Australia will probably be eyeing a lead of 450 runs against Pakistan: Mark Taylor

Perth (Uttam Hindu News): Former Australia captain Mark Taylor believes the current World Test Championship holders will be eyeing a lead of 450 runs against Pakistan after ending the third day’s play with a lead of 300 runs. On the third day at the Optus Stadium, Australia bowled out Pakistan for 271 and finished the game at 84/2 in 33 overs, with Steve Smith (43 not out) and Usman Khawaja (34 not out) at the crease.

Taylor told Wide World of Sports (WWOS) at the end of the day’s play, “I think if they score another 100 and push 400 (runs) they will feel very comfortable, but I think His eyes will probably be on 450-plus. It may take some time to score 150 runs, till the middle of the day tomorrow.” “I think they will give Pakistan a target of at least 450 in one and a half days. If they (Australia) score quickly and survive, they may get a few more. Pakistan is really stuck in this test match.

He also believes that variable bounce will be a factor in the remaining two days of the match. “Looking at the scoring rate yesterday and even today, it seems like the scoring has slowed down a bit, which tells me it (the pitch) can be a bit up-and-down.” He said, “After seeing Pakistan playing with the new ball today, some players were not able to carry on. It (the pitch) will be getting a bit uneven, which will make it difficult to score runs. But…this may give Australia some chances.” “When they get a lead, they get more opportunities (to get what they want).”

In the morning, veteran off-spinner Nathan Lyon took 3-66 and is now just one wicket away from completing 500 wickets in this format, which he will look to achieve in Pakistan’s second innings. Taylor believes Australia are lucky to have Lyon in their team. “I think this innings also reflects Nathan Lyon. He is a beautiful mix between three very good fast bowlers. That’s it. He gives Australia a beautiful point of difference, a change of pace. He is not a defensive off-spinner who just wants to keep things quiet. He wants to get wickets. And as we have seen, that is what wins you Test matches.”

“He didn’t take five or six (wickets), but he got three. There were three important wickets and successes for Australia. That’s what you really expect from your spin bowler. Yes, he will keep it quiet in one aspect, but at the same time he will get you important wickets which will make a difference.” Taylor concluded, “Like Iman ul-Haq today. A beautiful example of bowling where he edged a ball and got it stumped. These things change the game. Australia is very lucky at the moment, they have three fast bowlers. We have got Nathan Lyon as a beautiful addition to our bowling attack.”