Pakistan looking for a miracle to save first test against Australia

Despite getting the much needed wickets of David Warner and Steve Smith, Pakistan could not stop a Marnus Labuschagne batting masterclass leaving them in a precarious position when Australia resumed their first innings at 312 for 1 on the third day of the first test match between the two sides at Brisbane. 

Naseem Shah picked his first wicket in international cricket when he removed David Warner before he could add any significant score to his tally. The left handed opener finally fell for 154. 

Pakistan looked to be back in the game when Yasir Shah bowled Steve Smith for just 4 runs. All hopes of a comeback were scuffed by Matthew Wade and Labuschagne though, as the two kept adding to an already imposing first innings lead. 

The 110 runs partnership between the two took the wind out of Pakistan's sails despite Haris Sohail getting Wade out first at 60 runs and then having Travis Head caught behind as well for 24.

At tea on the third day, Australia were 532 for 5 with Marnus Labuschagne eyeing a double hundred at 171 and Captain Tim Paine at 13.

The last session of the third day began in Pakistan's favour. Shaheen Afridi removed Tim Paine immediately after tea and Labuschagne fell 15 runs short of a double hundred, playing a loose stroke straight into Babar Azam's hands.

Pakistan wrapped up the tail without much trouble but not before Australia had scored 580 runs and a 340 runs first innings lead. 

Facing a daunting challenge, Pakistani opening pair could not replicate first innings start as Azhar Ali was dismissed by Mitchell Starc for 5 with just 13 runs on the board.

Haris Sohail failed once again with the bat in Australia, scoring just 8 before edging a ball to Tim Paine. Asad Shafiq was the next to fall, failing to mount another fightback against quality bowling. 

Babar Azam managed to bounce back from a bad dismissal in the first innings by remaining not out on 20 at the close of the play. He was joined by Shaan Masood on 27 who showed patience to hold one end of the wicket. 

The two will look to add to their 39 run partnership when the play resumes on the fourth day with Pakistan still needing 276 runs to overcome the first innings deficit.