BLOG: 1st Test Australia vs Pakistan at the GABBA: Day 4

STUMPS Day 4 AUS 1st innings 429| PAK 1st innings 142| AUS 2nd innings 5/202 dec| PAK 2nd innings 8/382

Today’s cricket has completely changed the complexion of the rest of this series.  In a day interrupted by rain and a result that largely appeared to be inevitable, a fighting Pakistan outfit has denied Australia. 

Lead by Asad Shafiq, unbeaten on 100 off 140 balls, Pakistan has produced a tremendous rear guard action to survive into day 5. They now need 108 runs to win, they have 3 sessions in which to get them and 2 wickets in hand.  In addition to Shafiq, it was a marvellous contribution from Mohammed Amir (48 off 63) promoted up the order to number 8.  An all round engrossing display of attacking batting which visibly frustrated the hard working Australians. 

Mike Hussey and Carl Rackemann are full of praise for the Pakistan number 6.  Highlights to follow.

 

 

Day 4 DINNER| AUS 1st innings 429| PAK 1st innings 142| AUS 2nd innings 5/202 dec| PAK 2nd innings 5/203

It’s been a day of interrupted play moving towards an inevitable victory for Australia.   Notwithstanding solid innings for Azhar Ali (71) and Younis Khan (65) Pakistan’s recognised top order batsmen have been dismissed. Talented and spirited batsman Sarfraz Ahmed is unbeaten on 17 and will fight to take this match into a 5th day.  Australia will continue after the dinner break with a new pink ball under lights at the Gabba.  There is an opportunity and a sense Steve Smith will be determined to bring this match to a close before stumps day 4.

But don’t take my word for it, here is Mike Hussey with analysis and highlights.

 

 

 

Day 4  AUS 1st innings 429| PAK 1st innings 142| AUS 2nd innings 5/202 dec| PAK 2nd innings 3/152

A day of rain interruptions has frustrated the Pakistan quest to keep this match alive.  Azhar Ali fell on 71 caught behind, strangled down the leg side off the bowling of Mitch Starc. Younis Khan reached his half century and the stats on his magnificent career suggests he will go on with it.

Click here to catch up on the highlights. 

 

Does Nathan Lyon have too many toys in his bowling arsenal? Click play to hear Dean Jones, Mike Hussey and Bruce Eva debate Nathan Lyons various bowling techniques. 

 

 

Day 4 Preview| AUS 1st innings 429| PAK 1st innings 142| AUS 2nd innings 5/202 dec| PAK 2nd innings 2/70 

Australia will be looking to make short work of Pakistan and claim a 1-0 lead in the three match test series when Day 4 gets underway at the GABBA. Needing 420 runs to claim victory, Pakistani batsmens Azhar Ali (42*) and Younis Khan (0*) will need to show plenty of character at the crease when play resumes today.

Click play to hear Mike Hussey, Dean Jones and Bruce Eva preview all the Day 4 action from the GABBA

 

Click here for all the highlights and analysis from Day 3.