Australia tighten grip on Sydney Test despite Younis' heroics

Sydney [Melbourne], Jan.5 (ANI): Australian off-spinner Nathan Lyon bagged three-wickets as his side reduced Pakistan to 271-8 at stumps despite Younis Khan's first unbeaten century Down Under on the third day of the final dead-rubber Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) on Thursday. Resuming at the overnight score of 126-2, Younis struck 14 boundaries and a six in his 136-run unbeaten knock, besides sharing a 146-run stand with opener Azhar Ali (71) for the third wicket. By scoring a ton, Younis also became the first cricketer in Test history to score centuries in 11 countries, including the United Arab Emirates. His 34th century on a rain-affected third day also tied him with Sunil Gavaskar, Mahela Jayawardene and Brian Lara in the all-time list at 6th place. However, none of the other batsmen were able to contribute much to the side's total. For Australia, Lyon finished with three for 98 while Josh Hazlewood scalped two wickets. Mitchell Starc and Steve O'Keefe also chipped in with a wicket each. Younis and Yasir Shah (5*) will aim to push his side's first innings to past 300-run mark when they resume the innings on Friday. Earlier, Matt Renshaw (184), David Warner (113) and Peter Handscomb (110) all struck blistering centuries to help Australia declare their first-innings at 538-8. Australia have already clinched the three-match Test series 2-0 following their massive win by an innings and 18 runs in the second match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). (ANI)