dangerous counterattacking form of innings, it was, and he got here off. But he can smash runs for shorter intervals extra recurrently, he’s hit 20 sixes and is in his twenty third Test. Blocks his first 4 balls immediately.

Lyon 3 for 61.

Off spin 101 from Lyon. Around the wicket, beats the sting of a ahead grope from Shaheen, the left-hander with the off break turning away. Then bowls a straight one which hits him in keeping with off stump, the batter on the again foot awkwardly attempting to get bat on it throughout the road. Hits him on the pad flap but it surely’s the again leg, so Shaheen’s evaluation simply exhibits it hitting the highest of off stump.

69th over: Pakistan 240-7 (Jamal 13, Shaheen 21) Nailed by Shaheen! That’s a superb shot, will get on the entrance canine and clouts Starc out by means of the covers. Not the elegant timing sort, extra the give-it-everything sort. Similar strategy as he swings throughout the road and will get a high edge over Carey. Four extra! Steve Smith from slip collects the ball after which stays on the fence, a really high-quality deep third somewhat than a real lengthy cease behind the keeper. Next, a single to midwicket. “Good batting, good batting,” rumble the knowledgable.

That’s Shaheen’s highest Test rating, and the hole between the groups is right down to 78.

68th over: Pakistan 231-7 (Jamal 13, Shaheen 12) Lyon to Jamal, two by means of cowl. Then beats the sting after which takes it in consecutive deliveries, however into the bottom. Slip and leg slip. Jamal drives at width however on the bounce to cowl this time. Drinks, with Pakistan behind by 87 runs.

67th over: Pakistan 229-7 (Jamal 11, Shaheen 12) Starc on for Cummins now, that long term in. Just one slip with this older ball, in addition to a gully and a brief leg standing a couple of paces again for Shaheen. Left-arm over the wicket to left-hand bat. Mostly defends, however will get shocked by a brief ball that doesn’t stand up and slams him on the gloves. He’s okay.

66th over: Pakistan 229-7 (Jamal 11, Shaheen 12) Vegemite on toast! Talk a couple of smear, Shaheen will get down on one knee and swipes Lyon over midwicket for an additional bouncing boundary. Unconvincing but it surely works this time.

sixty fifth over: Pakistan 223-7 (Jamal 10, Shaheen 7) A run going high-quality for Shaheen. Jamal goals a extra highly effective swing at Cummins however solely will get one to high-quality leg. Cummins across the wicket to Shaheen, in on the pads however the Pakistani paceman retains it out.

sixty fourth over: Pakistan 221-7 (Jamal 9, Shaheen 6) There goes Shaheen! Lyon again on, and the tall left-hander shuffles down and smears him over mid on. Not by a lot, however will get 4. Keeps the strike too with a push sq.. The deficit is down into double figures.

63rd over: Pakistan 216-7 (Jamal 9, Shaheen 1) So it’s Shaheen Shah Afridi at 9, which is simply too excessive for him actually, he’s a slapper of the ball greater than a participant of precise innings. Can lump a few sixes earlier than he hits one up within the air, however the latter comes alongside quickly sufficient. Starts with a mild run off the hip immediately. Now to Jamal – does he look to advance the scoring from right here, because the extra achieved batter? Not to that ball, which seams sharply, goes over leg stump, swings after it passes, and practically beats Carey who stops it on the bounce huge to his left. That went miles off the straight. Jamal geese the shorter one to comply with. Cummins 4 for 44 to date.

There he goes. Did the shortage of strike play a component? Misreads the tempo off the pitch, should like Shafique yesterday. Sees a driveable size huge of the stumps, throws his arms by means of the road of the ball. Cummins has two covers in place, Warner squarer and nearer, and Rizwan is simply too early on the shot, half sliced, straight into these dependable arms for the 89th catch of Warner’s Test profession.

62nd over: Pakistan 215-6 (Rizwan 42, Jamal 9) A shot! A shot from Jamal. Gets strike after Rizwan’s look, and lays right into a pull in opposition to Hazlewood. Leathers it properly in entrance of sq.. Then takes a run to mid off and once more flirts with a second as Marnus strains up the stumps. Labuschagne is without doubt one of the greatest floor fielders on the planet lately, you possibly can’t take him on. Rizwan pulls behind sq. to maintain the strike. The deficit is right down to 103.

61st over: Pakistan 208-6 (Rizwan 40, Jamal 4) There it’s, not fairly within the groove is Rizwan – performs it out previous cowl, takes the primary, by no means a second however he takes off. Jamal sends him again. Labuschagne once more quick in eliminating the ball, and his throw from midway to the boundary at cowl solely simply misses as Rizwan dives in. Would have been a 3rd umpire forensic job had it hit.

Australia with a leg slip in for Jamal now, and he’s undecided about his ducking approach anymore. Turns and will get hit by a brief ball behind the shoulder. But then will get the chook out once more to get underneath Cummins, and once more Cummins needs the toe of the bat. Hands on head. Gets a leg bye, Rizwan one other run.

sixtieth over: Pakistan 205-6 (Rizwan 38, Jamal 4) A barely completely different duck from Jamal, twisting to his left somewhat than bowing straight at Hazlewood, however the periscope is up once more and it’s near the ball once more. Blocks the total ball to shut the over and Rizwan will see some bowling subsequent.

59th over: Pakistan 205-6 (Rizwan 38, Jamal 4) He’s hogging the strike! Beaten by Cummins a few instances, however Jamal glances a run from the fifth ball of the over. He’s doing loads of leaving. Good temperament in help. You simply surprise if this day trip of the motion will unbalance Rizwan, who began so productively.

58th over: Pakistan 204-6 (Rizwan 38, Jamal 3) Rizwan pulls a run first ball, blissful to provide Jamal the strike, and there’s much more ducking. I feel the Australians have an interest on this periscope bat state of affairs. Josh Hazlewood additionally has an “oooh” to himself after his brief ball on off stump doesn’t miss the bat by a lot. Jamal pushes away a run to level to finish the over.

57th over: Pakistan 202-6 (Rizwan 37, Jamal 2) Having saved strike, Rizwan launches a bottom-handed drive arduous at mid off and may’t rating. Cummins opening proceedings for the day. Hits the following one by means of cowl on the up, diagonal bat, and is considering of working 4 however Labuschagne removes the ball so rapidly after sliding into its path at deep cowl. Three runs, Jamal on strike and he dips down just like the wood chook that fills in for Homer on the energy plant, leaning ahead on the waist to go underneath the ball. Only downside is that his motion leaves the bat poking up within the air behind him, and Cummins practically nicks the toe of it with that brief ball. The look on the bowler’s face, he knew it was shut. Hard dismissal to plan for.

56th over: Pakistan 199-6 (Rizwan 34, Jamal 2) Like many a long-distance swimmer, Hazlewood is straight within the channel. Rizwan is blissful to go fishing in these waters, twice reaching out to steer Hazlewood away for 2. Then thwacks throughout the road with a cross-bat shot off the entrance foot to get a mistimed underneath edge behind sq. for one run.

Revised begin is 10:45am, which is 25 minutes away. So half an hour early turns into quarter-hour late.

The hessian covers are coming off the pitch now.

I feel it’ll cross over fairly rapidly.

Well, I used to be too optimistic. Bit of misty drizzle has are available in over the MCG, so our early begin will now be a late begin.

Or it’s another variety of minutes that I’m but to find out. Anyway, we’ll be on quickly.

Remember we begin half an hour early to make up for the rain on day one. Which is in 4 minutes. So stand by.

Meanwhile, Andy Bull has pulled collectively the votes for our Guardian males’s Test team of the 12 months. Thoughts?

Here is the wires report on yesterday’s day of play.

Preamble

Geoff Lemon

Good (Australian) morning, Christmas bike gang. I say that as a result of I assume that you’ve got all obtained bikes for Christmas, and by now you may have put in the pedals and lights and reflectors and you’re able to cruise round your neighbourhoods in a giant OBO phalanx.

Day three in Melbourne has dawned cloudy and boring to date, however not a lot in the best way of rain predicted or evident, so with a bit of luck we get the total day once more. It simply gained’t be the gold and blue color scheme of yesterday. Wonder if it would do something to assist bowlers. Australia’s quicks have been actually good yesterday after Nathan Lyon acquired the primary wicket, particularly Pat Cummins together with his burst that took out the well-set Abdullah Shafique earlier than Babar Azam.

Pakistan slid a good distance after that, from 124 to 1 all the best way to 170 for six. By stumps that rating was as much as 194, with Rizwan to renew on 29 and Aamer Jamal on 2. They have loads of work to do with their team nonetheless 124 behind.

Let’s see what they’ll do.

We shot our wrap of yesterday’s play within the MCC Library, by the best way, in order for you a take a look at that august establishment. It is a real cricket nerd treasure trove in there, there’s an exhibition for the time being of some great outdated paperwork, together with the primary dictionary to say the phrase ‘cricket’, and a few enormous blown-up copies of the Sarfraz Nawaz scorecard from the well-known 9-for.

Two early wickets, so Smith will start with Warner after the break. Pakistan buoyant. Can they maintain this coming?

third over: Australia 6-2 (Warner 1) Last ball earlier than lunch, are you able to imagine that!

They set him up for it, and it really works on the final gasp. Shaheen’s second ball of the over has swing once more, into Labuschagne, who manages an inside edge for 4, one ball after he practically gloves one other try down the leg facet. Slip and leg slip in place, and that’s the place they need him to play. Shaheen bowls too huge of leg fro the fourth ball, then too huge of off. But together with his final alternative he will get it simply on that leg stump line, and Labuschagne tries to look however can’t meet up with the swing, edging it by means of and Rizwan erupts!

2nd over: Australia 2-1 (Warner 1, Labuschagne 0) Decent over from Hamza, retains Warner quiet and makes him play at most of these balls, however can’t draw an error. Shan Masood is tweaking the sector continuously. One extra over till lunch.

1st over: Australia 2-1 (Warner 1, Labuschagne 0) First ball to Labuschagne, beats him handsomely too, shaping in after which seaming away from the right-hander this time. Gets too straight subsequent ball and Labuschagne can get pad in the best way exterior leg stump and take an additional. Warner digs out a swinging yorker, then dabs away a single behind level.

That’s the best begin! Second ball of the innings, Shaheen comes left-arm over, angles it in the direction of the stumps, swings it away, and kisses the sting of the bat. Wonderful new-ball bowling, that’s what Shaheen has struggled to realize to date in Australia. Scrambles off the seam after it swings, at simply the best size.

Australia to face a few overs earlier than lunch…

Australia blissful to have wrapped up Pakistan, however 54 isn’t an enormous lead, the guests have achieved properly to haul it again to one thing manageable. They will nonetheless must bowl very properly to remain on this recreation, however that might have been the case had they been 50 in entrance. Batting final right here will probably be arduous. Australia in one of the best place, clearly.

73.4 overs: Pakistan 264 (Jamal 33) Last-wicket stand, so Jamal goes laaaaarge! Charges Lyon and belts him manner over midwicket for six. Not simply over the rope, into the gang. You must hit them enormous on the MCG and he does. Tries once more subsequent ball, and will get fortunate. Cummins has pushed Travis Head out to that very same spot, and a flat shot is spilt on the market. Jamal has run a single, and should remorse that, as Hamza swings on the subsequent ball and misses. Has dragged his toe out of his floor as he will get down on one knee, and Carey has the bails off.

73rd over: Pakistan 257-9 (Jamal 26, Hamza 2) Mir Hamza will get off the mark with a sliced two. Cummins 5 for 48. Pakistan down by 61.

Five wickets for Pat Cummins, and that’s gold-class quick bowling.

Does begin with a bouncer, Hasan not having to do a lot because it goes down leg. Beats the skin edge with the following one, Hasan pushing at it. Couple of slips in, and Smith nearly has a catch as Cummins will get the ball to rear! Horrible supply. Hasan Ali is aware of nothing about it, he’s wanting on the sky having yanked his head away as that ball crushes his gloves. The padding takes simply sufficient tempo off it to make it fall brief. Then the fifth ball of the over goes straight by means of, severe inward jag off the pitch once more. Hasan isn’t certain what to play, he’s hanging again, then pushes his arms down the road of the ball in a useless try at defence. But nowhere close to it, and it hits the skin curve of the off stump.

72nd over: Pakistan 255-8 (Jamal 26, Hasan 2) Doing his bit is Hasan Ali, nudging one as an alternative of attempting a glory shot. And Jamal goes at Lyon too, a half step in the direction of the pitch and smacks it over midwicket. The ball goes squarer than he meant however nonetheless picks up 4. Then he pulls out the reverse sweep! Only will get one as Starc dives properly at backward level, however an fascinating shot.

Pakistan behind by 63. Pat Cummins is coming again on, eight overs in need of the second new ball, 4 wickets in his pocket. Bumpers coming?

71st over: Pakistan 250-8 (Jamal 22, Hasan 1) At eight down, Jamal decides it’s time to go. Drives Starc sq. to start with, not solely managed however will get it previous gully and away to the fence. Then will get his entrance foot out of the best way and cannons an on drive down the bottom! Serious hit, alongside the turf for 4. That’s with a few singles to make it 10 from the over, and 68 behind.

seventieth over: Pakistan 240-8 (Jamal 13, Hasan 0) Eight down. Hasan Ali can bat, smashed a first-class ton within the Qaid comp a couple of years in the past, as a lot as that was a one-off. A really dangerous counterattacking form of innings, it was, and he got here off. But he can smash runs for shorter intervals extra recurrently, he’s hit 20 sixes and is in his twenty third Test. Blocks his first 4 balls immediately.

Lyon 3 for 61.

Off spin 101 from Lyon. Around the wicket, beats the sting of a ahead grope from Shaheen, the left-hander with the off break turning away. Then bowls a straight one which hits him in keeping with off stump, the batter on the again foot awkwardly attempting to get bat on it throughout the road. Hits him on the pad flap but it surely’s the again leg, so Shaheen’s evaluation simply exhibits it hitting the highest of off stump.

69th over: Pakistan 240-7 (Jamal 13, Shaheen 21) Nailed by Shaheen! That’s a superb shot, will get on the entrance canine and clouts Starc out by means of the covers. Not the elegant timing sort, extra the give-it-everything sort. Similar strategy as he swings throughout the road and will get a high edge over Carey. Four extra! Steve Smith from slip collects the ball after which stays on the fence, a really high-quality deep third somewhat than a real lengthy cease behind the keeper. Next, a single to midwicket. “Good batting, good batting,” rumble the knowledgable.

That’s Shaheen’s highest Test rating, and the hole between the groups is right down to 78.

68th over: Pakistan 231-7 (Jamal 13, Shaheen 12) Lyon to Jamal, two by means of cowl. Then beats the sting after which takes it in consecutive deliveries, however into the bottom. Slip and leg slip. Jamal drives at width however on the bounce to cowl this time. Drinks, with Pakistan behind by 87 runs.

67th over: Pakistan 229-7 (Jamal 11, Shaheen 12) Starc on for Cummins now, that long term in. Just one slip with this older ball, in addition to a gully and a brief leg standing a couple of paces again for Shaheen. Left-arm over the wicket to left-hand bat. Mostly defends, however will get shocked by a brief ball that doesn’t stand up and slams him on the gloves. He’s okay.

66th over: Pakistan 229-7 (Jamal 11, Shaheen 12) Vegemite on toast! Talk a couple of smear, Shaheen will get down on one knee and swipes Lyon over midwicket for an additional bouncing boundary. Unconvincing but it surely works this time.

sixty fifth over: Pakistan 223-7 (Jamal 10, Shaheen 7) A run going high-quality for Shaheen. Jamal goals a extra highly effective swing at Cummins however solely will get one to high-quality leg. Cummins across the wicket to Shaheen, in on the pads however the Pakistani paceman retains it out.

sixty fourth over: Pakistan 221-7 (Jamal 9, Shaheen 6) There goes Shaheen! Lyon again on, and the tall left-hander shuffles down and smears him over mid on. Not by a lot, however will get 4. Keeps the strike too with a push sq.. The deficit is down into double figures.

63rd over: Pakistan 216-7 (Jamal 9, Shaheen 1) So it’s Shaheen Shah Afridi at 9, which is simply too excessive for him actually, he’s a slapper of the ball greater than a participant of precise innings. Can lump a few sixes earlier than he hits one up within the air, however the latter comes alongside quickly sufficient. Starts with a mild run off the hip immediately. Now to Jamal – does he look to advance the scoring from right here, because the extra achieved batter? Not to that ball, which seams sharply, goes over leg stump, swings after it passes, and practically beats Carey who stops it on the bounce huge to his left. That went miles off the straight. Jamal geese the shorter one to comply with. Cummins 4 for 44 to date.

There he goes. Did the shortage of strike play a component? Misreads the tempo off the pitch, should like Shafique yesterday. Sees a driveable size huge of the stumps, throws his arms by means of the road of the ball. Cummins has two covers in place, Warner squarer and nearer, and Rizwan is simply too early on the shot, half sliced, straight into these dependable arms for the 89th catch of Warner’s Test profession.

62nd over: Pakistan 215-6 (Rizwan 42, Jamal 9) A shot! A shot from Jamal. Gets strike after Rizwan’s look, and lays right into a pull in opposition to Hazlewood. Leathers it properly in entrance of sq.. Then takes a run to mid off and once more flirts with a second as Marnus strains up the stumps. Labuschagne is without doubt one of the greatest floor fielders on the planet lately, you possibly can’t take him on. Rizwan pulls behind sq. to maintain the strike. The deficit is right down to 103.

61st over: Pakistan 208-6 (Rizwan 40, Jamal 4) There it’s, not fairly within the groove is Rizwan – performs it out previous cowl, takes the primary, by no means a second however he takes off. Jamal sends him again. Labuschagne once more quick in eliminating the ball, and his throw from midway to the boundary at cowl solely simply misses as Rizwan dives in. Would have been a 3rd umpire forensic job had it hit.

Australia with a leg slip in for Jamal now, and he’s undecided about his ducking approach anymore. Turns and will get hit by a brief ball behind the shoulder. But then will get the chook out once more to get underneath Cummins, and once more Cummins needs the toe of the bat. Hands on head. Gets a leg bye, Rizwan one other run.

sixtieth over: Pakistan 205-6 (Rizwan 38, Jamal 4) A barely completely different duck from Jamal, twisting to his left somewhat than bowing straight at Hazlewood, however the periscope is up once more and it’s near the ball once more. Blocks the total ball to shut the over and Rizwan will see some bowling subsequent.

59th over: Pakistan 205-6 (Rizwan 38, Jamal 4) He’s hogging the strike! Beaten by Cummins a few instances, however Jamal glances a run from the fifth ball of the over. He’s doing loads of leaving. Good temperament in help. You simply surprise if this day trip of the motion will unbalance Rizwan, who began so productively.

58th over: Pakistan 204-6 (Rizwan 38, Jamal 3) Rizwan pulls a run first ball, blissful to provide Jamal the strike, and there’s much more ducking. I feel the Australians have an interest on this periscope bat state of affairs. Josh Hazlewood additionally has an “oooh” to himself after his brief ball on off stump doesn’t miss the bat by a lot. Jamal pushes away a run to level to finish the over.

57th over: Pakistan 202-6 (Rizwan 37, Jamal 2) Having saved strike, Rizwan launches a bottom-handed drive arduous at mid off and may’t rating. Cummins opening proceedings for the day. Hits the following one by means of cowl on the up, diagonal bat, and is considering of working 4 however Labuschagne removes the ball so rapidly after sliding into its path at deep cowl. Three runs, Jamal on strike and he dips down just like the wood chook that fills in for Homer on the energy plant, leaning ahead on the waist to go underneath the ball. Only downside is that his motion leaves the bat poking up within the air behind him, and Cummins practically nicks the toe of it with that brief ball. The look on the bowler’s face, he knew it was shut. Hard dismissal to plan for.

56th over: Pakistan 199-6 (Rizwan 34, Jamal 2) Like many a long-distance swimmer, Hazlewood is straight within the channel. Rizwan is blissful to go fishing in these waters, twice reaching out to steer Hazlewood away for 2. Then thwacks throughout the road with a cross-bat shot off the entrance foot to get a mistimed underneath edge behind sq. for one run.

Revised begin is 10:45am, which is 25 minutes away. So half an hour early turns into quarter-hour late.

The hessian covers are coming off the pitch now.

I feel it’ll cross over fairly rapidly.

Well, I used to be too optimistic. Bit of misty drizzle has are available in over the MCG, so our early begin will now be a late begin.

Or it’s another variety of minutes that I’m but to find out. Anyway, we’ll be on quickly.

Remember we begin half an hour early to make up for the rain on day one. Which is in 4 minutes. So stand by.

Meanwhile, Andy Bull has pulled collectively the votes for our Guardian males’s Test team of the 12 months. Thoughts?

Here is the wires report on yesterday’s day of play.

Preamble

Geoff Lemon

Good (Australian) morning, Christmas bike gang. I say that as a result of I assume that you’ve got all obtained bikes for Christmas, and by now you may have put in the pedals and lights and reflectors and you’re able to cruise round your neighbourhoods in a giant OBO phalanx.

Day three in Melbourne has dawned cloudy and boring to date, however not a lot in the best way of rain predicted or evident, so with a bit of luck we get the total day once more. It simply gained’t be the gold and blue color scheme of yesterday. Wonder if it would do something to assist bowlers. Australia’s quicks have been actually good yesterday after Nathan Lyon acquired the primary wicket, particularly Pat Cummins together with his burst that took out the well-set Abdullah Shafique earlier than Babar Azam.

Pakistan slid a good distance after that, from 124 to 1 all the best way to 170 for six. By stumps that rating was as much as 194, with Rizwan to renew on 29 and Aamer Jamal on 2. They have loads of work to do with their team nonetheless 124 behind.

Let’s see what they’ll do.

We shot our wrap of yesterday’s play within the MCC Library, by the best way, in order for you a take a look at that august establishment. It is a real cricket nerd treasure trove in there, there’s an exhibition for the time being of some great outdated paperwork, together with the primary dictionary to say the phrase ‘cricket’, and a few enormous blown-up copies of the Sarfraz Nawaz scorecard from the well-known 9-for.

Two early wickets, so Smith will start with Warner after the break. Pakistan buoyant. Can they maintain this coming?

third over: Australia 6-2 (Warner 1) Last ball earlier than lunch, are you able to imagine that!

They set him up for it, and it really works on the final gasp. Shaheen’s second ball of the over has swing once more, into Labuschagne, who manages an inside edge for 4, one ball after he practically gloves one other try down the leg facet. Slip and leg slip in place, and that’s the place they need him to play. Shaheen bowls too huge of leg fro the fourth ball, then too huge of off. But together with his final alternative he will get it simply on that leg stump line, and Labuschagne tries to look however can’t meet up with the swing, edging it by means of and Rizwan erupts!

2nd over: Australia 2-1 (Warner 1, Labuschagne 0) Decent over from Hamza, retains Warner quiet and makes him play at most of these balls, however can’t draw an error. Shan Masood is tweaking the sector continuously. One extra over till lunch.

1st over: Australia 2-1 (Warner 1, Labuschagne 0) First ball to Labuschagne, beats him handsomely too, shaping in after which seaming away from the right-hander this time. Gets too straight subsequent ball and Labuschagne can get pad in the best way exterior leg stump and take an additional. Warner digs out a swinging yorker, then dabs away a single behind level.

That’s the best begin! Second ball of the innings, Shaheen comes left-arm over, angles it in the direction of the stumps, swings it away, and kisses the sting of the bat. Wonderful new-ball bowling, that’s what Shaheen has struggled to realize to date in Australia. Scrambles off the seam after it swings, at simply the best size.

Australia to face a few overs earlier than lunch…

Australia blissful to have wrapped up Pakistan, however 54 isn’t an enormous lead, the guests have achieved properly to haul it again to one thing manageable. They will nonetheless must bowl very properly to remain on this recreation, however that might have been the case had they been 50 in entrance. Batting final right here will probably be arduous. Australia in one of the best place, clearly.

73.4 overs: Pakistan 264 (Jamal 33) Last-wicket stand, so Jamal goes laaaaarge! Charges Lyon and belts him manner over midwicket for six. Not simply over the rope, into the gang. You must hit them enormous on the MCG and he does. Tries once more subsequent ball, and will get fortunate. Cummins has pushed Travis Head out to that very same spot, and a flat shot is spilt on the market. Jamal has run a single, and should remorse that, as Hamza swings on the subsequent ball and misses. Has dragged his toe out of his floor as he will get down on one knee, and Carey has the bails off.

73rd over: Pakistan 257-9 (Jamal 26, Hamza 2) Mir Hamza will get off the mark with a sliced two. Cummins 5 for 48. Pakistan down by 61.

Five wickets for Pat Cummins, and that’s gold-class quick bowling.

Does begin with a bouncer, Hasan not having to do a lot because it goes down leg. Beats the skin edge with the following one, Hasan pushing at it. Couple of slips in, and Smith nearly has a catch as Cummins will get the ball to rear! Horrible supply. Hasan Ali is aware of nothing about it, he’s wanting on the sky having yanked his head away as that ball crushes his gloves. The padding takes simply sufficient tempo off it to make it fall brief. Then the fifth ball of the over goes straight by means of, severe inward jag off the pitch once more. Hasan isn’t certain what to play, he’s hanging again, then pushes his arms down the road of the ball in a useless try at defence. But nowhere close to it, and it hits the skin curve of the off stump.

72nd over: Pakistan 255-8 (Jamal 26, Hasan 2) Doing his bit is Hasan Ali, nudging one as an alternative of attempting a glory shot. And Jamal goes at Lyon too, a half step in the direction of the pitch and smacks it over midwicket. The ball goes squarer than he meant however nonetheless picks up 4. Then he pulls out the reverse sweep! Only will get one as Starc dives properly at backward level, however an fascinating shot.

Pakistan behind by 63. Pat Cummins is coming again on, eight overs in need of the second new ball, 4 wickets in his pocket. Bumpers coming?

71st over: Pakistan 250-8 (Jamal 22, Hasan 1) At eight down, Jamal decides it’s time to go. Drives Starc sq. to start with, not solely managed however will get it previous gully and away to the fence. Then will get his entrance foot out of the best way and cannons an on drive down the bottom! Serious hit, alongside the turf for 4. That’s with a few singles to make it 10 from the over, and 68 behind.

seventieth over: Pakistan 240-8 (Jamal 13, Hasan 0) Eight down. Hasan Ali can bat, smashed a first-class ton within the Qaid comp a couple of years in the past, as a lot as that was a one-off. A really dangerous counterattacking form of innings, it was, and he got here off. But he can smash runs for shorter intervals extra recurrently, he’s hit 20 sixes and is in his twenty third Test. Blocks his first 4 balls immediately.

Lyon 3 for 61.

Off spin 101 from Lyon. Around the wicket, beats the sting of a ahead grope from Shaheen, the left-hander with the off break turning away. Then bowls a straight one which hits him in keeping with off stump, the batter on the again foot awkwardly attempting to get bat on it throughout the road. Hits him on the pad flap but it surely’s the again leg, so Shaheen’s evaluation simply exhibits it hitting the highest of off stump.

69th over: Pakistan 240-7 (Jamal 13, Shaheen 21) Nailed by Shaheen! That’s a superb shot, will get on the entrance canine and clouts Starc out by means of the covers. Not the elegant timing sort, extra the give-it-everything sort. Similar strategy as he swings throughout the road and will get a high edge over Carey. Four extra! Steve Smith from slip collects the ball after which stays on the fence, a really high-quality deep third somewhat than a real lengthy cease behind the keeper. Next, a single to midwicket. “Good batting, good batting,” rumble the knowledgable.

That’s Shaheen’s highest Test rating, and the hole between the groups is right down to 78.

68th over: Pakistan 231-7 (Jamal 13, Shaheen 12) Lyon to Jamal, two by means of cowl. Then beats the sting after which takes it in consecutive deliveries, however into the bottom. Slip and leg slip. Jamal drives at width however on the bounce to cowl this time. Drinks, with Pakistan behind by 87 runs.

67th over: Pakistan 229-7 (Jamal 11, Shaheen 12) Starc on for Cummins now, that long term in. Just one slip with this older ball, in addition to a gully and a brief leg standing a couple of paces again for Shaheen. Left-arm over the wicket to left-hand bat. Mostly defends, however will get shocked by a brief ball that doesn’t stand up and slams him on the gloves. He’s okay.

66th over: Pakistan 229-7 (Jamal 11, Shaheen 12) Vegemite on toast! Talk a couple of smear, Shaheen will get down on one knee and swipes Lyon over midwicket for an additional bouncing boundary. Unconvincing but it surely works this time.

sixty fifth over: Pakistan 223-7 (Jamal 10, Shaheen 7) A run going high-quality for Shaheen. Jamal goals a extra highly effective swing at Cummins however solely will get one to high-quality leg. Cummins across the wicket to Shaheen, in on the pads however the Pakistani paceman retains it out.

sixty fourth over: Pakistan 221-7 (Jamal 9, Shaheen 6) There goes Shaheen! Lyon again on, and the tall left-hander shuffles down and smears him over mid on. Not by a lot, however will get 4. Keeps the strike too with a push sq.. The deficit is down into double figures.

63rd over: Pakistan 216-7 (Jamal 9, Shaheen 1) So it’s Shaheen Shah Afridi at 9, which is simply too excessive for him actually, he’s a slapper of the ball greater than a participant of precise innings. Can lump a few sixes earlier than he hits one up within the air, however the latter comes alongside quickly sufficient. Starts with a mild run off the hip immediately. Now to Jamal – does he look to advance the scoring from right here, because the extra achieved batter? Not to that ball, which seams sharply, goes over leg stump, swings after it passes, and practically beats Carey who stops it on the bounce huge to his left. That went miles off the straight. Jamal geese the shorter one to comply with. Cummins 4 for 44 to date.

There he goes. Did the shortage of strike play a component? Misreads the tempo off the pitch, should like Shafique yesterday. Sees a driveable size huge of the stumps, throws his arms by means of the road of the ball. Cummins has two covers in place, Warner squarer and nearer, and Rizwan is simply too early on the shot, half sliced, straight into these dependable arms for the 89th catch of Warner’s Test profession.

62nd over: Pakistan 215-6 (Rizwan 42, Jamal 9) A shot! A shot from Jamal. Gets strike after Rizwan’s look, and lays right into a pull in opposition to Hazlewood. Leathers it properly in entrance of sq.. Then takes a run to mid off and once more flirts with a second as Marnus strains up the stumps. Labuschagne is without doubt one of the greatest floor fielders on the planet lately, you possibly can’t take him on. Rizwan pulls behind sq. to maintain the strike. The deficit is right down to 103.

61st over: Pakistan 208-6 (Rizwan 40, Jamal 4) There it’s, not fairly within the groove is Rizwan – performs it out previous cowl, takes the primary, by no means a second however he takes off. Jamal sends him again. Labuschagne once more quick in eliminating the ball, and his throw from midway to the boundary at cowl solely simply misses as Rizwan dives in. Would have been a 3rd umpire forensic job had it hit.

Australia with a leg slip in for Jamal now, and he’s undecided about his ducking approach anymore. Turns and will get hit by a brief ball behind the shoulder. But then will get the chook out once more to get underneath Cummins, and once more Cummins needs the toe of the bat. Hands on head. Gets a leg bye, Rizwan one other run.

sixtieth over: Pakistan 205-6 (Rizwan 38, Jamal 4) A barely completely different duck from Jamal, twisting to his left somewhat than bowing straight at Hazlewood, however the periscope is up once more and it’s near the ball once more. Blocks the total ball to shut the over and Rizwan will see some bowling subsequent.

59th over: Pakistan 205-6 (Rizwan 38, Jamal 4) He’s hogging the strike! Beaten by Cummins a few instances, however Jamal glances a run from the fifth ball of the over. He’s doing loads of leaving. Good temperament in help. You simply surprise if this day trip of the motion will unbalance Rizwan, who began so productively.

58th over: Pakistan 204-6 (Rizwan 38, Jamal 3) Rizwan pulls a run first ball, blissful to provide Jamal the strike, and there’s much more ducking. I feel the Australians have an interest on this periscope bat state of affairs. Josh Hazlewood additionally has an “oooh” to himself after his brief ball on off stump doesn’t miss the bat by a lot. Jamal pushes away a run to level to finish the over.

57th over: Pakistan 202-6 (Rizwan 37, Jamal 2) Having saved strike, Rizwan launches a bottom-handed drive arduous at mid off and may’t rating. Cummins opening proceedings for the day. Hits the following one by means of cowl on the up, diagonal bat, and is considering of working 4 however Labuschagne removes the ball so rapidly after sliding into its path at deep cowl. Three runs, Jamal on strike and he dips down just like the wood chook that fills in for Homer on the energy plant, leaning ahead on the waist to go underneath the ball. Only downside is that his motion leaves the bat poking up within the air behind him, and Cummins practically nicks the toe of it with that brief ball. The look on the bowler’s face, he knew it was shut. Hard dismissal to plan for.

56th over: Pakistan 199-6 (Rizwan 34, Jamal 2) Like many a long-distance swimmer, Hazlewood is straight within the channel. Rizwan is blissful to go fishing in these waters, twice reaching out to steer Hazlewood away for 2. Then thwacks throughout the road with a cross-bat shot off the entrance foot to get a mistimed underneath edge behind sq. for one run.

Revised begin is 10:45am, which is 25 minutes away. So half an hour early turns into quarter-hour late.

The hessian covers are coming off the pitch now.

I feel it’ll cross over fairly rapidly.

Well, I used to be too optimistic. Bit of misty drizzle has are available in over the MCG, so our early begin will now be a late begin.

Or it’s another variety of minutes that I’m but to find out. Anyway, we’ll be on quickly.

Remember we begin half an hour early to make up for the rain on day one. Which is in 4 minutes. So stand by.

Meanwhile, Andy Bull has pulled collectively the votes for our Guardian males’s Test team of the 12 months. Thoughts?

Here is the wires report on yesterday’s day of play.

Preamble

Geoff Lemon

Good (Australian) morning, Christmas bike gang. I say that as a result of I assume that you’ve got all obtained bikes for Christmas, and by now you may have put in the pedals and lights and reflectors and you’re able to cruise round your neighbourhoods in a giant OBO phalanx.

Day three in Melbourne has dawned cloudy and boring to date, however not a lot in the best way of rain predicted or evident, so with a bit of luck we get the total day once more. It simply gained’t be the gold and blue color scheme of yesterday. Wonder if it would do something to assist bowlers. Australia’s quicks have been actually good yesterday after Nathan Lyon acquired the primary wicket, particularly Pat Cummins together with his burst that took out the well-set Abdullah Shafique earlier than Babar Azam.

Pakistan slid a good distance after that, from 124 to 1 all the best way to 170 for six. By stumps that rating was as much as 194, with Rizwan to renew on 29 and Aamer Jamal on 2. They have loads of work to do with their team nonetheless 124 behind.

Let’s see what they’ll do.

We shot our wrap of yesterday’s play within the MCC Library, by the best way, in order for you a take a look at that august establishment. It is a real cricket nerd treasure trove in there, there’s an exhibition for the time being of some great outdated paperwork, together with the primary dictionary to say the phrase ‘cricket’, and a few enormous blown-up copies of the Sarfraz Nawaz scorecard from the well-known 9-for.

Two early wickets, so Smith will start with Warner after the break. Pakistan buoyant. Can they maintain this coming?

third over: Australia 6-2 (Warner 1) Last ball earlier than lunch, are you able to imagine that!

They set him up for it, and it really works on the final gasp. Shaheen’s second ball of the over has swing once more, into Labuschagne, who manages an inside edge for 4, one ball after he practically gloves one other try down the leg facet. Slip and leg slip in place, and that’s the place they need him to play. Shaheen bowls too huge of leg fro the fourth ball, then too huge of off. But together with his final alternative he will get it simply on that leg stump line, and Labuschagne tries to look however can’t meet up with the swing, edging it by means of and Rizwan erupts!

2nd over: Australia 2-1 (Warner 1, Labuschagne 0) Decent over from Hamza, retains Warner quiet and makes him play at most of these balls, however can’t draw an error. Shan Masood is tweaking the sector continuously. One extra over till lunch.

1st over: Australia 2-1 (Warner 1, Labuschagne 0) First ball to Labuschagne, beats him handsomely too, shaping in after which seaming away from the right-hander this time. Gets too straight subsequent ball and Labuschagne can get pad in the best way exterior leg stump and take an additional. Warner digs out a swinging yorker, then dabs away a single behind level.

That’s the best begin! Second ball of the innings, Shaheen comes left-arm over, angles it in the direction of the stumps, swings it away, and kisses the sting of the bat. Wonderful new-ball bowling, that’s what Shaheen has struggled to realize to date in Australia. Scrambles off the seam after it swings, at simply the best size.

Australia to face a few overs earlier than lunch…

Australia blissful to have wrapped up Pakistan, however 54 isn’t an enormous lead, the guests have achieved properly to haul it again to one thing manageable. They will nonetheless must bowl very properly to remain on this recreation, however that might have been the case had they been 50 in entrance. Batting final right here will probably be arduous. Australia in one of the best place, clearly.

73.4 overs: Pakistan 264 (Jamal 33) Last-wicket stand, so Jamal goes laaaaarge! Charges Lyon and belts him manner over midwicket for six. Not simply over the rope, into the gang. You must hit them enormous on the MCG and he does. Tries once more subsequent ball, and will get fortunate. Cummins has pushed Travis Head out to that very same spot, and a flat shot is spilt on the market. Jamal has run a single, and should remorse that, as Hamza swings on the subsequent ball and misses. Has dragged his toe out of his floor as he will get down on one knee, and Carey has the bails off.

73rd over: Pakistan 257-9 (Jamal 26, Hamza 2) Mir Hamza will get off the mark with a sliced two. Cummins 5 for 48. Pakistan down by 61.

Five wickets for Pat Cummins, and that’s gold-class quick bowling.

Does begin with a bouncer, Hasan not having to do a lot because it goes down leg. Beats the skin edge with the following one, Hasan pushing at it. Couple of slips in, and Smith nearly has a catch as Cummins will get the ball to rear! Horrible supply. Hasan Ali is aware of nothing about it, he’s wanting on the sky having yanked his head away as that ball crushes his gloves. The padding takes simply sufficient tempo off it to make it fall brief. Then the fifth ball of the over goes straight by means of, severe inward jag off the pitch once more. Hasan isn’t certain what to play, he’s hanging again, then pushes his arms down the road of the ball in a useless try at defence. But nowhere close to it, and it hits the skin curve of the off stump.

72nd over: Pakistan 255-8 (Jamal 26, Hasan 2) Doing his bit is Hasan Ali, nudging one as an alternative of attempting a glory shot. And Jamal goes at Lyon too, a half step in the direction of the pitch and smacks it over midwicket. The ball goes squarer than he meant however nonetheless picks up 4. Then he pulls out the reverse sweep! Only will get one as Starc dives properly at backward level, however an fascinating shot.

Pakistan behind by 63. Pat Cummins is coming again on, eight overs in need of the second new ball, 4 wickets in his pocket. Bumpers coming?

71st over: Pakistan 250-8 (Jamal 22, Hasan 1) At eight down, Jamal decides it’s time to go. Drives Starc sq. to start with, not solely managed however will get it previous gully and away to the fence. Then will get his entrance foot out of the best way and cannons an on drive down the bottom! Serious hit, alongside the turf for 4. That’s with a few singles to make it 10 from the over, and 68 behind.

seventieth over: Pakistan 240-8 (Jamal 13, Hasan 0) Eight down. Hasan Ali can bat, smashed a first-class ton within the Qaid comp a couple of years in the past, as a lot as that was a one-off. A really dangerous counterattacking form of innings, it was, and he got here off. But he can smash runs for shorter intervals extra recurrently, he’s hit 20 sixes and is in his twenty third Test. Blocks his first 4 balls immediately.

Lyon 3 for 61.

Off spin 101 from Lyon. Around the wicket, beats the sting of a ahead grope from Shaheen, the left-hander with the off break turning away. Then bowls a straight one which hits him in keeping with off stump, the batter on the again foot awkwardly attempting to get bat on it throughout the road. Hits him on the pad flap but it surely’s the again leg, so Shaheen’s evaluation simply exhibits it hitting the highest of off stump.

69th over: Pakistan 240-7 (Jamal 13, Shaheen 21) Nailed by Shaheen! That’s a superb shot, will get on the entrance canine and clouts Starc out by means of the covers. Not the elegant timing sort, extra the give-it-everything sort. Similar strategy as he swings throughout the road and will get a high edge over Carey. Four extra! Steve Smith from slip collects the ball after which stays on the fence, a really high-quality deep third somewhat than a real lengthy cease behind the keeper. Next, a single to midwicket. “Good batting, good batting,” rumble the knowledgable.

That’s Shaheen’s highest Test rating, and the hole between the groups is right down to 78.

68th over: Pakistan 231-7 (Jamal 13, Shaheen 12) Lyon to Jamal, two by means of cowl. Then beats the sting after which takes it in consecutive deliveries, however into the bottom. Slip and leg slip. Jamal drives at width however on the bounce to cowl this time. Drinks, with Pakistan behind by 87 runs.

67th over: Pakistan 229-7 (Jamal 11, Shaheen 12) Starc on for Cummins now, that long term in. Just one slip with this older ball, in addition to a gully and a brief leg standing a couple of paces again for Shaheen. Left-arm over the wicket to left-hand bat. Mostly defends, however will get shocked by a brief ball that doesn’t stand up and slams him on the gloves. He’s okay.

66th over: Pakistan 229-7 (Jamal 11, Shaheen 12) Vegemite on toast! Talk a couple of smear, Shaheen will get down on one knee and swipes Lyon over midwicket for an additional bouncing boundary. Unconvincing but it surely works this time.

sixty fifth over: Pakistan 223-7 (Jamal 10, Shaheen 7) A run going high-quality for Shaheen. Jamal goals a extra highly effective swing at Cummins however solely will get one to high-quality leg. Cummins across the wicket to Shaheen, in on the pads however the Pakistani paceman retains it out.

sixty fourth over: Pakistan 221-7 (Jamal 9, Shaheen 6) There goes Shaheen! Lyon again on, and the tall left-hander shuffles down and smears him over mid on. Not by a lot, however will get 4. Keeps the strike too with a push sq.. The deficit is down into double figures.

63rd over: Pakistan 216-7 (Jamal 9, Shaheen 1) So it’s Shaheen Shah Afridi at 9, which is simply too excessive for him actually, he’s a slapper of the ball greater than a participant of precise innings. Can lump a few sixes earlier than he hits one up within the air, however the latter comes alongside quickly sufficient. Starts with a mild run off the hip immediately. Now to Jamal – does he look to advance the scoring from right here, because the extra achieved batter? Not to that ball, which seams sharply, goes over leg stump, swings after it passes, and practically beats Carey who stops it on the bounce huge to his left. That went miles off the straight. Jamal geese the shorter one to comply with. Cummins 4 for 44 to date.

There he goes. Did the shortage of strike play a component? Misreads the tempo off the pitch, should like Shafique yesterday. Sees a driveable size huge of the stumps, throws his arms by means of the road of the ball. Cummins has two covers in place, Warner squarer and nearer, and Rizwan is simply too early on the shot, half sliced, straight into these dependable arms for the 89th catch of Warner’s Test profession.

62nd over: Pakistan 215-6 (Rizwan 42, Jamal 9) A shot! A shot from Jamal. Gets strike after Rizwan’s look, and lays right into a pull in opposition to Hazlewood. Leathers it properly in entrance of sq.. Then takes a run to mid off and once more flirts with a second as Marnus strains up the stumps. Labuschagne is without doubt one of the greatest floor fielders on the planet lately, you possibly can’t take him on. Rizwan pulls behind sq. to maintain the strike. The deficit is right down to 103.

61st over: Pakistan 208-6 (Rizwan 40, Jamal 4) There it’s, not fairly within the groove is Rizwan – performs it out previous cowl, takes the primary, by no means a second however he takes off. Jamal sends him again. Labuschagne once more quick in eliminating the ball, and his throw from midway to the boundary at cowl solely simply misses as Rizwan dives in. Would have been a 3rd umpire forensic job had it hit.

Australia with a leg slip in for Jamal now, and he’s undecided about his ducking approach anymore. Turns and will get hit by a brief ball behind the shoulder. But then will get the chook out once more to get underneath Cummins, and once more Cummins needs the toe of the bat. Hands on head. Gets a leg bye, Rizwan one other run.

sixtieth over: Pakistan 205-6 (Rizwan 38, Jamal 4) A barely completely different duck from Jamal, twisting to his left somewhat than bowing straight at Hazlewood, however the periscope is up once more and it’s near the ball once more. Blocks the total ball to shut the over and Rizwan will see some bowling subsequent.

59th over: Pakistan 205-6 (Rizwan 38, Jamal 4) He’s hogging the strike! Beaten by Cummins a few instances, however Jamal glances a run from the fifth ball of the over. He’s doing loads of leaving. Good temperament in help. You simply surprise if this day trip of the motion will unbalance Rizwan, who began so productively.

58th over: Pakistan 204-6 (Rizwan 38, Jamal 3) Rizwan pulls a run first ball, blissful to provide Jamal the strike, and there’s much more ducking. I feel the Australians have an interest on this periscope bat state of affairs. Josh Hazlewood additionally has an “oooh” to himself after his brief ball on off stump doesn’t miss the bat by a lot. Jamal pushes away a run to level to finish the over.

57th over: Pakistan 202-6 (Rizwan 37, Jamal 2) Having saved strike, Rizwan launches a bottom-handed drive arduous at mid off and may’t rating. Cummins opening proceedings for the day. Hits the following one by means of cowl on the up, diagonal bat, and is considering of working 4 however Labuschagne removes the ball so rapidly after sliding into its path at deep cowl. Three runs, Jamal on strike and he dips down just like the wood chook that fills in for Homer on the energy plant, leaning ahead on the waist to go underneath the ball. Only downside is that his motion leaves the bat poking up within the air behind him, and Cummins practically nicks the toe of it with that brief ball. The look on the bowler’s face, he knew it was shut. Hard dismissal to plan for.

56th over: Pakistan 199-6 (Rizwan 34, Jamal 2) Like many a long-distance swimmer, Hazlewood is straight within the channel. Rizwan is blissful to go fishing in these waters, twice reaching out to steer Hazlewood away for 2. Then thwacks throughout the road with a cross-bat shot off the entrance foot to get a mistimed underneath edge behind sq. for one run.

Revised begin is 10:45am, which is 25 minutes away. So half an hour early turns into quarter-hour late.

The hessian covers are coming off the pitch now.

I feel it’ll cross over fairly rapidly.

Well, I used to be too optimistic. Bit of misty drizzle has are available in over the MCG, so our early begin will now be a late begin.

Or it’s another variety of minutes that I’m but to find out. Anyway, we’ll be on quickly.

Remember we begin half an hour early to make up for the rain on day one. Which is in 4 minutes. So stand by.

Meanwhile, Andy Bull has pulled collectively the votes for our Guardian males’s Test team of the 12 months. Thoughts?

Here is the wires report on yesterday’s day of play.

Preamble

Geoff Lemon

Good (Australian) morning, Christmas bike gang. I say that as a result of I assume that you’ve got all obtained bikes for Christmas, and by now you may have put in the pedals and lights and reflectors and you’re able to cruise round your neighbourhoods in a giant OBO phalanx.

Day three in Melbourne has dawned cloudy and boring to date, however not a lot in the best way of rain predicted or evident, so with a bit of luck we get the total day once more. It simply gained’t be the gold and blue color scheme of yesterday. Wonder if it would do something to assist bowlers. Australia’s quicks have been actually good yesterday after Nathan Lyon acquired the primary wicket, particularly Pat Cummins together with his burst that took out the well-set Abdullah Shafique earlier than Babar Azam.

Pakistan slid a good distance after that, from 124 to 1 all the best way to 170 for six. By stumps that rating was as much as 194, with Rizwan to renew on 29 and Aamer Jamal on 2. They have loads of work to do with their team nonetheless 124 behind.

Let’s see what they’ll do.

We shot our wrap of yesterday’s play within the MCC Library, by the best way, in order for you a take a look at that august establishment. It is a real cricket nerd treasure trove in there, there’s an exhibition for the time being of some great outdated paperwork, together with the primary dictionary to say the phrase ‘cricket’, and a few enormous blown-up copies of the Sarfraz Nawaz scorecard from the well-known 9-for.

Two early wickets, so Smith will start with Warner after the break. Pakistan buoyant. Can they maintain this coming?

third over: Australia 6-2 (Warner 1) Last ball earlier than lunch, are you able to imagine that!

They set him up for it, and it really works on the final gasp. Shaheen’s second ball of the over has swing once more, into Labuschagne, who manages an inside edge for 4, one ball after he practically gloves one other try down the leg facet. Slip and leg slip in place, and that’s the place they need him to play. Shaheen bowls too huge of leg fro the fourth ball, then too huge of off. But together with his final alternative he will get it simply on that leg stump line, and Labuschagne tries to look however can’t meet up with the swing, edging it by means of and Rizwan erupts!

2nd over: Australia 2-1 (Warner 1, Labuschagne 0) Decent over from Hamza, retains Warner quiet and makes him play at most of these balls, however can’t draw an error. Shan Masood is tweaking the sector continuously. One extra over till lunch.

1st over: Australia 2-1 (Warner 1, Labuschagne 0) First ball to Labuschagne, beats him handsomely too, shaping in after which seaming away from the right-hander this time. Gets too straight subsequent ball and Labuschagne can get pad in the best way exterior leg stump and take an additional. Warner digs out a swinging yorker, then dabs away a single behind level.

That’s the best begin! Second ball of the innings, Shaheen comes left-arm over, angles it in the direction of the stumps, swings it away, and kisses the sting of the bat. Wonderful new-ball bowling, that’s what Shaheen has struggled to realize to date in Australia. Scrambles off the seam after it swings, at simply the best size.

Australia to face a few overs earlier than lunch…

Australia blissful to have wrapped up Pakistan, however 54 isn’t an enormous lead, the guests have achieved properly to haul it again to one thing manageable. They will nonetheless must bowl very properly to remain on this recreation, however that might have been the case had they been 50 in entrance. Batting final right here will probably be arduous. Australia in one of the best place, clearly.

73.4 overs: Pakistan 264 (Jamal 33) Last-wicket stand, so Jamal goes laaaaarge! Charges Lyon and belts him manner over midwicket for six. Not simply over the rope, into the gang. You must hit them enormous on the MCG and he does. Tries once more subsequent ball, and will get fortunate. Cummins has pushed Travis Head out to that very same spot, and a flat shot is spilt on the market. Jamal has run a single, and should remorse that, as Hamza swings on the subsequent ball and misses. Has dragged his toe out of his floor as he will get down on one knee, and Carey has the bails off.

73rd over: Pakistan 257-9 (Jamal 26, Hamza 2) Mir Hamza will get off the mark with a sliced two. Cummins 5 for 48. Pakistan down by 61.

Five wickets for Pat Cummins, and that’s gold-class quick bowling.

Does begin with a bouncer, Hasan not having to do a lot because it goes down leg. Beats the skin edge with the following one, Hasan pushing at it. Couple of slips in, and Smith nearly has a catch as Cummins will get the ball to rear! Horrible supply. Hasan Ali is aware of nothing about it, he’s wanting on the sky having yanked his head away as that ball crushes his gloves. The padding takes simply sufficient tempo off it to make it fall brief. Then the fifth ball of the over goes straight by means of, severe inward jag off the pitch once more. Hasan isn’t certain what to play, he’s hanging again, then pushes his arms down the road of the ball in a useless try at defence. But nowhere close to it, and it hits the skin curve of the off stump.

72nd over: Pakistan 255-8 (Jamal 26, Hasan 2) Doing his bit is Hasan Ali, nudging one as an alternative of attempting a glory shot. And Jamal goes at Lyon too, a half step in the direction of the pitch and smacks it over midwicket. The ball goes squarer than he meant however nonetheless picks up 4. Then he pulls out the reverse sweep! Only will get one as Starc dives properly at backward level, however an fascinating shot.

Pakistan behind by 63. Pat Cummins is coming again on, eight overs in need of the second new ball, 4 wickets in his pocket. Bumpers coming?

71st over: Pakistan 250-8 (Jamal 22, Hasan 1) At eight down, Jamal decides it’s time to go. Drives Starc sq. to start with, not solely managed however will get it previous gully and away to the fence. Then will get his entrance foot out of the best way and cannons an on drive down the bottom! Serious hit, alongside the turf for 4. That’s with a few singles to make it 10 from the over, and 68 behind.

seventieth over: Pakistan 240-8 (Jamal 13, Hasan 0) Eight down. Hasan Ali can bat, smashed a first-class ton within the Qaid comp a couple of years in the past, as a lot as that was a one-off. A really dangerous counterattacking form of innings, it was, and he got here off. But he can smash runs for shorter intervals extra recurrently, he’s hit 20 sixes and is in his twenty third Test. Blocks his first 4 balls immediately.

Lyon 3 for 61.

Off spin 101 from Lyon. Around the wicket, beats the sting of a ahead grope from Shaheen, the left-hander with the off break turning away. Then bowls a straight one which hits him in keeping with off stump, the batter on the again foot awkwardly attempting to get bat on it throughout the road. Hits him on the pad flap but it surely’s the again leg, so Shaheen’s evaluation simply exhibits it hitting the highest of off stump.

69th over: Pakistan 240-7 (Jamal 13, Shaheen 21) Nailed by Shaheen! That’s a superb shot, will get on the entrance canine and clouts Starc out by means of the covers. Not the elegant timing sort, extra the give-it-everything sort. Similar strategy as he swings throughout the road and will get a high edge over Carey. Four extra! Steve Smith from slip collects the ball after which stays on the fence, a really high-quality deep third somewhat than a real lengthy cease behind the keeper. Next, a single to midwicket. “Good batting, good batting,” rumble the knowledgable.

That’s Shaheen’s highest Test rating, and the hole between the groups is right down to 78.

68th over: Pakistan 231-7 (Jamal 13, Shaheen 12) Lyon to Jamal, two by means of cowl. Then beats the sting after which takes it in consecutive deliveries, however into the bottom. Slip and leg slip. Jamal drives at width however on the bounce to cowl this time. Drinks, with Pakistan behind by 87 runs.

67th over: Pakistan 229-7 (Jamal 11, Shaheen 12) Starc on for Cummins now, that long term in. Just one slip with this older ball, in addition to a gully and a brief leg standing a couple of paces again for Shaheen. Left-arm over the wicket to left-hand bat. Mostly defends, however will get shocked by a brief ball that doesn’t stand up and slams him on the gloves. He’s okay.

66th over: Pakistan 229-7 (Jamal 11, Shaheen 12) Vegemite on toast! Talk a couple of smear, Shaheen will get down on one knee and swipes Lyon over midwicket for an additional bouncing boundary. Unconvincing but it surely works this time.

sixty fifth over: Pakistan 223-7 (Jamal 10, Shaheen 7) A run going high-quality for Shaheen. Jamal goals a extra highly effective swing at Cummins however solely will get one to high-quality leg. Cummins across the wicket to Shaheen, in on the pads however the Pakistani paceman retains it out.

sixty fourth over: Pakistan 221-7 (Jamal 9, Shaheen 6) There goes Shaheen! Lyon again on, and the tall left-hander shuffles down and smears him over mid on. Not by a lot, however will get 4. Keeps the strike too with a push sq.. The deficit is down into double figures.

63rd over: Pakistan 216-7 (Jamal 9, Shaheen 1) So it’s Shaheen Shah Afridi at 9, which is simply too excessive for him actually, he’s a slapper of the ball greater than a participant of precise innings. Can lump a few sixes earlier than he hits one up within the air, however the latter comes alongside quickly sufficient. Starts with a mild run off the hip immediately. Now to Jamal – does he look to advance the scoring from right here, because the extra achieved batter? Not to that ball, which seams sharply, goes over leg stump, swings after it passes, and practically beats Carey who stops it on the bounce huge to his left. That went miles off the straight. Jamal geese the shorter one to comply with. Cummins 4 for 44 to date.

There he goes. Did the shortage of strike play a component? Misreads the tempo off the pitch, should like Shafique yesterday. Sees a driveable size huge of the stumps, throws his arms by means of the road of the ball. Cummins has two covers in place, Warner squarer and nearer, and Rizwan is simply too early on the shot, half sliced, straight into these dependable arms for the 89th catch of Warner’s Test profession.

62nd over: Pakistan 215-6 (Rizwan 42, Jamal 9) A shot! A shot from Jamal. Gets strike after Rizwan’s look, and lays right into a pull in opposition to Hazlewood. Leathers it properly in entrance of sq.. Then takes a run to mid off and once more flirts with a second as Marnus strains up the stumps. Labuschagne is without doubt one of the greatest floor fielders on the planet lately, you possibly can’t take him on. Rizwan pulls behind sq. to maintain the strike. The deficit is right down to 103.

61st over: Pakistan 208-6 (Rizwan 40, Jamal 4) There it’s, not fairly within the groove is Rizwan – performs it out previous cowl, takes the primary, by no means a second however he takes off. Jamal sends him again. Labuschagne once more quick in eliminating the ball, and his throw from midway to the boundary at cowl solely simply misses as Rizwan dives in. Would have been a 3rd umpire forensic job had it hit.

Australia with a leg slip in for Jamal now, and he’s undecided about his ducking approach anymore. Turns and will get hit by a brief ball behind the shoulder. But then will get the chook out once more to get underneath Cummins, and once more Cummins needs the toe of the bat. Hands on head. Gets a leg bye, Rizwan one other run.

sixtieth over: Pakistan 205-6 (Rizwan 38, Jamal 4) A barely completely different duck from Jamal, twisting to his left somewhat than bowing straight at Hazlewood, however the periscope is up once more and it’s near the ball once more. Blocks the total ball to shut the over and Rizwan will see some bowling subsequent.

59th over: Pakistan 205-6 (Rizwan 38, Jamal 4) He’s hogging the strike! Beaten by Cummins a few instances, however Jamal glances a run from the fifth ball of the over. He’s doing loads of leaving. Good temperament in help. You simply surprise if this day trip of the motion will unbalance Rizwan, who began so productively.

58th over: Pakistan 204-6 (Rizwan 38, Jamal 3) Rizwan pulls a run first ball, blissful to provide Jamal the strike, and there’s much more ducking. I feel the Australians have an interest on this periscope bat state of affairs. Josh Hazlewood additionally has an “oooh” to himself after his brief ball on off stump doesn’t miss the bat by a lot. Jamal pushes away a run to level to finish the over.

57th over: Pakistan 202-6 (Rizwan 37, Jamal 2) Having saved strike, Rizwan launches a bottom-handed drive arduous at mid off and may’t rating. Cummins opening proceedings for the day. Hits the following one by means of cowl on the up, diagonal bat, and is considering of working 4 however Labuschagne removes the ball so rapidly after sliding into its path at deep cowl. Three runs, Jamal on strike and he dips down just like the wood chook that fills in for Homer on the energy plant, leaning ahead on the waist to go underneath the ball. Only downside is that his motion leaves the bat poking up within the air behind him, and Cummins practically nicks the toe of it with that brief ball. The look on the bowler’s face, he knew it was shut. Hard dismissal to plan for.

56th over: Pakistan 199-6 (Rizwan 34, Jamal 2) Like many a long-distance swimmer, Hazlewood is straight within the channel. Rizwan is blissful to go fishing in these waters, twice reaching out to steer Hazlewood away for 2. Then thwacks throughout the road with a cross-bat shot off the entrance foot to get a mistimed underneath edge behind sq. for one run.

Revised begin is 10:45am, which is 25 minutes away. So half an hour early turns into quarter-hour late.

The hessian covers are coming off the pitch now.

I feel it’ll cross over fairly rapidly.

Well, I used to be too optimistic. Bit of misty drizzle has are available in over the MCG, so our early begin will now be a late begin.

Or it’s another variety of minutes that I’m but to find out. Anyway, we’ll be on quickly.

Remember we begin half an hour early to make up for the rain on day one. Which is in 4 minutes. So stand by.

Meanwhile, Andy Bull has pulled collectively the votes for our Guardian males’s Test team of the 12 months. Thoughts?

Here is the wires report on yesterday’s day of play.

Preamble

Geoff Lemon

Good (Australian) morning, Christmas bike gang. I say that as a result of I assume that you’ve got all obtained bikes for Christmas, and by now you may have put in the pedals and lights and reflectors and you’re able to cruise round your neighbourhoods in a giant OBO phalanx.

Day three in Melbourne has dawned cloudy and boring to date, however not a lot in the best way of rain predicted or evident, so with a bit of luck we get the total day once more. It simply gained’t be the gold and blue color scheme of yesterday. Wonder if it would do something to assist bowlers. Australia’s quicks have been actually good yesterday after Nathan Lyon acquired the primary wicket, particularly Pat Cummins together with his burst that took out the well-set Abdullah Shafique earlier than Babar Azam.

Pakistan slid a good distance after that, from 124 to 1 all the best way to 170 for six. By stumps that rating was as much as 194, with Rizwan to renew on 29 and Aamer Jamal on 2. They have loads of work to do with their team nonetheless 124 behind.

Let’s see what they’ll do.

We shot our wrap of yesterday’s play within the MCC Library, by the best way, in order for you a take a look at that august establishment. It is a real cricket nerd treasure trove in there, there’s an exhibition for the time being of some great outdated paperwork, together with the primary dictionary to say the phrase ‘cricket’, and a few enormous blown-up copies of the Sarfraz Nawaz scorecard from the well-known 9-for.

Two early wickets, so Smith will start with Warner after the break. Pakistan buoyant. Can they maintain this coming?

third over: Australia 6-2 (Warner 1) Last ball earlier than lunch, are you able to imagine that!

They set him up for it, and it really works on the final gasp. Shaheen’s second ball of the over has swing once more, into Labuschagne, who manages an inside edge for 4, one ball after he practically gloves one other try down the leg facet. Slip and leg slip in place, and that’s the place they need him to play. Shaheen bowls too huge of leg fro the fourth ball, then too huge of off. But together with his final alternative he will get it simply on that leg stump line, and Labuschagne tries to look however can’t meet up with the swing, edging it by means of and Rizwan erupts!

2nd over: Australia 2-1 (Warner 1, Labuschagne 0) Decent over from Hamza, retains Warner quiet and makes him play at most of these balls, however can’t draw an error. Shan Masood is tweaking the sector continuously. One extra over till lunch.

1st over: Australia 2-1 (Warner 1, Labuschagne 0) First ball to Labuschagne, beats him handsomely too, shaping in after which seaming away from the right-hander this time. Gets too straight subsequent ball and Labuschagne can get pad in the best way exterior leg stump and take an additional. Warner digs out a swinging yorker, then dabs away a single behind level.

That’s the best begin! Second ball of the innings, Shaheen comes left-arm over, angles it in the direction of the stumps, swings it away, and kisses the sting of the bat. Wonderful new-ball bowling, that’s what Shaheen has struggled to realize to date in Australia. Scrambles off the seam after it swings, at simply the best size.

Australia to face a few overs earlier than lunch…

Australia blissful to have wrapped up Pakistan, however 54 isn’t an enormous lead, the guests have achieved properly to haul it again to one thing manageable. They will nonetheless must bowl very properly to remain on this recreation, however that might have been the case had they been 50 in entrance. Batting final right here will probably be arduous. Australia in one of the best place, clearly.

73.4 overs: Pakistan 264 (Jamal 33) Last-wicket stand, so Jamal goes laaaaarge! Charges Lyon and belts him manner over midwicket for six. Not simply over the rope, into the gang. You must hit them enormous on the MCG and he does. Tries once more subsequent ball, and will get fortunate. Cummins has pushed Travis Head out to that very same spot, and a flat shot is spilt on the market. Jamal has run a single, and should remorse that, as Hamza swings on the subsequent ball and misses. Has dragged his toe out of his floor as he will get down on one knee, and Carey has the bails off.

73rd over: Pakistan 257-9 (Jamal 26, Hamza 2) Mir Hamza will get off the mark with a sliced two. Cummins 5 for 48. Pakistan down by 61.

Five wickets for Pat Cummins, and that’s gold-class quick bowling.

Does begin with a bouncer, Hasan not having to do a lot because it goes down leg. Beats the skin edge with the following one, Hasan pushing at it. Couple of slips in, and Smith nearly has a catch as Cummins will get the ball to rear! Horrible supply. Hasan Ali is aware of nothing about it, he’s wanting on the sky having yanked his head away as that ball crushes his gloves. The padding takes simply sufficient tempo off it to make it fall brief. Then the fifth ball of the over goes straight by means of, severe inward jag off the pitch once more. Hasan isn’t certain what to play, he’s hanging again, then pushes his arms down the road of the ball in a useless try at defence. But nowhere close to it, and it hits the skin curve of the off stump.

72nd over: Pakistan 255-8 (Jamal 26, Hasan 2) Doing his bit is Hasan Ali, nudging one as an alternative of attempting a glory shot. And Jamal goes at Lyon too, a half step in the direction of the pitch and smacks it over midwicket. The ball goes squarer than he meant however nonetheless picks up 4. Then he pulls out the reverse sweep! Only will get one as Starc dives properly at backward level, however an fascinating shot.

Pakistan behind by 63. Pat Cummins is coming again on, eight overs in need of the second new ball, 4 wickets in his pocket. Bumpers coming?

71st over: Pakistan 250-8 (Jamal 22, Hasan 1) At eight down, Jamal decides it’s time to go. Drives Starc sq. to start with, not solely managed however will get it previous gully and away to the fence. Then will get his entrance foot out of the best way and cannons an on drive down the bottom! Serious hit, alongside the turf for 4. That’s with a few singles to make it 10 from the over, and 68 behind.

seventieth over: Pakistan 240-8 (Jamal 13, Hasan 0) Eight down. Hasan Ali can bat, smashed a first-class ton within the Qaid comp a couple of years in the past, as a lot as that was a one-off. A really dangerous counterattacking form of innings, it was, and he got here off. But he can smash runs for shorter intervals extra recurrently, he’s hit 20 sixes and is in his twenty third Test. Blocks his first 4 balls immediately.

Lyon 3 for 61.

Off spin 101 from Lyon. Around the wicket, beats the sting of a ahead grope from Shaheen, the left-hander with the off break turning away. Then bowls a straight one which hits him in keeping with off stump, the batter on the again foot awkwardly attempting to get bat on it throughout the road. Hits him on the pad flap but it surely’s the again leg, so Shaheen’s evaluation simply exhibits it hitting the highest of off stump.

69th over: Pakistan 240-7 (Jamal 13, Shaheen 21) Nailed by Shaheen! That’s a superb shot, will get on the entrance canine and clouts Starc out by means of the covers. Not the elegant timing sort, extra the give-it-everything sort. Similar strategy as he swings throughout the road and will get a high edge over Carey. Four extra! Steve Smith from slip collects the ball after which stays on the fence, a really high-quality deep third somewhat than a real lengthy cease behind the keeper. Next, a single to midwicket. “Good batting, good batting,” rumble the knowledgable.

That’s Shaheen’s highest Test rating, and the hole between the groups is right down to 78.

68th over: Pakistan 231-7 (Jamal 13, Shaheen 12) Lyon to Jamal, two by means of cowl. Then beats the sting after which takes it in consecutive deliveries, however into the bottom. Slip and leg slip. Jamal drives at width however on the bounce to cowl this time. Drinks, with Pakistan behind by 87 runs.

67th over: Pakistan 229-7 (Jamal 11, Shaheen 12) Starc on for Cummins now, that long term in. Just one slip with this older ball, in addition to a gully and a brief leg standing a couple of paces again for Shaheen. Left-arm over the wicket to left-hand bat. Mostly defends, however will get shocked by a brief ball that doesn’t stand up and slams him on the gloves. He’s okay.

66th over: Pakistan 229-7 (Jamal 11, Shaheen 12) Vegemite on toast! Talk a couple of smear, Shaheen will get down on one knee and swipes Lyon over midwicket for an additional bouncing boundary. Unconvincing but it surely works this time.

sixty fifth over: Pakistan 223-7 (Jamal 10, Shaheen 7) A run going high-quality for Shaheen. Jamal goals a extra highly effective swing at Cummins however solely will get one to high-quality leg. Cummins across the wicket to Shaheen, in on the pads however the Pakistani paceman retains it out.

sixty fourth over: Pakistan 221-7 (Jamal 9, Shaheen 6) There goes Shaheen! Lyon again on, and the tall left-hander shuffles down and smears him over mid on. Not by a lot, however will get 4. Keeps the strike too with a push sq.. The deficit is down into double figures.

63rd over: Pakistan 216-7 (Jamal 9, Shaheen 1) So it’s Shaheen Shah Afridi at 9, which is simply too excessive for him actually, he’s a slapper of the ball greater than a participant of precise innings. Can lump a few sixes earlier than he hits one up within the air, however the latter comes alongside quickly sufficient. Starts with a mild run off the hip immediately. Now to Jamal – does he look to advance the scoring from right here, because the extra achieved batter? Not to that ball, which seams sharply, goes over leg stump, swings after it passes, and practically beats Carey who stops it on the bounce huge to his left. That went miles off the straight. Jamal geese the shorter one to comply with. Cummins 4 for 44 to date.

There he goes. Did the shortage of strike play a component? Misreads the tempo off the pitch, should like Shafique yesterday. Sees a driveable size huge of the stumps, throws his arms by means of the road of the ball. Cummins has two covers in place, Warner squarer and nearer, and Rizwan is simply too early on the shot, half sliced, straight into these dependable arms for the 89th catch of Warner’s Test profession.

62nd over: Pakistan 215-6 (Rizwan 42, Jamal 9) A shot! A shot from Jamal. Gets strike after Rizwan’s look, and lays right into a pull in opposition to Hazlewood. Leathers it properly in entrance of sq.. Then takes a run to mid off and once more flirts with a second as Marnus strains up the stumps. Labuschagne is without doubt one of the greatest floor fielders on the planet lately, you possibly can’t take him on. Rizwan pulls behind sq. to maintain the strike. The deficit is right down to 103.

61st over: Pakistan 208-6 (Rizwan 40, Jamal 4) There it’s, not fairly within the groove is Rizwan – performs it out previous cowl, takes the primary, by no means a second however he takes off. Jamal sends him again. Labuschagne once more quick in eliminating the ball, and his throw from midway to the boundary at cowl solely simply misses as Rizwan dives in. Would have been a 3rd umpire forensic job had it hit.

Australia with a leg slip in for Jamal now, and he’s undecided about his ducking approach anymore. Turns and will get hit by a brief ball behind the shoulder. But then will get the chook out once more to get underneath Cummins, and once more Cummins needs the toe of the bat. Hands on head. Gets a leg bye, Rizwan one other run.

sixtieth over: Pakistan 205-6 (Rizwan 38, Jamal 4) A barely completely different duck from Jamal, twisting to his left somewhat than bowing straight at Hazlewood, however the periscope is up once more and it’s near the ball once more. Blocks the total ball to shut the over and Rizwan will see some bowling subsequent.

59th over: Pakistan 205-6 (Rizwan 38, Jamal 4) He’s hogging the strike! Beaten by Cummins a few instances, however Jamal glances a run from the fifth ball of the over. He’s doing loads of leaving. Good temperament in help. You simply surprise if this day trip of the motion will unbalance Rizwan, who began so productively.

58th over: Pakistan 204-6 (Rizwan 38, Jamal 3) Rizwan pulls a run first ball, blissful to provide Jamal the strike, and there’s much more ducking. I feel the Australians have an interest on this periscope bat state of affairs. Josh Hazlewood additionally has an “oooh” to himself after his brief ball on off stump doesn’t miss the bat by a lot. Jamal pushes away a run to level to finish the over.

57th over: Pakistan 202-6 (Rizwan 37, Jamal 2) Having saved strike, Rizwan launches a bottom-handed drive arduous at mid off and may’t rating. Cummins opening proceedings for the day. Hits the following one by means of cowl on the up, diagonal bat, and is considering of working 4 however Labuschagne removes the ball so rapidly after sliding into its path at deep cowl. Three runs, Jamal on strike and he dips down just like the wood chook that fills in for Homer on the energy plant, leaning ahead on the waist to go underneath the ball. Only downside is that his motion leaves the bat poking up within the air behind him, and Cummins practically nicks the toe of it with that brief ball. The look on the bowler’s face, he knew it was shut. Hard dismissal to plan for.

56th over: Pakistan 199-6 (Rizwan 34, Jamal 2) Like many a long-distance swimmer, Hazlewood is straight within the channel. Rizwan is blissful to go fishing in these waters, twice reaching out to steer Hazlewood away for 2. Then thwacks throughout the road with a cross-bat shot off the entrance foot to get a mistimed underneath edge behind sq. for one run.

Revised begin is 10:45am, which is 25 minutes away. So half an hour early turns into quarter-hour late.

The hessian covers are coming off the pitch now.

I feel it’ll cross over fairly rapidly.

Well, I used to be too optimistic. Bit of misty drizzle has are available in over the MCG, so our early begin will now be a late begin.

Or it’s another variety of minutes that I’m but to find out. Anyway, we’ll be on quickly.

Remember we begin half an hour early to make up for the rain on day one. Which is in 4 minutes. So stand by.

Meanwhile, Andy Bull has pulled collectively the votes for our Guardian males’s Test team of the 12 months. Thoughts?

Here is the wires report on yesterday’s day of play.

Preamble

Geoff Lemon

Good (Australian) morning, Christmas bike gang. I say that as a result of I assume that you’ve got all obtained bikes for Christmas, and by now you may have put in the pedals and lights and reflectors and you’re able to cruise round your neighbourhoods in a giant OBO phalanx.

Day three in Melbourne has dawned cloudy and boring to date, however not a lot in the best way of rain predicted or evident, so with a bit of luck we get the total day once more. It simply gained’t be the gold and blue color scheme of yesterday. Wonder if it would do something to assist bowlers. Australia’s quicks have been actually good yesterday after Nathan Lyon acquired the primary wicket, particularly Pat Cummins together with his burst that took out the well-set Abdullah Shafique earlier than Babar Azam.

Pakistan slid a good distance after that, from 124 to 1 all the best way to 170 for six. By stumps that rating was as much as 194, with Rizwan to renew on 29 and Aamer Jamal on 2. They have loads of work to do with their team nonetheless 124 behind.

Let’s see what they’ll do.

We shot our wrap of yesterday’s play within the MCC Library, by the best way, in order for you a take a look at that august establishment. It is a real cricket nerd treasure trove in there, there’s an exhibition for the time being of some great outdated paperwork, together with the primary dictionary to say the phrase ‘cricket’, and a few enormous blown-up copies of the Sarfraz Nawaz scorecard from the well-known 9-for.

Two early wickets, so Smith will start with Warner after the break. Pakistan buoyant. Can they maintain this coming?

third over: Australia 6-2 (Warner 1) Last ball earlier than lunch, are you able to imagine that!

They set him up for it, and it really works on the final gasp. Shaheen’s second ball of the over has swing once more, into Labuschagne, who manages an inside edge for 4, one ball after he practically gloves one other try down the leg facet. Slip and leg slip in place, and that’s the place they need him to play. Shaheen bowls too huge of leg fro the fourth ball, then too huge of off. But together with his final alternative he will get it simply on that leg stump line, and Labuschagne tries to look however can’t meet up with the swing, edging it by means of and Rizwan erupts!

2nd over: Australia 2-1 (Warner 1, Labuschagne 0) Decent over from Hamza, retains Warner quiet and makes him play at most of these balls, however can’t draw an error. Shan Masood is tweaking the sector continuously. One extra over till lunch.

1st over: Australia 2-1 (Warner 1, Labuschagne 0) First ball to Labuschagne, beats him handsomely too, shaping in after which seaming away from the right-hander this time. Gets too straight subsequent ball and Labuschagne can get pad in the best way exterior leg stump and take an additional. Warner digs out a swinging yorker, then dabs away a single behind level.

That’s the best begin! Second ball of the innings, Shaheen comes left-arm over, angles it in the direction of the stumps, swings it away, and kisses the sting of the bat. Wonderful new-ball bowling, that’s what Shaheen has struggled to realize to date in Australia. Scrambles off the seam after it swings, at simply the best size.

Australia to face a few overs earlier than lunch…

Australia blissful to have wrapped up Pakistan, however 54 isn’t an enormous lead, the guests have achieved properly to haul it again to one thing manageable. They will nonetheless must bowl very properly to remain on this recreation, however that might have been the case had they been 50 in entrance. Batting final right here will probably be arduous. Australia in one of the best place, clearly.

73.4 overs: Pakistan 264 (Jamal 33) Last-wicket stand, so Jamal goes laaaaarge! Charges Lyon and belts him manner over midwicket for six. Not simply over the rope, into the gang. You must hit them enormous on the MCG and he does. Tries once more subsequent ball, and will get fortunate. Cummins has pushed Travis Head out to that very same spot, and a flat shot is spilt on the market. Jamal has run a single, and should remorse that, as Hamza swings on the subsequent ball and misses. Has dragged his toe out of his floor as he will get down on one knee, and Carey has the bails off.

73rd over: Pakistan 257-9 (Jamal 26, Hamza 2) Mir Hamza will get off the mark with a sliced two. Cummins 5 for 48. Pakistan down by 61.

Five wickets for Pat Cummins, and that’s gold-class quick bowling.

Does begin with a bouncer, Hasan not having to do a lot because it goes down leg. Beats the skin edge with the following one, Hasan pushing at it. Couple of slips in, and Smith nearly has a catch as Cummins will get the ball to rear! Horrible supply. Hasan Ali is aware of nothing about it, he’s wanting on the sky having yanked his head away as that ball crushes his gloves. The padding takes simply sufficient tempo off it to make it fall brief. Then the fifth ball of the over goes straight by means of, severe inward jag off the pitch once more. Hasan isn’t certain what to play, he’s hanging again, then pushes his arms down the road of the ball in a useless try at defence. But nowhere close to it, and it hits the skin curve of the off stump.

72nd over: Pakistan 255-8 (Jamal 26, Hasan 2) Doing his bit is Hasan Ali, nudging one as an alternative of attempting a glory shot. And Jamal goes at Lyon too, a half step in the direction of the pitch and smacks it over midwicket. The ball goes squarer than he meant however nonetheless picks up 4. Then he pulls out the reverse sweep! Only will get one as Starc dives properly at backward level, however an fascinating shot.

Pakistan behind by 63. Pat Cummins is coming again on, eight overs in need of the second new ball, 4 wickets in his pocket. Bumpers coming?

71st over: Pakistan 250-8 (Jamal 22, Hasan 1) At eight down, Jamal decides it’s time to go. Drives Starc sq. to start with, not solely managed however will get it previous gully and away to the fence. Then will get his entrance foot out of the best way and cannons an on drive down the bottom! Serious hit, alongside the turf for 4. That’s with a few singles to make it 10 from the over, and 68 behind.

seventieth over: Pakistan 240-8 (Jamal 13, Hasan 0) Eight down. Hasan Ali can bat, smashed a first-class ton within the Qaid comp a couple of years in the past, as a lot as that was a one-off. A really dangerous counterattacking form of innings, it was, and he got here off. But he can smash runs for shorter intervals extra recurrently, he’s hit 20 sixes and is in his twenty third Test. Blocks his first 4 balls immediately.

Lyon 3 for 61.

Off spin 101 from Lyon. Around the wicket, beats the sting of a ahead grope from Shaheen, the left-hander with the off break turning away. Then bowls a straight one which hits him in keeping with off stump, the batter on the again foot awkwardly attempting to get bat on it throughout the road. Hits him on the pad flap but it surely’s the again leg, so Shaheen’s evaluation simply exhibits it hitting the highest of off stump.

69th over: Pakistan 240-7 (Jamal 13, Shaheen 21) Nailed by Shaheen! That’s a superb shot, will get on the entrance canine and clouts Starc out by means of the covers. Not the elegant timing sort, extra the give-it-everything sort. Similar strategy as he swings throughout the road and will get a high edge over Carey. Four extra! Steve Smith from slip collects the ball after which stays on the fence, a really high-quality deep third somewhat than a real lengthy cease behind the keeper. Next, a single to midwicket. “Good batting, good batting,” rumble the knowledgable.

That’s Shaheen’s highest Test rating, and the hole between the groups is right down to 78.

68th over: Pakistan 231-7 (Jamal 13, Shaheen 12) Lyon to Jamal, two by means of cowl. Then beats the sting after which takes it in consecutive deliveries, however into the bottom. Slip and leg slip. Jamal drives at width however on the bounce to cowl this time. Drinks, with Pakistan behind by 87 runs.

67th over: Pakistan 229-7 (Jamal 11, Shaheen 12) Starc on for Cummins now, that long term in. Just one slip with this older ball, in addition to a gully and a brief leg standing a couple of paces again for Shaheen. Left-arm over the wicket to left-hand bat. Mostly defends, however will get shocked by a brief ball that doesn’t stand up and slams him on the gloves. He’s okay.

66th over: Pakistan 229-7 (Jamal 11, Shaheen 12) Vegemite on toast! Talk a couple of smear, Shaheen will get down on one knee and swipes Lyon over midwicket for an additional bouncing boundary. Unconvincing but it surely works this time.

sixty fifth over: Pakistan 223-7 (Jamal 10, Shaheen 7) A run going high-quality for Shaheen. Jamal goals a extra highly effective swing at Cummins however solely will get one to high-quality leg. Cummins across the wicket to Shaheen, in on the pads however the Pakistani paceman retains it out.

sixty fourth over: Pakistan 221-7 (Jamal 9, Shaheen 6) There goes Shaheen! Lyon again on, and the tall left-hander shuffles down and smears him over mid on. Not by a lot, however will get 4. Keeps the strike too with a push sq.. The deficit is down into double figures.

63rd over: Pakistan 216-7 (Jamal 9, Shaheen 1) So it’s Shaheen Shah Afridi at 9, which is simply too excessive for him actually, he’s a slapper of the ball greater than a participant of precise innings. Can lump a few sixes earlier than he hits one up within the air, however the latter comes alongside quickly sufficient. Starts with a mild run off the hip immediately. Now to Jamal – does he look to advance the scoring from right here, because the extra achieved batter? Not to that ball, which seams sharply, goes over leg stump, swings after it passes, and practically beats Carey who stops it on the bounce huge to his left. That went miles off the straight. Jamal geese the shorter one to comply with. Cummins 4 for 44 to date.

There he goes. Did the shortage of strike play a component? Misreads the tempo off the pitch, should like Shafique yesterday. Sees a driveable size huge of the stumps, throws his arms by means of the road of the ball. Cummins has two covers in place, Warner squarer and nearer, and Rizwan is simply too early on the shot, half sliced, straight into these dependable arms for the 89th catch of Warner’s Test profession.

62nd over: Pakistan 215-6 (Rizwan 42, Jamal 9) A shot! A shot from Jamal. Gets strike after Rizwan’s look, and lays right into a pull in opposition to Hazlewood. Leathers it properly in entrance of sq.. Then takes a run to mid off and once more flirts with a second as Marnus strains up the stumps. Labuschagne is without doubt one of the greatest floor fielders on the planet lately, you possibly can’t take him on. Rizwan pulls behind sq. to maintain the strike. The deficit is right down to 103.

61st over: Pakistan 208-6 (Rizwan 40, Jamal 4) There it’s, not fairly within the groove is Rizwan – performs it out previous cowl, takes the primary, by no means a second however he takes off. Jamal sends him again. Labuschagne once more quick in eliminating the ball, and his throw from midway to the boundary at cowl solely simply misses as Rizwan dives in. Would have been a 3rd umpire forensic job had it hit.

Australia with a leg slip in for Jamal now, and he’s undecided about his ducking approach anymore. Turns and will get hit by a brief ball behind the shoulder. But then will get the chook out once more to get underneath Cummins, and once more Cummins needs the toe of the bat. Hands on head. Gets a leg bye, Rizwan one other run.

sixtieth over: Pakistan 205-6 (Rizwan 38, Jamal 4) A barely completely different duck from Jamal, twisting to his left somewhat than bowing straight at Hazlewood, however the periscope is up once more and it’s near the ball once more. Blocks the total ball to shut the over and Rizwan will see some bowling subsequent.

59th over: Pakistan 205-6 (Rizwan 38, Jamal 4) He’s hogging the strike! Beaten by Cummins a few instances, however Jamal glances a run from the fifth ball of the over. He’s doing loads of leaving. Good temperament in help. You simply surprise if this day trip of the motion will unbalance Rizwan, who began so productively.

58th over: Pakistan 204-6 (Rizwan 38, Jamal 3) Rizwan pulls a run first ball, blissful to provide Jamal the strike, and there’s much more ducking. I feel the Australians have an interest on this periscope bat state of affairs. Josh Hazlewood additionally has an “oooh” to himself after his brief ball on off stump doesn’t miss the bat by a lot. Jamal pushes away a run to level to finish the over.

57th over: Pakistan 202-6 (Rizwan 37, Jamal 2) Having saved strike, Rizwan launches a bottom-handed drive arduous at mid off and may’t rating. Cummins opening proceedings for the day. Hits the following one by means of cowl on the up, diagonal bat, and is considering of working 4 however Labuschagne removes the ball so rapidly after sliding into its path at deep cowl. Three runs, Jamal on strike and he dips down just like the wood chook that fills in for Homer on the energy plant, leaning ahead on the waist to go underneath the ball. Only downside is that his motion leaves the bat poking up within the air behind him, and Cummins practically nicks the toe of it with that brief ball. The look on the bowler’s face, he knew it was shut. Hard dismissal to plan for.

56th over: Pakistan 199-6 (Rizwan 34, Jamal 2) Like many a long-distance swimmer, Hazlewood is straight within the channel. Rizwan is blissful to go fishing in these waters, twice reaching out to steer Hazlewood away for 2. Then thwacks throughout the road with a cross-bat shot off the entrance foot to get a mistimed underneath edge behind sq. for one run.

Revised begin is 10:45am, which is 25 minutes away. So half an hour early turns into quarter-hour late.

The hessian covers are coming off the pitch now.

I feel it’ll cross over fairly rapidly.

Well, I used to be too optimistic. Bit of misty drizzle has are available in over the MCG, so our early begin will now be a late begin.

Or it’s another variety of minutes that I’m but to find out. Anyway, we’ll be on quickly.

Remember we begin half an hour early to make up for the rain on day one. Which is in 4 minutes. So stand by.

Meanwhile, Andy Bull has pulled collectively the votes for our Guardian males’s Test team of the 12 months. Thoughts?

Here is the wires report on yesterday’s day of play.

Preamble

Geoff Lemon

Good (Australian) morning, Christmas bike gang. I say that as a result of I assume that you’ve got all obtained bikes for Christmas, and by now you may have put in the pedals and lights and reflectors and you’re able to cruise round your neighbourhoods in a giant OBO phalanx.

Day three in Melbourne has dawned cloudy and boring to date, however not a lot in the best way of rain predicted or evident, so with a bit of luck we get the total day once more. It simply gained’t be the gold and blue color scheme of yesterday. Wonder if it would do something to assist bowlers. Australia’s quicks have been actually good yesterday after Nathan Lyon acquired the primary wicket, particularly Pat Cummins together with his burst that took out the well-set Abdullah Shafique earlier than Babar Azam.

Pakistan slid a good distance after that, from 124 to 1 all the best way to 170 for six. By stumps that rating was as much as 194, with Rizwan to renew on 29 and Aamer Jamal on 2. They have loads of work to do with their team nonetheless 124 behind.

Let’s see what they’ll do.

We shot our wrap of yesterday’s play within the MCC Library, by the best way, in order for you a take a look at that august establishment. It is a real cricket nerd treasure trove in there, there’s an exhibition for the time being of some great outdated paperwork, together with the primary dictionary to say the phrase ‘cricket’, and a few enormous blown-up copies of the Sarfraz Nawaz scorecard from the well-known 9-for.

Two early wickets, so Smith will start with Warner after the break. Pakistan buoyant. Can they maintain this coming?

third over: Australia 6-2 (Warner 1) Last ball earlier than lunch, are you able to imagine that!

They set him up for it, and it really works on the final gasp. Shaheen’s second ball of the over has swing once more, into Labuschagne, who manages an inside edge for 4, one ball after he practically gloves one other try down the leg facet. Slip and leg slip in place, and that’s the place they need him to play. Shaheen bowls too huge of leg fro the fourth ball, then too huge of off. But together with his final alternative he will get it simply on that leg stump line, and Labuschagne tries to look however can’t meet up with the swing, edging it by means of and Rizwan erupts!

2nd over: Australia 2-1 (Warner 1, Labuschagne 0) Decent over from Hamza, retains Warner quiet and makes him play at most of these balls, however can’t draw an error. Shan Masood is tweaking the sector continuously. One extra over till lunch.

1st over: Australia 2-1 (Warner 1, Labuschagne 0) First ball to Labuschagne, beats him handsomely too, shaping in after which seaming away from the right-hander this time. Gets too straight subsequent ball and Labuschagne can get pad in the best way exterior leg stump and take an additional. Warner digs out a swinging yorker, then dabs away a single behind level.

That’s the best begin! Second ball of the innings, Shaheen comes left-arm over, angles it in the direction of the stumps, swings it away, and kisses the sting of the bat. Wonderful new-ball bowling, that’s what Shaheen has struggled to realize to date in Australia. Scrambles off the seam after it swings, at simply the best size.

Australia to face a few overs earlier than lunch…

Australia blissful to have wrapped up Pakistan, however 54 isn’t an enormous lead, the guests have achieved properly to haul it again to one thing manageable. They will nonetheless must bowl very properly to remain on this recreation, however that might have been the case had they been 50 in entrance. Batting final right here will probably be arduous. Australia in one of the best place, clearly.

73.4 overs: Pakistan 264 (Jamal 33) Last-wicket stand, so Jamal goes laaaaarge! Charges Lyon and belts him manner over midwicket for six. Not simply over the rope, into the gang. You must hit them enormous on the MCG and he does. Tries once more subsequent ball, and will get fortunate. Cummins has pushed Travis Head out to that very same spot, and a flat shot is spilt on the market. Jamal has run a single, and should remorse that, as Hamza swings on the subsequent ball and misses. Has dragged his toe out of his floor as he will get down on one knee, and Carey has the bails off.

73rd over: Pakistan 257-9 (Jamal 26, Hamza 2) Mir Hamza will get off the mark with a sliced two. Cummins 5 for 48. Pakistan down by 61.

Five wickets for Pat Cummins, and that’s gold-class quick bowling.

Does begin with a bouncer, Hasan not having to do a lot because it goes down leg. Beats the skin edge with the following one, Hasan pushing at it. Couple of slips in, and Smith nearly has a catch as Cummins will get the ball to rear! Horrible supply. Hasan Ali is aware of nothing about it, he’s wanting on the sky having yanked his head away as that ball crushes his gloves. The padding takes simply sufficient tempo off it to make it fall brief. Then the fifth ball of the over goes straight by means of, severe inward jag off the pitch once more. Hasan isn’t certain what to play, he’s hanging again, then pushes his arms down the road of the ball in a useless try at defence. But nowhere close to it, and it hits the skin curve of the off stump.

72nd over: Pakistan 255-8 (Jamal 26, Hasan 2) Doing his bit is Hasan Ali, nudging one as an alternative of attempting a glory shot. And Jamal goes at Lyon too, a half step in the direction of the pitch and smacks it over midwicket. The ball goes squarer than he meant however nonetheless picks up 4. Then he pulls out the reverse sweep! Only will get one as Starc dives properly at backward level, however an fascinating shot.

Pakistan behind by 63. Pat Cummins is coming again on, eight overs in need of the second new ball, 4 wickets in his pocket. Bumpers coming?

71st over: Pakistan 250-8 (Jamal 22, Hasan 1) At eight down, Jamal decides it’s time to go. Drives Starc sq. to start with, not solely managed however will get it previous gully and away to the fence. Then will get his entrance foot out of the best way and cannons an on drive down the bottom! Serious hit, alongside the turf for 4. That’s with a few singles to make it 10 from the over, and 68 behind.

seventieth over: Pakistan 240-8 (Jamal 13, Hasan 0) Eight down. Hasan Ali can bat, smashed a first-class ton within the Qaid comp a couple of years in the past, as a lot as that was a one-off. A really dangerous counterattacking form of innings, it was, and he got here off. But he can smash runs for shorter intervals extra recurrently, he’s hit 20 sixes and is in his twenty third Test. Blocks his first 4 balls immediately.

Lyon 3 for 61.

Off spin 101 from Lyon. Around the wicket, beats the sting of a ahead grope from Shaheen, the left-hander with the off break turning away. Then bowls a straight one which hits him in keeping with off stump, the batter on the again foot awkwardly attempting to get bat on it throughout the road. Hits him on the pad flap but it surely’s the again leg, so Shaheen’s evaluation simply exhibits it hitting the highest of off stump.

69th over: Pakistan 240-7 (Jamal 13, Shaheen 21) Nailed by Shaheen! That’s a superb shot, will get on the entrance canine and clouts Starc out by means of the covers. Not the elegant timing sort, extra the give-it-everything sort. Similar strategy as he swings throughout the road and will get a high edge over Carey. Four extra! Steve Smith from slip collects the ball after which stays on the fence, a really high-quality deep third somewhat than a real lengthy cease behind the keeper. Next, a single to midwicket. “Good batting, good batting,” rumble the knowledgable.

That’s Shaheen’s highest Test rating, and the hole between the groups is right down to 78.

68th over: Pakistan 231-7 (Jamal 13, Shaheen 12) Lyon to Jamal, two by means of cowl. Then beats the sting after which takes it in consecutive deliveries, however into the bottom. Slip and leg slip. Jamal drives at width however on the bounce to cowl this time. Drinks, with Pakistan behind by 87 runs.

67th over: Pakistan 229-7 (Jamal 11, Shaheen 12) Starc on for Cummins now, that long term in. Just one slip with this older ball, in addition to a gully and a brief leg standing a couple of paces again for Shaheen. Left-arm over the wicket to left-hand bat. Mostly defends, however will get shocked by a brief ball that doesn’t stand up and slams him on the gloves. He’s okay.

66th over: Pakistan 229-7 (Jamal 11, Shaheen 12) Vegemite on toast! Talk a couple of smear, Shaheen will get down on one knee and swipes Lyon over midwicket for an additional bouncing boundary. Unconvincing but it surely works this time.

sixty fifth over: Pakistan 223-7 (Jamal 10, Shaheen 7) A run going high-quality for Shaheen. Jamal goals a extra highly effective swing at Cummins however solely will get one to high-quality leg. Cummins across the wicket to Shaheen, in on the pads however the Pakistani paceman retains it out.

sixty fourth over: Pakistan 221-7 (Jamal 9, Shaheen 6) There goes Shaheen! Lyon again on, and the tall left-hander shuffles down and smears him over mid on. Not by a lot, however will get 4. Keeps the strike too with a push sq.. The deficit is down into double figures.

63rd over: Pakistan 216-7 (Jamal 9, Shaheen 1) So it’s Shaheen Shah Afridi at 9, which is simply too excessive for him actually, he’s a slapper of the ball greater than a participant of precise innings. Can lump a few sixes earlier than he hits one up within the air, however the latter comes alongside quickly sufficient. Starts with a mild run off the hip immediately. Now to Jamal – does he look to advance the scoring from right here, because the extra achieved batter? Not to that ball, which seams sharply, goes over leg stump, swings after it passes, and practically beats Carey who stops it on the bounce huge to his left. That went miles off the straight. Jamal geese the shorter one to comply with. Cummins 4 for 44 to date.

There he goes. Did the shortage of strike play a component? Misreads the tempo off the pitch, should like Shafique yesterday. Sees a driveable size huge of the stumps, throws his arms by means of the road of the ball. Cummins has two covers in place, Warner squarer and nearer, and Rizwan is simply too early on the shot, half sliced, straight into these dependable arms for the 89th catch of Warner’s Test profession.

62nd over: Pakistan 215-6 (Rizwan 42, Jamal 9) A shot! A shot from Jamal. Gets strike after Rizwan’s look, and lays right into a pull in opposition to Hazlewood. Leathers it properly in entrance of sq.. Then takes a run to mid off and once more flirts with a second as Marnus strains up the stumps. Labuschagne is without doubt one of the greatest floor fielders on the planet lately, you possibly can’t take him on. Rizwan pulls behind sq. to maintain the strike. The deficit is right down to 103.

61st over: Pakistan 208-6 (Rizwan 40, Jamal 4) There it’s, not fairly within the groove is Rizwan – performs it out previous cowl, takes the primary, by no means a second however he takes off. Jamal sends him again. Labuschagne once more quick in eliminating the ball, and his throw from midway to the boundary at cowl solely simply misses as Rizwan dives in. Would have been a 3rd umpire forensic job had it hit.

Australia with a leg slip in for Jamal now, and he’s undecided about his ducking approach anymore. Turns and will get hit by a brief ball behind the shoulder. But then will get the chook out once more to get underneath Cummins, and once more Cummins needs the toe of the bat. Hands on head. Gets a leg bye, Rizwan one other run.

sixtieth over: Pakistan 205-6 (Rizwan 38, Jamal 4) A barely completely different duck from Jamal, twisting to his left somewhat than bowing straight at Hazlewood, however the periscope is up once more and it’s near the ball once more. Blocks the total ball to shut the over and Rizwan will see some bowling subsequent.

59th over: Pakistan 205-6 (Rizwan 38, Jamal 4) He’s hogging the strike! Beaten by Cummins a few instances, however Jamal glances a run from the fifth ball of the over. He’s doing loads of leaving. Good temperament in help. You simply surprise if this day trip of the motion will unbalance Rizwan, who began so productively.

58th over: Pakistan 204-6 (Rizwan 38, Jamal 3) Rizwan pulls a run first ball, blissful to provide Jamal the strike, and there’s much more ducking. I feel the Australians have an interest on this periscope bat state of affairs. Josh Hazlewood additionally has an “oooh” to himself after his brief ball on off stump doesn’t miss the bat by a lot. Jamal pushes away a run to level to finish the over.

57th over: Pakistan 202-6 (Rizwan 37, Jamal 2) Having saved strike, Rizwan launches a bottom-handed drive arduous at mid off and may’t rating. Cummins opening proceedings for the day. Hits the following one by means of cowl on the up, diagonal bat, and is considering of working 4 however Labuschagne removes the ball so rapidly after sliding into its path at deep cowl. Three runs, Jamal on strike and he dips down just like the wood chook that fills in for Homer on the energy plant, leaning ahead on the waist to go underneath the ball. Only downside is that his motion leaves the bat poking up within the air behind him, and Cummins practically nicks the toe of it with that brief ball. The look on the bowler’s face, he knew it was shut. Hard dismissal to plan for.

56th over: Pakistan 199-6 (Rizwan 34, Jamal 2) Like many a long-distance swimmer, Hazlewood is straight within the channel. Rizwan is blissful to go fishing in these waters, twice reaching out to steer Hazlewood away for 2. Then thwacks throughout the road with a cross-bat shot off the entrance foot to get a mistimed underneath edge behind sq. for one run.

Revised begin is 10:45am, which is 25 minutes away. So half an hour early turns into quarter-hour late.

The hessian covers are coming off the pitch now.

I feel it’ll cross over fairly rapidly.

Well, I used to be too optimistic. Bit of misty drizzle has are available in over the MCG, so our early begin will now be a late begin.

Or it’s another variety of minutes that I’m but to find out. Anyway, we’ll be on quickly.

Remember we begin half an hour early to make up for the rain on day one. Which is in 4 minutes. So stand by.

Meanwhile, Andy Bull has pulled collectively the votes for our Guardian males’s Test team of the 12 months. Thoughts?

Here is the wires report on yesterday’s day of play.

Preamble

Geoff Lemon

Good (Australian) morning, Christmas bike gang. I say that as a result of I assume that you’ve got all obtained bikes for Christmas, and by now you may have put in the pedals and lights and reflectors and you’re able to cruise round your neighbourhoods in a giant OBO phalanx.

Day three in Melbourne has dawned cloudy and boring to date, however not a lot in the best way of rain predicted or evident, so with a bit of luck we get the total day once more. It simply gained’t be the gold and blue color scheme of yesterday. Wonder if it would do something to assist bowlers. Australia’s quicks have been actually good yesterday after Nathan Lyon acquired the primary wicket, particularly Pat Cummins together with his burst that took out the well-set Abdullah Shafique earlier than Babar Azam.

Pakistan slid a good distance after that, from 124 to 1 all the best way to 170 for six. By stumps that rating was as much as 194, with Rizwan to renew on 29 and Aamer Jamal on 2. They have loads of work to do with their team nonetheless 124 behind.

Let’s see what they’ll do.

We shot our wrap of yesterday’s play within the MCC Library, by the best way, in order for you a take a look at that august establishment. It is a real cricket nerd treasure trove in there, there’s an exhibition for the time being of some great outdated paperwork, together with the primary dictionary to say the phrase ‘cricket’, and a few enormous blown-up copies of the Sarfraz Nawaz scorecard from the well-known 9-for.

Two early wickets, so Smith will start with Warner after the break. Pakistan buoyant. Can they maintain this coming?

third over: Australia 6-2 (Warner 1) Last ball earlier than lunch, are you able to imagine that!

They set him up for it, and it really works on the final gasp. Shaheen’s second ball of the over has swing once more, into Labuschagne, who manages an inside edge for 4, one ball after he practically gloves one other try down the leg facet. Slip and leg slip in place, and that’s the place they need him to play. Shaheen bowls too huge of leg fro the fourth ball, then too huge of off. But together with his final alternative he will get it simply on that leg stump line, and Labuschagne tries to look however can’t meet up with the swing, edging it by means of and Rizwan erupts!

2nd over: Australia 2-1 (Warner 1, Labuschagne 0) Decent over from Hamza, retains Warner quiet and makes him play at most of these balls, however can’t draw an error. Shan Masood is tweaking the sector continuously. One extra over till lunch.

1st over: Australia 2-1 (Warner 1, Labuschagne 0) First ball to Labuschagne, beats him handsomely too, shaping in after which seaming away from the right-hander this time. Gets too straight subsequent ball and Labuschagne can get pad in the best way exterior leg stump and take an additional. Warner digs out a swinging yorker, then dabs away a single behind level.

That’s the best begin! Second ball of the innings, Shaheen comes left-arm over, angles it in the direction of the stumps, swings it away, and kisses the sting of the bat. Wonderful new-ball bowling, that’s what Shaheen has struggled to realize to date in Australia. Scrambles off the seam after it swings, at simply the best size.

Australia to face a few overs earlier than lunch…

Australia blissful to have wrapped up Pakistan, however 54 isn’t an enormous lead, the guests have achieved properly to haul it again to one thing manageable. They will nonetheless must bowl very properly to remain on this recreation, however that might have been the case had they been 50 in entrance. Batting final right here will probably be arduous. Australia in one of the best place, clearly.

73.4 overs: Pakistan 264 (Jamal 33) Last-wicket stand, so Jamal goes laaaaarge! Charges Lyon and belts him manner over midwicket for six. Not simply over the rope, into the gang. You must hit them enormous on the MCG and he does. Tries once more subsequent ball, and will get fortunate. Cummins has pushed Travis Head out to that very same spot, and a flat shot is spilt on the market. Jamal has run a single, and should remorse that, as Hamza swings on the subsequent ball and misses. Has dragged his toe out of his floor as he will get down on one knee, and Carey has the bails off.

73rd over: Pakistan 257-9 (Jamal 26, Hamza 2) Mir Hamza will get off the mark with a sliced two. Cummins 5 for 48. Pakistan down by 61.

Five wickets for Pat Cummins, and that’s gold-class quick bowling.

Does begin with a bouncer, Hasan not having to do a lot because it goes down leg. Beats the skin edge with the following one, Hasan pushing at it. Couple of slips in, and Smith nearly has a catch as Cummins will get the ball to rear! Horrible supply. Hasan Ali is aware of nothing about it, he’s wanting on the sky having yanked his head away as that ball crushes his gloves. The padding takes simply sufficient tempo off it to make it fall brief. Then the fifth ball of the over goes straight by means of, severe inward jag off the pitch once more. Hasan isn’t certain what to play, he’s hanging again, then pushes his arms down the road of the ball in a useless try at defence. But nowhere close to it, and it hits the skin curve of the off stump.

72nd over: Pakistan 255-8 (Jamal 26, Hasan 2) Doing his bit is Hasan Ali, nudging one as an alternative of attempting a glory shot. And Jamal goes at Lyon too, a half step in the direction of the pitch and smacks it over midwicket. The ball goes squarer than he meant however nonetheless picks up 4. Then he pulls out the reverse sweep! Only will get one as Starc dives properly at backward level, however an fascinating shot.

Pakistan behind by 63. Pat Cummins is coming again on, eight overs in need of the second new ball, 4 wickets in his pocket. Bumpers coming?

71st over: Pakistan 250-8 (Jamal 22, Hasan 1) At eight down, Jamal decides it’s time to go. Drives Starc sq. to start with, not solely managed however will get it previous gully and away to the fence. Then will get his entrance foot out of the best way and cannons an on drive down the bottom! Serious hit, alongside the turf for 4. That’s with a few singles to make it 10 from the over, and 68 behind.

seventieth over: Pakistan 240-8 (Jamal 13, Hasan 0) Eight down. Hasan Ali can bat, smashed a first-class ton within the Qaid comp a couple of years in the past, as a lot as that was a one-off. A really dangerous counterattacking form of innings, it was, and he got here off. But he can smash runs for shorter intervals extra recurrently, he’s hit 20 sixes and is in his twenty third Test. Blocks his first 4 balls immediately.

Lyon 3 for 61.

Off spin 101 from Lyon. Around the wicket, beats the sting of a ahead grope from Shaheen, the left-hander with the off break turning away. Then bowls a straight one which hits him in keeping with off stump, the batter on the again foot awkwardly attempting to get bat on it throughout the road. Hits him on the pad flap but it surely’s the again leg, so Shaheen’s evaluation simply exhibits it hitting the highest of off stump.

69th over: Pakistan 240-7 (Jamal 13, Shaheen 21) Nailed by Shaheen! That’s a superb shot, will get on the entrance canine and clouts Starc out by means of the covers. Not the elegant timing sort, extra the give-it-everything sort. Similar strategy as he swings throughout the road and will get a high edge over Carey. Four extra! Steve Smith from slip collects the ball after which stays on the fence, a really high-quality deep third somewhat than a real lengthy cease behind the keeper. Next, a single to midwicket. “Good batting, good batting,” rumble the knowledgable.

That’s Shaheen’s highest Test rating, and the hole between the groups is right down to 78.

68th over: Pakistan 231-7 (Jamal 13, Shaheen 12) Lyon to Jamal, two by means of cowl. Then beats the sting after which takes it in consecutive deliveries, however into the bottom. Slip and leg slip. Jamal drives at width however on the bounce to cowl this time. Drinks, with Pakistan behind by 87 runs.

67th over: Pakistan 229-7 (Jamal 11, Shaheen 12) Starc on for Cummins now, that long term in. Just one slip with this older ball, in addition to a gully and a brief leg standing a couple of paces again for Shaheen. Left-arm over the wicket to left-hand bat. Mostly defends, however will get shocked by a brief ball that doesn’t stand up and slams him on the gloves. He’s okay.

66th over: Pakistan 229-7 (Jamal 11, Shaheen 12) Vegemite on toast! Talk a couple of smear, Shaheen will get down on one knee and swipes Lyon over midwicket for an additional bouncing boundary. Unconvincing but it surely works this time.

sixty fifth over: Pakistan 223-7 (Jamal 10, Shaheen 7) A run going high-quality for Shaheen. Jamal goals a extra highly effective swing at Cummins however solely will get one to high-quality leg. Cummins across the wicket to Shaheen, in on the pads however the Pakistani paceman retains it out.

sixty fourth over: Pakistan 221-7 (Jamal 9, Shaheen 6) There goes Shaheen! Lyon again on, and the tall left-hander shuffles down and smears him over mid on. Not by a lot, however will get 4. Keeps the strike too with a push sq.. The deficit is down into double figures.

63rd over: Pakistan 216-7 (Jamal 9, Shaheen 1) So it’s Shaheen Shah Afridi at 9, which is simply too excessive for him actually, he’s a slapper of the ball greater than a participant of precise innings. Can lump a few sixes earlier than he hits one up within the air, however the latter comes alongside quickly sufficient. Starts with a mild run off the hip immediately. Now to Jamal – does he look to advance the scoring from right here, because the extra achieved batter? Not to that ball, which seams sharply, goes over leg stump, swings after it passes, and practically beats Carey who stops it on the bounce huge to his left. That went miles off the straight. Jamal geese the shorter one to comply with. Cummins 4 for 44 to date.

There he goes. Did the shortage of strike play a component? Misreads the tempo off the pitch, should like Shafique yesterday. Sees a driveable size huge of the stumps, throws his arms by means of the road of the ball. Cummins has two covers in place, Warner squarer and nearer, and Rizwan is simply too early on the shot, half sliced, straight into these dependable arms for the 89th catch of Warner’s Test profession.

62nd over: Pakistan 215-6 (Rizwan 42, Jamal 9) A shot! A shot from Jamal. Gets strike after Rizwan’s look, and lays right into a pull in opposition to Hazlewood. Leathers it properly in entrance of sq.. Then takes a run to mid off and once more flirts with a second as Marnus strains up the stumps. Labuschagne is without doubt one of the greatest floor fielders on the planet lately, you possibly can’t take him on. Rizwan pulls behind sq. to maintain the strike. The deficit is right down to 103.

61st over: Pakistan 208-6 (Rizwan 40, Jamal 4) There it’s, not fairly within the groove is Rizwan – performs it out previous cowl, takes the primary, by no means a second however he takes off. Jamal sends him again. Labuschagne once more quick in eliminating the ball, and his throw from midway to the boundary at cowl solely simply misses as Rizwan dives in. Would have been a 3rd umpire forensic job had it hit.

Australia with a leg slip in for Jamal now, and he’s undecided about his ducking approach anymore. Turns and will get hit by a brief ball behind the shoulder. But then will get the chook out once more to get underneath Cummins, and once more Cummins needs the toe of the bat. Hands on head. Gets a leg bye, Rizwan one other run.

sixtieth over: Pakistan 205-6 (Rizwan 38, Jamal 4) A barely completely different duck from Jamal, twisting to his left somewhat than bowing straight at Hazlewood, however the periscope is up once more and it’s near the ball once more. Blocks the total ball to shut the over and Rizwan will see some bowling subsequent.

59th over: Pakistan 205-6 (Rizwan 38, Jamal 4) He’s hogging the strike! Beaten by Cummins a few instances, however Jamal glances a run from the fifth ball of the over. He’s doing loads of leaving. Good temperament in help. You simply surprise if this day trip of the motion will unbalance Rizwan, who began so productively.

58th over: Pakistan 204-6 (Rizwan 38, Jamal 3) Rizwan pulls a run first ball, blissful to provide Jamal the strike, and there’s much more ducking. I feel the Australians have an interest on this periscope bat state of affairs. Josh Hazlewood additionally has an “oooh” to himself after his brief ball on off stump doesn’t miss the bat by a lot. Jamal pushes away a run to level to finish the over.

57th over: Pakistan 202-6 (Rizwan 37, Jamal 2) Having saved strike, Rizwan launches a bottom-handed drive arduous at mid off and may’t rating. Cummins opening proceedings for the day. Hits the following one by means of cowl on the up, diagonal bat, and is considering of working 4 however Labuschagne removes the ball so rapidly after sliding into its path at deep cowl. Three runs, Jamal on strike and he dips down just like the wood chook that fills in for Homer on the energy plant, leaning ahead on the waist to go underneath the ball. Only downside is that his motion leaves the bat poking up within the air behind him, and Cummins practically nicks the toe of it with that brief ball. The look on the bowler’s face, he knew it was shut. Hard dismissal to plan for.

56th over: Pakistan 199-6 (Rizwan 34, Jamal 2) Like many a long-distance swimmer, Hazlewood is straight within the channel. Rizwan is blissful to go fishing in these waters, twice reaching out to steer Hazlewood away for 2. Then thwacks throughout the road with a cross-bat shot off the entrance foot to get a mistimed underneath edge behind sq. for one run.

Revised begin is 10:45am, which is 25 minutes away. So half an hour early turns into quarter-hour late.

The hessian covers are coming off the pitch now.

I feel it’ll cross over fairly rapidly.

Well, I used to be too optimistic. Bit of misty drizzle has are available in over the MCG, so our early begin will now be a late begin.

Or it’s another variety of minutes that I’m but to find out. Anyway, we’ll be on quickly.

Remember we begin half an hour early to make up for the rain on day one. Which is in 4 minutes. So stand by.

Meanwhile, Andy Bull has pulled collectively the votes for our Guardian males’s Test team of the 12 months. Thoughts?

Here is the wires report on yesterday’s day of play.

Preamble

Geoff Lemon

Good (Australian) morning, Christmas bike gang. I say that as a result of I assume that you’ve got all obtained bikes for Christmas, and by now you may have put in the pedals and lights and reflectors and you’re able to cruise round your neighbourhoods in a giant OBO phalanx.

Day three in Melbourne has dawned cloudy and boring to date, however not a lot in the best way of rain predicted or evident, so with a bit of luck we get the total day once more. It simply gained’t be the gold and blue color scheme of yesterday. Wonder if it would do something to assist bowlers. Australia’s quicks have been actually good yesterday after Nathan Lyon acquired the primary wicket, particularly Pat Cummins together with his burst that took out the well-set Abdullah Shafique earlier than Babar Azam.

Pakistan slid a good distance after that, from 124 to 1 all the best way to 170 for six. By stumps that rating was as much as 194, with Rizwan to renew on 29 and Aamer Jamal on 2. They have loads of work to do with their team nonetheless 124 behind.

Let’s see what they’ll do.

We shot our wrap of yesterday’s play within the MCC Library, by the best way, in order for you a take a look at that august establishment. It is a real cricket nerd treasure trove in there, there’s an exhibition for the time being of some great outdated paperwork, together with the primary dictionary to say the phrase ‘cricket’, and a few enormous blown-up copies of the Sarfraz Nawaz scorecard from the well-known 9-for.

Two early wickets, so Smith will start with Warner after the break. Pakistan buoyant. Can they maintain this coming?

third over: Australia 6-2 (Warner 1) Last ball earlier than lunch, are you able to imagine that!

They set him up for it, and it really works on the final gasp. Shaheen’s second ball of the over has swing once more, into Labuschagne, who manages an inside edge for 4, one ball after he practically gloves one other try down the leg facet. Slip and leg slip in place, and that’s the place they need him to play. Shaheen bowls too huge of leg fro the fourth ball, then too huge of off. But together with his final alternative he will get it simply on that leg stump line, and Labuschagne tries to look however can’t meet up with the swing, edging it by means of and Rizwan erupts!

2nd over: Australia 2-1 (Warner 1, Labuschagne 0) Decent over from Hamza, retains Warner quiet and makes him play at most of these balls, however can’t draw an error. Shan Masood is tweaking the sector continuously. One extra over till lunch.

1st over: Australia 2-1 (Warner 1, Labuschagne 0) First ball to Labuschagne, beats him handsomely too, shaping in after which seaming away from the right-hander this time. Gets too straight subsequent ball and Labuschagne can get pad in the best way exterior leg stump and take an additional. Warner digs out a swinging yorker, then dabs away a single behind level.

That’s the best begin! Second ball of the innings, Shaheen comes left-arm over, angles it in the direction of the stumps, swings it away, and kisses the sting of the bat. Wonderful new-ball bowling, that’s what Shaheen has struggled to realize to date in Australia. Scrambles off the seam after it swings, at simply the best size.

Australia to face a few overs earlier than lunch…

Australia blissful to have wrapped up Pakistan, however 54 isn’t an enormous lead, the guests have achieved properly to haul it again to one thing manageable. They will nonetheless must bowl very properly to remain on this recreation, however that might have been the case had they been 50 in entrance. Batting final right here will probably be arduous. Australia in one of the best place, clearly.

73.4 overs: Pakistan 264 (Jamal 33) Last-wicket stand, so Jamal goes laaaaarge! Charges Lyon and belts him manner over midwicket for six. Not simply over the rope, into the gang. You must hit them enormous on the MCG and he does. Tries once more subsequent ball, and will get fortunate. Cummins has pushed Travis Head out to that very same spot, and a flat shot is spilt on the market. Jamal has run a single, and should remorse that, as Hamza swings on the subsequent ball and misses. Has dragged his toe out of his floor as he will get down on one knee, and Carey has the bails off.

73rd over: Pakistan 257-9 (Jamal 26, Hamza 2) Mir Hamza will get off the mark with a sliced two. Cummins 5 for 48. Pakistan down by 61.

Five wickets for Pat Cummins, and that’s gold-class quick bowling.

Does begin with a bouncer, Hasan not having to do a lot because it goes down leg. Beats the skin edge with the following one, Hasan pushing at it. Couple of slips in, and Smith nearly has a catch as Cummins will get the ball to rear! Horrible supply. Hasan Ali is aware of nothing about it, he’s wanting on the sky having yanked his head away as that ball crushes his gloves. The padding takes simply sufficient tempo off it to make it fall brief. Then the fifth ball of the over goes straight by means of, severe inward jag off the pitch once more. Hasan isn’t certain what to play, he’s hanging again, then pushes his arms down the road of the ball in a useless try at defence. But nowhere close to it, and it hits the skin curve of the off stump.

72nd over: Pakistan 255-8 (Jamal 26, Hasan 2) Doing his bit is Hasan Ali, nudging one as an alternative of attempting a glory shot. And Jamal goes at Lyon too, a half step in the direction of the pitch and smacks it over midwicket. The ball goes squarer than he meant however nonetheless picks up 4. Then he pulls out the reverse sweep! Only will get one as Starc dives properly at backward level, however an fascinating shot.

Pakistan behind by 63. Pat Cummins is coming again on, eight overs in need of the second new ball, 4 wickets in his pocket. Bumpers coming?

71st over: Pakistan 250-8 (Jamal 22, Hasan 1) At eight down, Jamal decides it’s time to go. Drives Starc sq. to start with, not solely managed however will get it previous gully and away to the fence. Then will get his entrance foot out of the best way and cannons an on drive down the bottom! Serious hit, alongside the turf for 4. That’s with a few singles to make it 10 from the over, and 68 behind.

seventieth over: Pakistan 240-8 (Jamal 13, Hasan 0) Eight down. Hasan Ali can bat, smashed a first-class ton within the Qaid comp a couple of years in the past, as a lot as that was a one-off. A really dangerous counterattacking form of innings, it was, and he got here off. But he can smash runs for shorter intervals extra recurrently, he’s hit 20 sixes and is in his twenty third Test. Blocks his first 4 balls immediately.

Lyon 3 for 61.

Off spin 101 from Lyon. Around the wicket, beats the sting of a ahead grope from Shaheen, the left-hander with the off break turning away. Then bowls a straight one which hits him in keeping with off stump, the batter on the again foot awkwardly attempting to get bat on it throughout the road. Hits him on the pad flap but it surely’s the again leg, so Shaheen’s evaluation simply exhibits it hitting the highest of off stump.

69th over: Pakistan 240-7 (Jamal 13, Shaheen 21) Nailed by Shaheen! That’s a superb shot, will get on the entrance canine and clouts Starc out by means of the covers. Not the elegant timing sort, extra the give-it-everything sort. Similar strategy as he swings throughout the road and will get a high edge over Carey. Four extra! Steve Smith from slip collects the ball after which stays on the fence, a really high-quality deep third somewhat than a real lengthy cease behind the keeper. Next, a single to midwicket. “Good batting, good batting,” rumble the knowledgable.

That’s Shaheen’s highest Test rating, and the hole between the groups is right down to 78.

68th over: Pakistan 231-7 (Jamal 13, Shaheen 12) Lyon to Jamal, two by means of cowl. Then beats the sting after which takes it in consecutive deliveries, however into the bottom. Slip and leg slip. Jamal drives at width however on the bounce to cowl this time. Drinks, with Pakistan behind by 87 runs.

67th over: Pakistan 229-7 (Jamal 11, Shaheen 12) Starc on for Cummins now, that long term in. Just one slip with this older ball, in addition to a gully and a brief leg standing a couple of paces again for Shaheen. Left-arm over the wicket to left-hand bat. Mostly defends, however will get shocked by a brief ball that doesn’t stand up and slams him on the gloves. He’s okay.

66th over: Pakistan 229-7 (Jamal 11, Shaheen 12) Vegemite on toast! Talk a couple of smear, Shaheen will get down on one knee and swipes Lyon over midwicket for an additional bouncing boundary. Unconvincing but it surely works this time.

sixty fifth over: Pakistan 223-7 (Jamal 10, Shaheen 7) A run going high-quality for Shaheen. Jamal goals a extra highly effective swing at Cummins however solely will get one to high-quality leg. Cummins across the wicket to Shaheen, in on the pads however the Pakistani paceman retains it out.

sixty fourth over: Pakistan 221-7 (Jamal 9, Shaheen 6) There goes Shaheen! Lyon again on, and the tall left-hander shuffles down and smears him over mid on. Not by a lot, however will get 4. Keeps the strike too with a push sq.. The deficit is down into double figures.

63rd over: Pakistan 216-7 (Jamal 9, Shaheen 1) So it’s Shaheen Shah Afridi at 9, which is simply too excessive for him actually, he’s a slapper of the ball greater than a participant of precise innings. Can lump a few sixes earlier than he hits one up within the air, however the latter comes alongside quickly sufficient. Starts with a mild run off the hip immediately. Now to Jamal – does he look to advance the scoring from right here, because the extra achieved batter? Not to that ball, which seams sharply, goes over leg stump, swings after it passes, and practically beats Carey who stops it on the bounce huge to his left. That went miles off the straight. Jamal geese the shorter one to comply with. Cummins 4 for 44 to date.

There he goes. Did the shortage of strike play a component? Misreads the tempo off the pitch, should like Shafique yesterday. Sees a driveable size huge of the stumps, throws his arms by means of the road of the ball. Cummins has two covers in place, Warner squarer and nearer, and Rizwan is simply too early on the shot, half sliced, straight into these dependable arms for the 89th catch of Warner’s Test profession.

62nd over: Pakistan 215-6 (Rizwan 42, Jamal 9) A shot! A shot from Jamal. Gets strike after Rizwan’s look, and lays right into a pull in opposition to Hazlewood. Leathers it properly in entrance of sq.. Then takes a run to mid off and once more flirts with a second as Marnus strains up the stumps. Labuschagne is without doubt one of the greatest floor fielders on the planet lately, you possibly can’t take him on. Rizwan pulls behind sq. to maintain the strike. The deficit is right down to 103.

61st over: Pakistan 208-6 (Rizwan 40, Jamal 4) There it’s, not fairly within the groove is Rizwan – performs it out previous cowl, takes the primary, by no means a second however he takes off. Jamal sends him again. Labuschagne once more quick in eliminating the ball, and his throw from midway to the boundary at cowl solely simply misses as Rizwan dives in. Would have been a 3rd umpire forensic job had it hit.

Australia with a leg slip in for Jamal now, and he’s undecided about his ducking approach anymore. Turns and will get hit by a brief ball behind the shoulder. But then will get the chook out once more to get underneath Cummins, and once more Cummins needs the toe of the bat. Hands on head. Gets a leg bye, Rizwan one other run.

sixtieth over: Pakistan 205-6 (Rizwan 38, Jamal 4) A barely completely different duck from Jamal, twisting to his left somewhat than bowing straight at Hazlewood, however the periscope is up once more and it’s near the ball once more. Blocks the total ball to shut the over and Rizwan will see some bowling subsequent.

59th over: Pakistan 205-6 (Rizwan 38, Jamal 4) He’s hogging the strike! Beaten by Cummins a few instances, however Jamal glances a run from the fifth ball of the over. He’s doing loads of leaving. Good temperament in help. You simply surprise if this day trip of the motion will unbalance Rizwan, who began so productively.

58th over: Pakistan 204-6 (Rizwan 38, Jamal 3) Rizwan pulls a run first ball, blissful to provide Jamal the strike, and there’s much more ducking. I feel the Australians have an interest on this periscope bat state of affairs. Josh Hazlewood additionally has an “oooh” to himself after his brief ball on off stump doesn’t miss the bat by a lot. Jamal pushes away a run to level to finish the over.

57th over: Pakistan 202-6 (Rizwan 37, Jamal 2) Having saved strike, Rizwan launches a bottom-handed drive arduous at mid off and may’t rating. Cummins opening proceedings for the day. Hits the following one by means of cowl on the up, diagonal bat, and is considering of working 4 however Labuschagne removes the ball so rapidly after sliding into its path at deep cowl. Three runs, Jamal on strike and he dips down just like the wood chook that fills in for Homer on the energy plant, leaning ahead on the waist to go underneath the ball. Only downside is that his motion leaves the bat poking up within the air behind him, and Cummins practically nicks the toe of it with that brief ball. The look on the bowler’s face, he knew it was shut. Hard dismissal to plan for.

56th over: Pakistan 199-6 (Rizwan 34, Jamal 2) Like many a long-distance swimmer, Hazlewood is straight within the channel. Rizwan is blissful to go fishing in these waters, twice reaching out to steer Hazlewood away for 2. Then thwacks throughout the road with a cross-bat shot off the entrance foot to get a mistimed underneath edge behind sq. for one run.

Revised begin is 10:45am, which is 25 minutes away. So half an hour early turns into quarter-hour late.

The hessian covers are coming off the pitch now.

I feel it’ll cross over fairly rapidly.

Well, I used to be too optimistic. Bit of misty drizzle has are available in over the MCG, so our early begin will now be a late begin.

Or it’s another variety of minutes that I’m but to find out. Anyway, we’ll be on quickly.

Remember we begin half an hour early to make up for the rain on day one. Which is in 4 minutes. So stand by.

Meanwhile, Andy Bull has pulled collectively the votes for our Guardian males’s Test team of the 12 months. Thoughts?

Here is the wires report on yesterday’s day of play.

Preamble

Geoff Lemon

Good (Australian) morning, Christmas bike gang. I say that as a result of I assume that you’ve got all obtained bikes for Christmas, and by now you may have put in the pedals and lights and reflectors and you’re able to cruise round your neighbourhoods in a giant OBO phalanx.

Day three in Melbourne has dawned cloudy and boring to date, however not a lot in the best way of rain predicted or evident, so with a bit of luck we get the total day once more. It simply gained’t be the gold and blue color scheme of yesterday. Wonder if it would do something to assist bowlers. Australia’s quicks have been actually good yesterday after Nathan Lyon acquired the primary wicket, particularly Pat Cummins together with his burst that took out the well-set Abdullah Shafique earlier than Babar Azam.

Pakistan slid a good distance after that, from 124 to 1 all the best way to 170 for six. By stumps that rating was as much as 194, with Rizwan to renew on 29 and Aamer Jamal on 2. They have loads of work to do with their team nonetheless 124 behind.

Let’s see what they’ll do.