For an odd reason, play on Day 3 of Australia vs. Pakistan’s second Test match in Melbourne was delayed after lunch.
The start of play after lunch on Day 3 of Australia’s second Test match against Pakistan in Melbourne was delayed for an unusual cause. All of the players and on-field umpires were in the middle, but play could not begin for a few minutes because third umpire Richard Illingworth became stuck in an elevator and was unable to return to his setup. The players were confused about the delay, so the on-field umpires advised them of the issue. However, it was quickly rectified when Illingworth resumed his place, and the game was able to begin with Pakistan in a strong position for the time being.
Cummins finished with 5-48 and Nathan Lyon with 4-73 as Pakistan’s tail wagged in Melbourne, cutting the hosts’ first-innings lead to 54.
It left the Australians with a hard 15-minute morning session to negotiate, which they did spectacularly, falling to 6-2 at lunch.
Khawaja was caught behind by Mohammad Rizwan off Shaheen Shah Afridi for a duck on the second ball.
Pakistan appeared to be in control after reaching 124-1 in pursuit of Australia’s first-innings 318.
However, an electrifying spell from Cummins in the final session on Wednesday reduced them to 194-6, and he was at the heart of the action again on Thursday.
After a 45-minute delay due to mild rain, they began 124 runs behind with Rizwan on 29 and Aamer Jamal not out two.
Wicketkeeper Rizwan, who was chosen ahead of Sarfaraz Ahmed due to his batting ability, made a solid start.
But he was no match for a shrewd Cummins, who enticed him with a drive that soared straight to David Warner, who had been shifted to cover from slip.
Rizwan was out for 42, capping a 45-run stand with Jamal, who began to play shots with new partner Afridi as they chipped away at the lead.
An adventurous Afridi hit four boundaries before being undone by Lyon’s spin and caught lbw for 21.
Jamal seemed in fantastic form, hitting the ropes three times in six balls at one stage during his 33-run innings.
Cummins took his fifth wicket, dismissing Hasan Ali for two runs with a delivery that took off his off stump.
