Sydney Test: Rizwan and Salman's counter-attack revives Pakistan ...

NEW DELHI:

Mohammad Rizwan

and

Agha Salman

showcased a spirited counter-attack to guide Pakistan back into contention after a shaky start on the opening day of the third Test against Australia in Sydney.
With Pakistan struggling at 96 for five soon after lunch, Rizwan and Salman staged an impressive 94-run partnership, providing resilience against the Australian bowling attack. At the tea interval, Pakistan reached 199 for six, with Salman unbeaten on 36, and Sajid Khan on seven.
Scorecard: Australia vs Pakistan 3rd Test
Rizwan, who had been omitted from the first Test, played a crucial role in the recovery, amassing 88 off 103 balls before falling to a legside trap set by

Pat Cummins

just before tea. His innings included two sixes and 10 fours, setting a benchmark as the highest individual score by a Pakistani batsman in the series.

Cummins, consistent in breaking partnerships throughout the series, claimed his third wicket with Rizwan's dismissal. The Pakistani wicketkeeper top-edged a pull shot, allowing Josh Hazlewood to take the catch at fine leg.
Pakistan faced adversity early in the match after winning the toss, losing four wickets in the opening session, and skipper

Shan Masood

departing shortly after lunch for 35. The Australians, eager to bid farewell to veteran opening batsman David Warner on a high note in his 112th and final Test match in his home city, dominated the morning session.

Openers Abdullah Shafique and debutant Saim Ayub fell within the first two overs, contributing to Pakistan's early struggles. Shafique's dismissal occurred on the second ball of Mitchell Starc's opening over, while Ayub, making his Test debut, lasted only two balls, falling to a Hazlewood outswinger.
Babar Azam briefly steadied the innings with elegant cover drives but was dismissed for 26 before first-hour drinks. Cummins' vigorous lbw appeal, initially turned down by the umpire, was overturned after a review, leaving Pakistan at 39 for three.
Saud Shakeel faced a challenging delivery from Cummins that struck his collarbone, and in the next over, he prodded a catch behind to Alex Carey, contributing to Pakistan's woes at 47 for four. Despite a reprieve for Masood on 32, when a caught behind was ruled a no-ball from bowler Mitchell Marsh, he succumbed to Marsh's delivery soon after, edging to Steve Smith for 35.
Australia, having secured the series with a tense 79-run win in the second Test in Melbourne over Christmas, continued their competitive performance on the first day of the

Sydney Test

. The outcome of this match will play a crucial role in shaping the final impressions of David Warner's illustrious Test career.
(With inputs from AFP)