Babar Azam scores a Test Century to help fend off Australia.

Australia fail to break the Babar Azam – Abdullah Shafique partnership as Pakistan end the day on a high. Pakistan end the day at 192 runs with the loss of 2 wickets.

Babar Azam scores a wonderful century to aid Pakistan put up a spirited fightback.

Abdullah Shafique and Babar Azam score a 150 run partnership.

Babar Azam completed a half-century as he and Abdullah Shafique lead the fightback against Australia.

Australia have dominated from the word go. Thanks to a special ton from Usman Khawaja, Australia put up a mammoth score of 9 – 556. The top scorers were Usman Khawaja amassed 160 runs which included 15 fours and a solitary six and Alex Carey who fell just short of a maiden test ton.

In reply, the hosts collapsed and could manage a meagre 148 runs as the Australian bowlers ripped through the batsmen. The Aussie board decided to drop Josh Hazlewood and give Mitchell Starc another go. He did not let them down as he took 3 wickets and found some reverse swing to trouble the Pakistani Batsmen.

Mitchell Swepson became the 464^th player to earn a baggy green as he replaced Josh Hazlewood. His first wicket was a big one as Babar Azam skewed his shot to Long Off where Usman Khawaja took an easy catch. The spinner ended with figures of 9-1-32-2.

Many heads turned when Australian Captain Pat Cummins decided not to give follow on even when they had a lead of 408 runs.

Australia lost David Warner early but Marnus Labuschagne and Usman Khawaja took Australia to 97 runs when the former succumbed to Shaheen Afridi. Pat Cummins decided to declare and the hosts were set a huge target of 506 runs.

With the cracks on the pitch opening up and the Australian bowlers finding their rhythm, the odds are heavily in favor of an Australian win.

The ball is starting to keep a little low as was the case when Imam Ul Haq was judged to be out LBW after the ball hit his pad. Pakistan ended the first session on day 4 at 18 – 1 with 488 runs needed for a win.

The visitors on the other hand have a comfortable seat as they need 8 more wickets on a pitch that will only roughen up as the day progresses.