The third and final Test match of the series between Australia and Pakistan is currently underway at the Sydney Cricket Ground. The Australian team has made an impressive start as their new-ball bowlers, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood, got rid of both of Pakistan’s opening batsmen without scoring any runs. The Australian captain, Pat Cummins, then dismissed Babar Azam and Shaud Shakeel, leaving Pakistan struggling to score runs. However, Mohammad Rizwan and captain Shan Masood managed to steady the ship and ensured that there was no further damage in the first session.
In the second session, Pakistan lost their captain Masood to Mitchell Marsh, but Rizwan continued to score runs and got his well-deserved half-century. Pakistan captain Shan Masood won the toss and decided to bat first.
This match is special because it is the 112th Test match at the Sydney Cricket Ground and also the final Test match for Australian opening batsman David Warner. Pakistan has made two changes to their team, with Saim Ayub making his Test debut and replacing Imam-Ul-Haq as the opening batsman, while Shaheen Shah Afridi has been rested, making way for off-spinner Sajid Khan.
Australia has already won the three-match series with a 79-run victory in the second Test in Melbourne over Christmas. The Australian team includes David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins (capt), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, and Josh Hazlewood. Pakistan’s team includes Saim Ayub, Abdullah Shafique, Shan Masood (capt), Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan, Agha Salman, Sajid Khan, Hasan Ali, Mir Hamza, and Aamer Jamal.