Rain played havoc yet again on the fourth day of the second Test between Australia and Pakistan, overshadowing a Steven Smith century and dwindling any chance of a result. Follow the live scores and blog of the fifth day’s play from 10am (AEDT) on The Roar.
Usman Khawaja missed out on his century, falling early in the day for his second career score of 97, but Smith followed on from David Warner’s century on Day 3 to bring up his 17th Test hundred, just before the umpires decided to go off for the weather.
By that time, Australia had gone along to 6-465 in reply to Pakistan’s first innings total of 443. Another 30 or so overs and they might have pushed that lead up to 150 and could have even thought of declaring and putting pressure on the opposition.
Unfortunately for the fans, it started to drizzle soon after, turning into a surprise thunderstorm that all but ended the hopes of either team taking any advantage of the situation on the final day of the encounter.
Earlier in the day, following Khawaja’s early wicket, Smith was joined by Peter Handscomb and the pair were involved in a quick enough 92-run stand for the fourth wicket. Handscomb contributed 54 of those, easily outscoring his captain in the process.
It was an aggressive innings for the most part, and that same aggression got him out.
The next man in, Nic Maddinson, got his first start, but a similar attempt to get a move on against Yasir Shah saw him play all over the leg-spinner. Bowled, putting his place for the Sydney Test in jeopardy.
Neither did Matthew Wade last long, but by then it was a matter of how big a lead could the Australians get by the end of the day.
As it turned out, only 14 more balls were possible.
Heading into the final day, Australia might bat a few more overs and get the lead to over 100 – probably even 150 – then send Pakistan in for an uncomfortable two or so sessions.
And the weather? It looks clear, but things change quickly in Melbounre and another shower cannot be ruled out.
Follow the live scores and blog of this fifth day’s play of the second Test between Australia and Pakistan from 10am (AEDT) on The Roar.
Paul D
Roar Guru
What a curious recommendation. I would've sledged it even if I'd gone the other way.
Nudge
Guest
Well put James. Exactly what I was trying to say
doogs
Guest
Did you see Starc's spell to clean up the tail. What did you think of his bowling then?
doogs
Guest
I originally thought he should be bowling and that he was hard done by after tea. However, Hazelwood and Starc have been great against the tail and as it was Starc blasted them out with a great spell. A lot of people were bagging Smith for not bringing him on, including myself. I now understand the rationale. They are our two best bowlers and it was a good move to clean up the tail.
jameswm
Roar Guru
There's nothing wrong with missing a tip, but it's poor form to sledge the match to make up for you mssed tip. Sometimes you just have to man up.
doogs
Guest
Thanks Matt
doogs
Guest
That is a great headline
doogs
Guest
I agree Matt. They were terriffic
Alex L
Roar Rookie
I think not being all out in the first session for 60 is a good start, personally.
Jeff milton
Guest
So you think that playing slowly is great?
Bfc
Guest
Still baffling to see Lyon bowl so fast and flat. Started his wicket taking spell with loop and flight and then returned to flat and fast deliveries. He appears to bowl a lot at the 90plus km/h range...surely that is too fast?
Paul D
Roar Guru
Haha, how was the fishing Nudge? You didn't miss much. Certainly not anything resembling a good contest between two quality sides. I throw all sorts of opinions out there, some are right, some are wrong. I've never met anyone who gets 9/9 every week in footy tipping so I'm not fussed.
Jason Cave
Guest
In much the same way 'Amazing Adelaide' haunted England after the 2006 Ashes Test in Adelaide, then the 'Miracle of Melbourne' will give the Pakistan players and coaching staff sleepless nights in the days, months and years to come. BTW, does this bring back memories of the 1972 Sydney Test between the two countries, where the late Max Walker and Kerry O'Keefe bowled Australia to victory, which prompted one newspaper to come out with a back page headline 'PANIKSTAN'?
Suneer Chowdhary
Roar Guru
Favour good cricketing action, so am with you.
offsider
Guest
Good work suneer ,ended up being a exciting day ( depending on which side you favor ). Happy new year all.
Nudge
Guest
I think Steve Smith has the last laugh regarding this conversation. Captained this last day absolutely perfectly according to all the ABC commentators
Alex L
Roar Rookie
Could he actually do worse than Maddinson at the SCG? Would probably rule out SOK over Lyon too, given the selectors liking to different types of spinner.
Mattw
Guest
That is certainly an interesting call, but maybe a second spin option that doesn't mean removing bird who has done well, I actually approve of this option taking on it.
Mattw
Guest
He looks done tbh, and his replacement can hardly set worse fields.
Suneer Chowdhary
Roar Guru
And here's something else. Ashton Agar, a left-field selection?