Khawaja century propels Australia to strong first innings total heading into pivotal Day 3

A spirited 160-run knock courtesy of opener Usman Khawaja has Australia at 8-for-505 entering a decisive third day in Karachi.

Khawaja’s 11th Test match century and his highest total since the 2017/18 Ashes, the ton marked a special moment for the Islamabad-native, who became the first Australian player to hit a century in Pakistan since Steve Waugh over 23 years ago.

Khawaja’s opening partner David Warner got off to another strong start before edging a gem from Faheem Ashraf to keeper Mohammad Rizwan on 36. Australia lost their second wicket just three overs later when a Sajid Khan direct hit caught Marnus Labuschagne short as he looked to get off the mark.

Khawaja and Steve Smith then managed a 159-run partnership before Smith knicked off to second slip on 72 late on Day 1, prompting an impressive night-watchman innings courtesy of Nathan Lyon who saw out the day and added 38 runs off 62 balls.

Travis Head and Cameron Green were both dismissed in the twenties, as Alex Carey put together the best innings of his young Test career, whacking 93 off 159 before Babar Azam knocked him over for just the second wicket of his Test career.

Australia enter the third Day of play with 505 runs on the board and Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins at the crease. There were calls for Australia to declare prior to stumps on Day 2 but Cummins resisted. Depending on how Day 3 plays out, there is every chance that another draw is imminent. Pakistan have struggled to get much out of the pitch and, if the opening Test match of the series is anything to go off, Australia will too.

Australia’s bowling lineup has a big task ahead of them and leg-spinner Mitchell Swepson is expected be given every opportunity to prove himself in his debut Test match. The 28-year-old has been knocking on the door of a Test debut for some time now and gets his chance on what Australia hope is a turning Karachi wicket.