Pakistan pile pressure on Australia as day two is cut short by bad light
- Planet Sport writer
- 5 March 2022
Australia trail Pakistan by 471 runs going into the third day of action at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
The Aussies were spared a potentially tricky session as bad light put an early end to the second day of the Test match. Pakistan declared on 476/4 before the tourists put five runs on the board with their one and only over with the bat.
Understandably, the occasion was an emotional one for the Australians as the country - and the entire sporting community - continue to mourn the death of Shane Warne.
Pakistan got off to a good start and quicly built a commanding position as Azhar Ali, who scored 185, carried on the work of Imam-ul-Haq who posted 157.
The second-wicket pair put together a partnership of 208 before Imam, unbeaten on 132 overnight, was trapped lbw by Aussie skipper Pat Cummins.
Ali, who had resumed on 64, went on to reach his 19th Test century with support from Pakistan captain Babar Azam (36).
Marnus Labuschagne provided one bright point of a difficult day in the field for Australia when he ran out Babar. Labuschagne also ended Azhar's 361-ball knock with his part-time leg-spin.
Babar decided to declare late in the day in the hope his pacemen could make early inroads before the close. However, as light worsened, spinner Sajid Khan was permitted to bowl just one over and Australia ended the day on five without loss.
Australia wore black armbands as a mark of respect following Warne's death while play was preceded by a moment's silence.