Australia stood at 78-1, with Usman Khawaja on 35 and Marnus Labuschagne on three.
David Warner signed off with a 34-run knock, leading Australia’s innings as Pakistan managed to control their batting on the second day of the ongoing Sydney Test.
Despite receiving a warm ovation from the home crowd, Warner missed the chance to secure a final Test century. The cricketer was visibly disappointed as he left the Sydney Cricket Ground.
At lunch, Australia were on 78-1, with Usman Khawaja on 35 and Marnus Labuschagne for three, in response to Pakistan’s score of 313 in the first innings. Warner’s exit was due to a delivery that exploited the extra bounce and spin, resulting in a lead and slip, leaving Australian fans disheartened.
Having made his Test debut in 2011, Warner leaves the format with an impressive record of 8,729 runs at an average of 44.53 and 26 centuries. His dismissal came after a missed chance in the 20th over, courtesy of a missed catch by debutant Saim Ayub, extending Pakistan’s series of fielding mishaps.
Australia faced a challenging start, facing a formidable Pakistan bowling attack that limited Warner and Khawaja. The batting duo struggled and managed to add just 33 runs in the first hour of play.
This Test marks the conclusion of a three-match series in which Australia sealed victory in the second Test in Melbourne, claiming a narrow victory by 79 runs over the Christmas break.
Despite Warner’s departure, Australia remain equipped to mount a strong response in the ongoing Test, boasting substantial batting depth in their lineup for the second innings. As the match progresses, Pakistan’s fielding errors and missed opportunities continue to attract attention, especially after Ayub’s error following his early dismissal in his first innings.
