Only 46 overs were possible on Day 2 of the third and final Test between Australia and Pakistan before rain and poor light stopped play.
Sydney: Unlike Day 2, the third day of the ongoing third and final Test between Australia and Pakistan is going to slightly better but expected to remain overcast, according to several weather websites. Play had to be interrupted on Day 2 (Thursday) after lunch with Australia at 116/2 in reply to Pakistan’s 313. It was gloomy and the floodlights at the Sydney Cricket Ground had to be put on due to bad light. Players stayed off for a further 40 minutes while 25,000 fans remained in attendance, before rain began to fall and the day was officially washed out.
On Day 3 (Friday), there are 20 per cent chances of rain during the initial parts of the day. There is a possibility of a slight drizzle in the morning but it ain’t likely to have an impact on the match for long. The temperature is also expected to be 21 degrees in the morning and evening.
Earlier, Australia opener David Warner was dismissed for 34 in his farewell cricket test against Pakistan at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Thursday before rain and poor light ruined most of the rest of the second day. Only 46 overs were possible on the day.
Playing in his 112th and last Test, Warner was caught at first slip by Babar Azam off Agha Salman’s bowling before lunch. Play was interrupted in the middle session with Australia at 116-2 in reply to Pakistan’s 313. The lights were on at the SCG and the conditions were gloomy, but the decision to take players from the field for bad light was met with boos from the crowd and criticism from former players.
Players stayed off for a further 40 minutes while 25,000 fans remained in attendance, before rain began to fall and the day was officially washed out. Marnus Labuschagne will resume on 23 on Friday morning with Steve Smith on 6.
On Wednesday after Pakistan won the toss and elected to bat, Australia captain Pat Cummins took 5-61 for his third consecutive five-wicket haul. Pakistan’s top order was again exposed before a lower-order rally helped the tourists to its 300-plus total.
Pakistan was in danger of being dismissed cheaply at 96-5 but an enterprising counterattack led by wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan with a brisk 88, followed by a half-century from Agha Salmon and a maiden test half-century by Aamer Jamal helped Pakistan recover to a respectable total.
With Australia assured of winning the series after wins in Perth and Adelaide, the lead-up to the match was almost exclusively about Warner’s last test. Flanked by his three daughters, he led the home team out on to the SCG before the match.
WITH AP INPUTS