STUMPS: Pakistan – 2/126  Azhar Ali 58, Younis Khan 64

A terrific rearguard action by Azhar Ali and Younis Kahn to survive the final session of day 2.  We are seeing the best of the elder statesman in Younis.  Both batsmen would be seeking to hit triple figures and endeavour to avoid the follow up.

Tom Moody and Mike Hussey on the final session of day 2 at the SCG

TEA: Pakistan – 2/16  Azhar Ali 12, Younis Khan 0  Australia 8/5

The impressive summer continues for Peter Handscomb (110).  Demonstrating such a composed nature bordering on placid seems at odds with the ‘agressively verbal’ requirements the selectors were spruiking before the Summer of Cricket began.  A reserved celebration and acknowledgement of the warm ovation from the SCG crowd will see him adjudged a favourite with many observers.  

Steve Smith’s shrewd declaration just before tea secured 2 wickets.  The hardworking Josh Hazlewood teased Sharjeel (4) outside off stump and trapped Babar (0) dead in front.  Australia will be counting on Nathan Lyon and Steve O’Keefe to take advantage of the imposing 1st innings total stretched out ahead of the languishing Pakistan team.

Former Australian spinner, Ashley ‘Rowdy’ Mallett shared his wisdom with Tim Lane and Ian Chappell.

LUNCH: Australia – 4/454 Handscomb 83, Cartwright 25

Off the mark with a boundary, Hilton Cartwright, on debut, has presented as a capable and positive batsman. Futhermore Peter Handscomb’s summer has been so impressive he has surpassed the’ rising star’ tag to give the impression of cemented position within the line-up.

The teams competing in this Test match are at such extremes in terms of motivation it is difficult to imagine an alternative result.  Steve Smith expressed his determination to claim a 3 nil victory.  Pakistan, with 2 matches lost, needed to show significant and prolonged conviction, in a team that appears to be carrying out of form players. 

Tom Moody and Mike Hussey predict Australia will push on to tea.

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