Gabba Test: Aussie quicks leave Pakistan in tatters

Brisbane [Australia], Dec. 16 (ANI): Pakistan batters on Thursday came out with yet dismal performance as the Misbah-ul-Haq led side once again find themselves on backfoot in the ongoing first Test of the three-match series against Australia here at the Gabba. After staging a spirited comeback in the first session on Day Two and reducing the hosts to first-innings total of 429, Pakistani batsmen didn't live up to expectations as the Men in Green were reduced to 97-8 at stumps on second day. Such was the sorry state of affairs for the Pakistani batsmen that only three could reach the double figures. Wicketkeeper-batsman Sarfraz Ahmad, who is still unbeaten at 31 along with left-arm pacer Mohammad Amir (8*), is the top scorer so far for Pakistan. For Australia, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood took three-three wickets each while Jackson Bird scalped the other two. Earlier, resuming the day at 288-3, the Steve Smith-led side faced some impressive bowling from Pakistan, especially from the pacers and were reduced to 380-9. However, the final-wicket stand of 49 runs between Nathan Lyon and Bird helped the hosts reach 429. Amir and Wahab Riaz both bowled quality spells to the Australian middle order, finding pace, bounce and just enough movement to find a series of outside edges. Amir's figures were his best since returning to the Pakistan side. During the course of the Australian innings, overnight batsman Peter Handscomb played a fine knock of 105. Smith, who yesterday scored his 16th ton, went on to 130 before throwing his bat at a Wahab delivery going across him. Pakistan, still trail by 332 runs and need another 112 runs to avoid the follow-on. (ANI)