Australians endure tricky Day 1 despite Khawaja, Smith fifties

An eventful first day in Lahore has ended with Australia at 5-for-232, with Cameron Green and Alex Carey at the crease, thanks to another superb innings from opener Usman Khawaja.

With the Australians winning the toss and electing to bat, Khawaja watched on as opening partner David Warner was caught in front of his stumps by Shaheen Shah Afridi for just seven, before Marnus Labuschagne knicked off to the keeper just two balls later. At 2-for-8, Australia were in a spot of bother before Khawaja and vice-captain Steve Smith steadied proceedings, pouring on a 138-run partnership and looking quite comfortable at the crease.

It took a peach courtesy of teenager Naseem Shah to trap Smith in front of his stumps, breaking the partnership and dismissing Smith for 59. Spinner Sajid Khan managed to claim the crucial wicket of Khawaja on 91, who disappointingly missed out on another century but did a magnificent job of keeping his side on course in the face of danger.

Travis Head’s underwhelming tour continued, with the South Australian reaching just 26 before edging another peach from Naseem to the keeper. All-rounder Cameron Green and wicket-keeper Alex Carey managed an unbeaten 26-run partnership to end the day. The Australians find themselves in a less-than-ideal position heading into the second day of what is a decisive third Test match. Khawaja and Smith saved the side from a total collapse but, given the opening innings of the previous two Test matches ended in declarations with 470-plus runs on the board, the Australians would be dissatisfied with how the opening day played out.

Pakistan have their tails up and will be looking to finish off Australia’s first innings in sharp fashion. Running with a five-man attack, it was the quicks who dominated Day 1 for the hosts; Naseem Shah and Shaheen Shah Afridi each claimed a pair of wickets and looked dangerous from their opening overs. The next session could make or break this deciding Test for Australia; if Green and Carey – if the last of their recognises batters – can last for an extended period, they may have a shot at salvaging what looks to be an insipid total.