Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Guardian - AU
The Guardian - AU
Sport
Jonathan Howcroft & Russell Jackson

Australia v Pakistan: second Test, day four – as it happened

Steve Smith struck a century as Australia gained a first innings lead on day four of the Boxing Day Test at the MCG.
Steve Smith struck a century as Australia gained a first innings lead on day four of the Boxing Day Test at the MCG. Photograph: William West/AFP/Getty Images

Australia end day four 465-6 - a lead of 22

Australia have done their best to make a game of this, rattling along at 4.08 rpo but the weather has surely denied them the opportunity of sealing the series with just one day remaining.

Centuries to David Warner and Steve Smith further enhance their already fearsome reputations, while Usman Khawaja’s 97 and Peter Handscomb’s 54 indicate a solid batting order is finally taking shape after the disastrous start to the summer. However, failures at the crease by Nic Maddinson and Matthew Wade means selectors still have plenty to ponder ahead of the New Year Test in Sydney.

Play will get underway at 10am tomorrow - and the forecast is for it to be dry. We’ll be here again to see if Australia can pull a rabbit out of a soggy hat.

Play abandoned for the day

The umpires have called a halt to day four of a frustrating Boxing Day Test that now seems destined to end in a draw.

Rain washed out the final session of play on day four of the Boxing Day Test at the MCG.
Rain washed out the final session of play on day four of the Boxing Day Test at the MCG. Photograph: Andy Brownbill/AP

4.30pm update:

Hard to believe there will be any play now but the official abandonment has yet to be announced.

In case you missed the update on Mark Nicholas from earlier in the day.

Updated

Still no play likely any time soon, and perhaps a much longer hiatus is brewing.

Play still nowhere in sight, so plenty of time to tuck into Russell’s annual Christmas gift.

The bad news is this:

The good news is after that band of stringy orange storm passes from west to east, there should be a break in the rain, possibly long enough to dry the playing surface and, you know, play cricket.

Midsummer Melbourne.
Midsummer Melbourne. Photograph: Julian Smith/AAP

One of the better social media teasers:

Update 3.25:

Ian Healy’s delivered an update from the MCG outfield from under a big golf umbrella. It’s still raining, dark, and puddles are forming on the edge of the square. There’s no chance of play any time soon and if I was a gambling man I’d suggest the day was on its way to being washed out.

In the background of Healy’s cross was this little trooper. Braving the downpour in nothing but his replica creams with only a patriotic banner for cover.

Based on the experience of Watermelon Boy (TM) last summer, expect this tacker to be hosting his own breakfast show on mainstream TV this time next week.

Azhar Ali update:

Good news for Pakistan with Azhar Ali reportedly fine after the sickening blow to his helmet fielding at short-leg. He’s passed a concussion test and will bat in the second innings.

Azhar Ali has recovered from a fierce blow to his helmet while fielding at short-leg.
Azhar Ali has recovered from a fierce blow to his helmet while fielding at short-leg. Photograph: Ratnayake/REX/Shutterstock

3.11pm Update:

Play should now be underway after that early tea interval. It isn’t. It’s raining, it’s dark and the square is covered.

Consequently overs will now be lost, and who knows, the rest of the day could be washed out. 42.1 overs are still scheduled to be bowled.

Updated

This should be the front cover to the Lonely Planet Australia edition.

Thanks Russell, outstanding service this Test match. My arrival, of course, means it’s raining. I am a good luck charm for gardeners and waterfowl throughout Australia.

This is a different weather occurrence to recent days. There’s a hefty storm cell passing through the state and we’re in for a series a heavy thundery showers. The question is how many, and how much damage will they cause? I’ll keep you updated.

That’s it from me, but JP Howcroft will be joining you now and has the unenviable task in the first place of finding different ways to describe rain. Make him feel at home by sending rain-based YouTube clips and bad puns.

Yep, it’s bucketing down at the MCG

Not good. The full covers are on and again the MCG ground staff are put to work. Poor blokes. They’ve had an absolute ‘mare all four days of this game.

Tea on day four - Australia 465-6

Bad light stopped play

It’s 2:52pm local time and the covers are coming onto the pitch, so you’d say that rain is imminent at the MCG.

Updated

Steve Smith reaches his century!

114th over: Australia 465-6 (Smith 100, Starc 7)

Umpires Ravi and Gould conference for a good minute or so before the start of this Sohail Khan over but decide against departing for bad light, though they’re signalling with various hand gestures to the ground staff, so we can’t be far away from a downpour.

Steve Smith takes strike, with three to get for his hundred, and cracks a square drive straight at point and the safe stopping hands of Yasir. Three balls left. Another umpire conference. We’re not here to see you guys! They decide against departure. Cheers around the ground! Then... Smith cracks one through cover and sets off for the three runs that’ll do the job. He gets there! It’s another super hundred from the Aussie skipper, who salutes the crowd after reaching his milestone from 168 deliveries across 287 minutes of almost flawless Test batting. That’s 17 Test hundred now. He’s a batting machine.

AND THEN THEY DO GO OFF! That’ll be it for now. Five balls into the Sohail Khan over we’ll have delay. Early tea? I guess so.

Australian skipper Steve Smith celebrates his 17th Test century.
Australian skipper Steve Smith celebrates his 17th Test century. Photograph: William West/AFP/Getty Images

Updated

113th over: Australia 461-6 (Smith 97, Starc 6)

Smith gets a single and moves to Khawaja’s mark from earlier, and will probably hope he can do the business before the rain comes. The MCG ground staff are now hovering by the edge of the boundary with their covers and Starc actually picks them out with a huge six over cow from the bowling of Yasir. Do they get overtime for fielding as well? It was a fair old way to get off the mark by Starc.

Steve Smith is closing in on a century.
Steve Smith is closing in on a century. Photograph: Michael Dodge/Getty Images

112th over: Australia 454-6 (Smith 96, Starc 0)

Sohail continues to the new man Starc and perhaps casting his mind back to his own innings, he sends down a bouncer first up and then almost takes an outside edge. He’s a man transformed with that Wade wicket.

Meanwhile, this is kind of asking for trouble, and the word “stellar” has apparently taken on a new meaning I’m unaware of.

WICKET! Wade c Shafiq b Sohail 9 (Australia 454-6)

Wade slashes at a loose one and departs! Eek, that was pretty ugly cricket. It’s a ‘hit me’ ball from Sohail outside off stump but Wade’s ungainly slash takes a thick edge through to Asad Shafiq at second slip, and he’s on his way for another low score. Australia again seem to be squandering their late innings.

111th over: Australia 454-5 (Smith 96, Wade 9)

There’s a single for each batsman in this Yasir over and as it progresses, the Melbourne sky darkens more than a little. Hmm, this could be the thunderstorm forecast earlier.

Younus Khan has maintained his sense of humour.
Younus Khan has maintained his sense of humour. Photograph: Michael Dodge/Getty Images

110th over: Australia 451-5 (Smith 95, Wade 8)

A lot of bowlers have an unfortunate weakness for bowling ‘boundary balls’ with the final delivery of the over. Sohail, on the other hand, continues to bowl them first up and this over is no different. Smith is the beneficiary here, and he’s in to the nervous 90s now and cuts a single to finish the over and maintain the strike.

Reader Tilo Forbes arrives now. “I’m wondering why this game is strongly marching to an obvious draw, despite the hopes of Channel Nine. It wasn’t really the weather or the over rate, even though they clearly didn’t help. On your excellent match report, the majority lamented the age old “it’s the drop-in wickets”, which is as helpful as “bigger bats” or “T20 destroying Test cricket”.”

“The MCG drop-in has created a result in all three shield games this year (all Vic Victories, so Vics do it better yada yada). So the curator certainly can make wickets that help bring balance between bat and ball. Is there a clear direction by cricket Australia (and channel 9??) to get the full 5 days? The shorter pink ball tests show that people don’t mind less days (ratings and spectators in ground), while I would say this is doing a but of damage to the game? Or will I look like a complete and utter fool once Pakistan collapse to a defeat in two sessions tonight and tomorrow chasing 150?”

“Also, who gets in for Maddinson? Lynn due to his amazing T20 skills? Maxi to stop the stars from winning the big bash? So many questions.”

I’d love to see Maxwell come in but let’s just say that ain’t happening for now. Lynn? Love him. He’s a cleaner ball-striker than nearly anyone in Australia right now, Warner included. Flat sixes. Scary stuff. Umpires must be bricking it standing down the other end when he’s in full flow.

109th over: Australia 447-5 (Smith 90, Wade 8)

And we’re back at it, with Azhar off the ground being treated and Yasir sending down the final delivery of the over to Wade. He sees it off and we’re now 45 minutes from tea on day four. Needlessly, Australia have lost wickets today and face the prospect of a long day in the field tomorrow unless Wade and the underperforming tail can come good.

A horrible injury to Azhar Ali

109th overs Australia 447-5 (Smith 90, Wade 8)

This is terrible. Matthew Wade has played a full-blooded pull shot off Yasir and it’s cannoned into the helmet of a ducking Azhar at short leg. Let’s hope he’s OK. He’s standing up now and conscious but it’s a frightening moment. He’s being treated by medical staff from both sides, Dr Peter Brukner included, and walks off the ground unaided, which is a good sign.

Updated

108th overs Australia 445-5 (Smith 89, Wade 7)

Sohail Khan appears for a new spell and as ever, gets flogged for a boundary off his first delivery when Smith deposits a half-tracker between fine leg and deep square leg. I wish I had a dollar for every time that has happened with Sohail. I’d have about five dollars. He has a wicket form earlier in the form of Peter Handscomb, but he’s bowled right-arm runs most of the time.

106th and 107th overs: Australia 439-5 (Smith 84, Wade 6)

Apologies for the delays in this update folks but I’m having more technical difficulties than Wahab Riaz, who is driven for three by Wade before Yasir concedes two in his over. Apparently there are 6,600 in the MCG at present. I’d like perform an audit on that figure, though I guess there are a few out the back of the member’s sinking beers.

105th over: Australia 434-5 (Smith 84, Wade 1)

Yasir will bowl far better spells than this one in his career but the Maddinson wicket was reward for perseverance in the face of some very unhelpful conditions. He’s bowling now to Wade, who sweeps around the corner to get off the mark.

WICKET! Maddinson b Yasir 22 (Australia 433-5)

Maddinson goes! Hmm, that wasn’t great. The No6 dances down the pitch to a full one from Yasir and has a fresh air shot with his drive, so gets bowled. If it’d missed he would have been stumped regardless. That’s that then. He’s gone for 22 from 55 deliveries. Will they stick with him for Sydney? I’m not entirely sure they should.

104th over: Australia 433-4 (Smith 84, Maddinson 22)

The crowd finally comes alive as Smith scythes a square drive through point and hits the rope off Wahab. Bang! That one flew of the middle. Not for the first time the batsmen received unscheduled drinks and new gloves at the end of the over but you can’t exactly blame them. Even the press box is swelteringly hot today. We have Cornetto’s, Steve Smith has batting gloves.

103rd over: Australia 425-4 (Smith 78, Maddinson 21)

A single for each batsman off Yasir, whos enthusiasm is not exactly rubbing off on the rest of us. He should be sponsored Energiser.

Yasir Shah whirls away.
Yasir Shah whirls away. Photograph: Ratnayake/REX/Shutterstock

102nd over: Australia 424-4 (Smith 77, Maddinson 20)

As Wahab continues an announcement arrives via the MCC, which will be of interest to those planning to attend the New Year’s Day Big Bash match.

“Cricket fans attending the New Year’s Day Big Bash League Melbourne derby between the Stars and Renegades at the MCG on Sunday are strongly advised to pre-purchase tickets and arrive early, with a crowd of more than 80,000 expected,” it says.

“The action will commence with a Women’s BBL match at 1.45pm, ahead of the men’s game at 6.10pm. All gates will open at 12.45pm, and one ticket gains entry to both matches. Be prepared and arrive early. The corresponding match at the MCG last summer (January 2 this year) attracted 80,883 fans - a record for Australian domestic cricket - and with similar numbers predicted on Sunday, fans are urged to plan ahead to ensure they don’t miss a minute of the action.”

“The bag checks and wanding processes which have occurred throughout 2016 will again take place at the stadium gates, and patrons should allow plenty of time to get into the stadium. In addition, attendees are advised to pre-purchase their tickets online to avoid delays at ticket windows on Sunday.”

You have been warned.

101st over: Australia 422-4 (Smith 76, Maddinson 19)

Maddinson gets after Yasir now, cutting him hard through gully to pick up three. Two to Smith is the only other damage, though I did just destroy a Cornetto.

100th over: Australia 417-4 (Smith 74, Maddinson 16)

He’s bowled 100 no balls in his last 16 Tests and now Wahab returns for the 100th over of this Australian innings, switching to the member’s end and replacing Amir. Maddinson drops one to leg and scampers through for a single, and is beginning to look like he’s set for some consolation runs here. How much do we read into a 70-odd here, if he gets it? Probably not much.

Updated

99th over: Australia 415-4 (Smith 73, Maddinson 15)

This is basically centre wicket practice for the Australian pair now, and the only man on the ground showing any great enthusiasm for the game is Yasir, who continues to bound in like Abdul Qadir’s hyperactive nephew. His over costs only a single to Smith, who is sleep walking his way towards three figures.

Australian skipper Steve Smith is having an easy time of it at the MCG.
Australian skipper Steve Smith is having an easy time of it at the MCG. Photograph: Michael Dodge/Getty Images

98th over: Australia 414-4 (Smith 72, Maddinson 15)

Steve Smith picks up a couple of twos and the second of them results in a blow to the shin for Azhar as he takes the stumps. Not Sure how because under his whites he’s wearing shin guards the size of Syed Kirmani’s keeping pads.

Updated

97th over: Australia 409-4 (Smith 67, Maddinson 15)

A maiden for Yasir as Maddinson plays the role of deferential rookie against the left-hander. And on that note, here’s to wicketkeepers who wore batting pads.

96th over: Australia 409-4 (Smith 67, Maddinson 15)

Maddinson’s had a decent period of time out in the middle now and looks increasingly comfortable, waiting until the penultimate delivery of this Amir over to swivel onto his back foot and caress a single around the corner to fine leg. That’s the only damage for the over.

Steve Smith ponders the overhead conditions.
Steve Smith ponders the overhead conditions. Photograph: Michael Dodge/Getty Images

95th over: Australia 408-4 (Smith 67, Maddinson 14)

Yasir has bowled from both ends today, though sadly not at the same time. There are singles galore in this over; four of ‘em but nothing too loose. In other news, Jason Gillespie has been named assistant coach of Australia’s T20I side. I trust you’ll all ‘ride the pony’ around the room to celebrate.

Updated

94th over: Australia 404-4 (Smith 65, Maddinson 12)

Amir glides in for his 25th over of the innings and Maddinson is both lucky and unlucky, having a crisp on-drive cut off ad mid-on but reaping four from a streaky slash through gully and thus he reaches double figures for the first time in Tests. The final ball of the over beats him all ends up and he’s left groping at thin air as Amir snakes one past his outside edge.

Pakistan’s paceman Mohammad Amir lhas been throwing himself into his work today.
Pakistan’s paceman Mohammad Amir lhas been throwing himself into his work today. Photograph: William West/AFP/Getty Images

93rd over: Australia 399-4 (Smith 64, Maddinson 8)

Yasir gets us under way after lunch and after a single to Maddinson he’s cut hard between gully and point by Smith to concede a further three runs. Mohammad Amir will pair with the spinner from the member’s end.

Updated

A reader suggestion

...from Rowan Sweeney: “To reward the patience of the paying customer (if nothing else), how about settling the match with a winner-takes-all 50 over match tomorrow?” Or...draft Wasim and Waqar in to have a bowl?

Lunch on day four - Australia 395-4

92nd over: Australia 395-4 (Smith 61, Maddinson 7)

Wahab has the last roll of the dice for Pakistan before lunch and it’s far from inspired stuff. Maddinson moves to his highest Test score but that’s about it. Australia have had the upper hand again but lost Khawaja for 97 and Handscomb for 54. We’re heading for a draw at the MCG, but at least it’s not raining.

91st over: Australia 391-4 (Smith 59, Maddinson 5)

Yasir comes on at the southern end now and Smith tucks him to square leg for one, leaving Maddinson with three deliveries to have a good look. He’s respectful in his defence, getting a decent stride in to a trio of leg breaks and smothering them.

If you venture down to the MCG today you will get a seat.
If you venture down to the MCG today you will get a seat. Photograph: Ratnayake/REX/Shutterstock

90th over: Australia 390-4 (Smith 58, Maddinson 5)

We’re into the last ten minutes of play before lunch and the only remaining item of interest is whether Nic Maddinson can establish a new highest Test score against Sohail, but he’s happy to see off the rest of the over after a two and a single to his skipper. Looks like we’re going to finish off with some Yasir. Fun.

89th over: Australia 387-4 (Smith 55, Maddinson 5)

That’s a nice moment for Nic Maddinson. He leans onto his front foot and neatly glances around the corner off Amir to pick up four and equal his best Test score so far. Misbah maintains three slips and a gully but the young New South Welshman is looking comfortable.

A half-century for Steve Smith

88th over: Australia 383-4 (Smith 55, Maddinson 1)

Maddinson gets off the mark with a single, allowing Smith to take centre stage. He works two to bring up yet another half-century, then crunches Sohail through mid-wicket to gather four. Not a great game for the bowlers.

Steve Smith has posted a half-century before lunch on day four at the MCG.
Steve Smith has posted a half-century before lunch on day four at the MCG. Photograph: Julian Smith/AAP

87th over: Australia 376-4 (Smith 49, Maddinson 0)

Amir draws an edge from Smith in this over but it falls short of Misbah at third slip, and Smith re-establishes himself by cracking a pull shot down to fine leg. It’s two after an athletic dive from Sohail, who looks like he’d prefer to be resting in the shade and sipping on some iced tea. Smith has a huge swish at the final ball but it passes the outside edge.

86th over: Australia 374-4 (Smith 47, Maddinson 0)

If ever Nic Maddinson is going to make Test runs, surely it’s on this road, against a tiring attack. He’s got two balls to face from Sohail and watches both of them pass outside off stump.

WICKET! Handscomb c Sami b Sohail 54 (Australia 374-4)

Handscomb holes out! Well that was a truly odd dismissal. It’s a slot ball outside off stump by Sohail and the Victorian thumps a square drive straight into the hands of Sami Aslam at point. He’ll be livid with himself for that. There are runs everywhere out there and a rash shot has ended Handscomb’s promising knock at 54.

85th over: Australia 374-3 (Smith 47, Handscomb 54)

We’re 30 minutes from lunch now on day four and there’s no evidence that the Australians are planning on doing anything in what remains of this Test other than keeping Pakistan in the field.

Australian skipper Steve Smith unleashes a pull shot early on day four at the MCG.
Australian skipper Steve Smith unleashes a pull shot early on day four at the MCG. Photograph: Julian Smith/AAP

84th over: Australia 371-3 (Smith 46, Handscomb 52)

I was being panned for my crowd estimates before but how bad was my weather prediction? The sun is beating down on the MCG now and the clouds are white and fluffy, rather than dark and ominous. Sohail Khan might be wishing it was pelting down but delivers a far better over here and it’s a maiden.

83rd over: Australia 371-3 (Smith 46, Handscomb 52)

Amir hasn’t been too far off the mark so far but with little help from the pitch it’s hard yakka making anything happen at the MCG. There are singles from each batsman to start the over, Smith’s from a low edge towards second slip.

Peter Handscomb is making hay while the sun shines at the MCG.
Peter Handscomb is making hay while the sun shines at the MCG. Photograph: Michael Dodge/Getty Images

82nd over: Australia 369-3 (Smith 45, Handscomb 51)

By virtue of a lack of other options, Misbah brings Sohail back from the member’s end and in typical style his first ball is right in the slot, so Smith clatters him wide of mid-off for a boundary. It’s actually the only damage in the over but still unfortunately symptomatic of his bowling in the last 24 hours. It all seemed so easy when he had a bat in his hands...

Pakistan take the second new ball - and Amir drops Handscomb!

81st over: Australia 365-3 (Smith 41, Handscomb 51)

Mohammad Amir comes back from the southern stand end of the ground, grabbing the shiny new Kookaburra and setting off towards Handscomb. The batsman is watchful until he unloads a straight drive but Amir can’t hold the return chance! Oh dear. They’re never easy, per se, but that one wasn’t the most difficult.

80th over: Australia 365-3 (Smith 41, Handscomb 51)

The second new ball is due in an over and the way things have slipped away from the Pakistanis since the departure of Usman Khawaja, you can bet they’ll be taking it, so this is a last hurrah for Yasir. Smith knocks him for a single and Handscomb too, but that’s all she wrote.

79th over: Australia 363-3 (Smith 40, Handscomb 50)

The Wahab over starts with a single apiece to the Australian pair but it’s unnervingly free of transgressions on the no ball front. Fear not, the last ball is speared down leg in traditional style and Handscomb glances it to the fence to reach a half-century from 69 deliveries. Nice. That took only 76 minutes and has delighted the couple of thousand of his nearest and dearest who’ve filed in today. The Victorian isn’t too bad at this Test cricket stuff.

Local lad Peter Handscomb has reached fifty at the MCG.
Local lad Peter Handscomb has reached fifty at the MCG. Photograph: Michael Dodge/Getty Images

78th over: Australia 357-3 (Smith 39, Handscomb 45)

Yasir produces a far better over this time and it’s a maiden. “It’s a maiden!” exclaims Micchael Slater, as surprised as the rest of us. One thing we can guarantee is that if Wahab bowls the next over it probably won’t be the second maiden in a row.

Yasir Shah is having a ball at the MCG.
Yasir Shah is having a ball at the MCG. Photograph: Michael Dodge/Getty Images

77th over: Australia 357-3 (Smith 39, Handscomb 45)

More Wahab news via Pakistan cricket writing oracle Osman Samiuddin, who tells me that yes indeed, he does massively overstep at training as well. But...he doesn’t tend to bowl no balls in limited overs games. Go figure. Then there’s this:

76th over: Australia 350-3 (Smith 33, Handscomb 44)

Normal service resumes, which is to say Yasir offering up buffet balls to Handscomb, who pastes a half-volley through mid-wicket with an athletic sweep whose follow-through winds around the corner like the exaggerated movements of silent film. The over finishes with a lofted drive over cow corner, which is also four. That’s drinks. Yasir will want something strong.

Updated

75th over: Australia 342-3 (Smith 33, Handscomb 36)

This is good stuff from Wahab in a much tighter over, well at least until the final delivery, which is another no ball from which Handscomb works a single, cueing a Steve Smith boundary to fine leg off the bonus delivery. How is a 31-year-old with almost 400 games of professional cricket behind him still bowling no balls like this? I personally love his work otherwise, but sheesh it’s baffling.

Wahab Riaz earlier.
Wahab Riaz earlier. Photograph: Julian Smith/AAP

Updated

74th over: Australia 336-3 (Smith 29, Handscomb 35)

Now that we’ve been robbed of the chance to watch Usman Khawaja, I’m glad that we can at least settle in for plenty of Yasir, who is just joy from head to toe and bowls now with both a short and conventional cover to Handscomb. That’s more like it from Misbah. There’s only one from the over. I can’t hear the commentary but Pup must be in seventh heaven.

73rd over: Australia 335-3 (Smith 29, Handscomb 34)

Misbah has seen enough of Sohail for the time being and so had the rest of us if I’m honest. That means a return for Wahab, who’ll probably bowl short, sharp spells all day. He whangs down a very good bouncer to Handscomb, who swivels and then sort of falls towards point to avoid it well, then does the limbo/Matrix move to sway the other direction to the next one. Wahab being Wahab, there’s a front foot no ball in the over as well but only a few singles aside. It’s a good thing Wahab never took up javelin.

More crowd watch:

Updated

72nd over: Australia 332-3 (Smith 28, Handscomb 33)

I just heard a brief grab of Channel Nine commentary and literally the only words I caught were Michael Clarke saying “minimise the runs”, so I guess it’s Thursday. Yasir has a decent old task ahead of him if he’s going to please the former Aussie skipper on that front. Handscomb dances at him and drives to pick up two, then clips a single. At least the spinner has a 6-3 field now and not a 3-6 one, as per yesterday. Only four from the over. Michael Clarke is a strategic genius.

71st over: Australia 328-3 (Smith 27, Handscomb 30)

Sohail battles on from the southern stand end, but there’s already something beleagured about his efforts and Smith is practically walking between the wickets when he deflects a single to third man, making me think for the first time in a long time of Arjuna Ranatunga. Doesn’t 20 years go quickly?

70th over: Australia 325-3 (Smith 26, Handscomb 28)

Yasir appears now with some spin and starts pretty much how he left off yesterday, the poor bloke. Handscomb seizes upon some width and hammers him through point for four, then glances two, then works a single towards deep cover, overhauling his skipper’s score in the process. What a time and what a pitch on which to cement your Test spot. Yasir has 1-104 from 18, perhaps in obscure tribute to a local Melbourne leg-spin hero, Bryce McGain.

69th over: Australia 318-3 (Smith 26, Handscomb 21)

As Sohail works his way in, OBO regular Robert McLiam Wilson arrives with a sledge of his own. “You know your cricket and you’ve got some comedy chops, in fairness, but you must be the worst estimator of crowd size in the history of crowd-size estimators,” he starts.

“Every day, you start off by lamenting the twelve blokes and a dog watching proceedings and each day’s play ends with five figure attendance announcements. Is this because the MCG is so grotesquely yuge that it’s hard to gauge a smaller crowd or are you just still a bit hot and giddy from having sat beside Wasim Akram?”

Nah, this one genuinely is a small crowd. Apparently the total reached 25,000 yesterday. If that was really so, at least 15,000 of them were out the back in the bars. Anyway, Sohail is certainly no Wasim Akram, nor Waqar Younis, and Handscomb cuts him late for another boundary and biffs three more through mid-wicket. Speaking of Wasim, did everyone see his glorious electric blue sports jacket yesterday? He looked like a cricket commentating Bryan Ferry. If he released an album I would buy copies in every format.

Updated

68th over: Australia 311-3 (Smith 26, Handscomb 14)

Mohammad Amir has produced a gem of an over here, drawing a number of false strokes from Peter Handscomb and doing nearly everything bar remove the local hero, who finally gets a single from the last delivery. The NYT, meanwhile, have published an article on the supposed sledging epidemic in Australian sport, and the two books on the topic used as evidence were published in other countries. Good stuff.

67th over: Australia 308-3 (Smith 25, Handscomb 13)

Following his expensive previous over, Wahab is given a rest and Sohail Khan brought into the attack, though the immediate results are no better; Smith gets a straight one and pullable length and belts it for three, then Handscomb seizes upon a loose one next up and cracks a wonderful late cut to the rope.

66th over: Australia 301-3 (Smith 22, Handscomb 9)

Amir’s still only got two slips in place for Smith, and the only other item of interest in his field settings is a man three-quarters of the way towards the fence at deep square leg. He’s unlikely to come into play while the Pakistani bowls it two feet outside off stump, and Smith duly lathers a cover drive for three.

65th over: Australia 298-3 (Smith 19, Handscomb 9)

Now Steve Smith gets going, leaning to his right but barely shifting his back foot to plunder four runs with a square drive. There are three more through cover a ball later when Wahab again sticks it in the slot. Handscomb gets in on the act too, angling four into the vacant fourth slip region and then tucking another one around the corner to fine leg.

The new Slats?

64th over: Australia 283-3 (Smith 12, Handscomb 1)

I mentioned the Sheffield Shield atmosphere here today, with only a scattering of fans, and if that favours anyone it’s actually Handscomb. He’s used to this sort of vibe, though Pakistan appear confident of getting him early and there’s a full slip cordon now as Amir works his way through a maiden.

63rd over: Australia 283-3 (Smith 12, Handscomb 1)

Peter Handscomb appears now and has a very nervy moment first up against Wahab, who zeroes in on the off stump and almost strikes the local boy on the back pad when he’s shuffling unconvincingly across his stumps to defend. Luckily the bat comes down right in the nick of time but Wahab is suddenly strutting around like a rooster, and that is one of the great sights in cricket right now. There are a few more nervous moments for Handscomb but from the final delivery of the over he gets his first Test run on his home ground, dropping one near point to get off the mark.

WICKET! Khawaja c Sarfraz b Wahab 97 (Australia 282-3)

Khawaja departs! Oh dear. I feel like I was tempting fate there. The first ball of the Wahab over is well wide of off stump and the Australian throws everything at a drive, but only feathers an edge through to the keeper, immediately bowing his head in disappointment. How shattering for him that, having done all the hard work yesterday, he’s fallen three short of a century and passed up the opportunity to fill his boots.

62nd over: Australia 282-2 (Khawaja 97, Smith 12)

Amir continues with an impeccable line and length to Smith until he’s able to work off his hip the penultimate delivery of the over and gathers two runs. You sense this will be day for stat-padding and little else.

61st over: Australia 280-2 (Khawaja 97, Smith 10)

Khawaja isn’t taking an undue risks so far against Wahab. He cracks a nice cut shot when offered some width first up but it’s cut off by Yasir at point, and the rest of the over is neat and tidy until the left-hander glances the first runs of the day – two down to fine leg. He’s three from his century now, touch wood. What a pity it will receive only a polite golf clap.

60th over: Australia 278-2 (Khawaja 95, Smith 10)

He was operating from the southern side yesterday but Mohammad Amir switches to the member’s stand end to start day four, and he’s coming over the wicket to Smith with two slips, a gully, and a fairly conventional ring field otherwise. For the first time in the game he’s bowling in a Sheffield Shield atmosphere. There wouldn’t even be 1,000 Melburnians in attendance as the left-armer starts with a maiden.

59th over: Australia 278-2 (Khawaja 95, Smith 10)

We’re off and away on day four and it’s Wahab steam in from the southern stand end of the ground. His first ball is knocked gently towards cover by Khawaja and he aborts his second, perhaps sensing he’s about to unleash one of his patented front foot no balls. It’s a maiden over from Wahab and here’s another great stat for you: there are currently 15 people sitting in the top tier of the southern stand behind him. Not a big turnout so far.

Also...this is fun:

We’re five minutes from play now

And the sun isn’t shining quite as brightly, but we’ll start on time. If you were wondering about the health of Mark Nicholas. He is now taking leave from Channel Nine duties to “resolve his health issues”, according to a Channel Nine statement. Let’s hope it’s a speedy recovery for him.

The MoU negotiations continue to go from strength to strength...

Aaaaand again.

Updated

Preamble

Good morning all and welcome to day four at the MCG, where a couple of possibilities lie ahead of us in this Boxing Day Test. The main one, I fear, is rain. The Bureau of Meteorology are saying there’s a 90% chance of it today, and thunderstorms at that. As I type the skies are relatively clear and Melbourne’s muggy, sticky week continues. The other overriding possibility here is that we’ll get a draw, though Australia have rattled along at a decent rate so far and could declare after tea tonight and hope for a collapse.

Unlikely though. Their bowlers are spent from an energy-sapping first three days. Yesterday was oppressively hot and humid, so I won’t be surprised if Steve Smith takes up the option of similarly punishing the Pakistan attack and wearing them out for Sydney. Tactically, it would be the smart move. Again play will start half an hour early, which is in about 25 minutes from now. Personally, I’m most looking forward to watching Usman Khawaja bat. I won’t lie, it’s pretty brilliant being paid to do that. He’ll resume on 95 and his skipper Steve Smith on 10.

Wahab Riaz sends one down late on day three.
Wahab Riaz sends one down late on day three. Photograph: Ratnayake/REX/Shutterstock

Russell will be here shortly. In the meantime, check out his match report from day three, which was dominated by Azhar Ali and David Warner.

Updated

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
In My Tiny Kitchen, Every Inch Counts – Yet Drew Barrymore’s Ingenious Blender Earned a Spot on My Counter (And Replaced 3 Bulky Appliances)
The new 'Kitchen System' is a personal blender and food processor all in one, making it a must-have for small spaces (starting with mine)
Homes & Gardens
Homes & Gardens
Former Texas Roadhouse worker calls out the outlet for ‘scooping out’ a bug from their cinnamon butter, but people noticed something even worse
Everyone has seen the viral videos of secret menu hacks or behind-the-scenes kitchen tours. But one former Texas Roadhouse server’s “throwback” TikTok of a bug in cinnamon butter is a literal nightmare. People with a fear of bugs, you might want to sit this one out.
The Mary Sue
The Mary Sue
From YouTuber to NASCAR driver: Cleetus McFarland expands his racing resume at Daytona
Garrett Mitchell is better known as “Cleetus McFarland” to his millions of followers gained over the years as a racing influencer
The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Woman orders wedding dress from Dior. Then she sees the box it came in. People are alarmed at the reveal: ‘I thought that was a fridge’
Forget butterflies and happy tears. This Dior bride’s big moment arrived looking less like couture and more like a Home Depot delivery. In a now-viral TikTok, handymen lug a massive wooden crate into her house–except it’s the kind you’d expect to hold a fridge, not a frock.
The Mary Sue
The Mary Sue
8 Signs Your Healthy Southern Diet is Actually Causing Inflammation
Traditional Southern flavors often rely on fresh produce and lean proteins, but common preparation methods can unintentionally trigger inflammation. While many believe they are following a wholesome regional diet, specific dietary habits might be working against health goals. Identifying these subtle shifts in nutrition can help restore balance and improve…
Budget and the Bees
Budget and the Bees
The science behind the trend for showering in the dark before bed
The latest wellness trend and “sleep hack” involves switching off the bathroom light before stepping into the shower. In the dimness, the water feels louder, the day’s visual clutter fades and the hope is that sleep will come more easily. This practice, often called “dark showering”, has spread on social…
The Conversation
The Conversation
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.
Download on the AppStore Get it on Google Play