Australia v Pakistan: Mitchell Marsh and Steve Smith help hosts to 241-run lead on day three

In the thrilling Australia vs. Pakistan Boxing Day Test in Melbourne, day three ended with the hosts holding a commanding 241-run lead. It was a day of remarkable twists and turns that had cricket fans on the edge of their seats.

The Australian team found themselves in a precarious position early on, as they slumped to 16-4 in their second innings, with a lead of only 70 runs. The Pakistani bowlers were causing havoc, and the pressure was mounting. But just when it seemed like Pakistan might seize the advantage, Mitchell Marsh and Steve Smith came to the rescue with a crucial fifth-wicket partnership that turned the game on its head.

Mitchell Marsh was the hero of the day, scoring a brilliant 96 runs from 130 balls. His aggressive stroke play and resilience under pressure were a sight to behold. He single-handedly thwarted the Pakistani attack and propelled Australia to a position of strength.

However, the highlight of the day was Steve Smith’s half-century, which came to a dramatic end. He fell to the last ball of the day, bowled by Shaheen Afridi, when he was on 50 runs. Smith’s dismissal injected a glimmer of hope for Pakistan, who knew that breaking this partnership was essential to their chances.

But what truly haunted Pakistan was Abdullah Shafique’s dropped catch of Marsh when he was just on 20 runs. It was a missed opportunity that could prove costly in the context of the match.

Pakistan began the day trailing by 124 runs, with the score at 194-6 in their first innings. Mohammad Rizwan’s valiant 42 and contributions from Aamer Jamal (33 not out) and Shaheen Afridi (21) reduced their deficit to a mere 54 runs. The resilience of the lower order gave Pakistan a fighting chance.

Australia’s captain, Pat Cummins, was once again the standout performer with the ball, finishing with impressive figures of 5-48. His ability to pick up wickets at crucial junctures was pivotal to Australia’s success. Nathan Lyon, the off-spinner, also played his part, taking four important wickets for 73 runs as Pakistan was eventually bowled out for 264.

Pakistan’s response with the new ball was impressive, as Shaheen Afridi dismissed Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne early on. Mir Hamza then delivered a double blow, removing David Warner for just six and sending Travis Head back to the pavilion without scoring.

However, Marsh and Smith’s partnership changed the game’s momentum. Marsh, in particular, was exceptional, reaching a counter-attacking 50 from 70 balls. It was a display of aggressive batting that kept the Pakistani bowlers at bay.

Mir Hamza, who finished with figures of 3-27, finally got his man when he had Marsh caught at slip by Salman Agha. And as if scripted for dramatic effect, the day ended with Shaheen Afridi delivering a hostile short ball that Smith gloved to gully, departing for 50 runs from 176 balls.

As the sun sets on day three, Alex Carey remains unbeaten on 16, and Australia’s lead stands at a formidable 241 runs. Pakistan faces a daunting challenge as they look to chase down the target on a wearing pitch. With the match finely poised, day four promises more excitement and drama in this enthralling Test match. Cricket enthusiasts around the world will be eagerly awaiting the action to unfold.

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More about Boxing Day Test

• BBC Sport – Australia v Pakistan: Mitchell Marsh and Steve Smith help hosts to 241-run lead on day three
• Cricbuzz – Australia take control of Boxing Day Test despite late wickets
• ESPNCricinfo – Australia v Pakistan, 2nd Test, Melbourne, 3rd day
• Cricket.com.au – Marsh, Smith fire Australia to dominant lead