Australia vs Pakistan second Test day three: Tips and suggested bets

James Richardson
27 December 2023

Planet Sport offers tips and suggested bets for day three of the second Test between Australia and Pakistan.

Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon put Australia in control of the second Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Wednesday, leaving Pakistan trailing by 124 runs at the end of day two with just four wickets in hand.

After taking the crucial wickets of Abdullah Shafique and Babar Azam, then Agha Salman, Cummins had Pakistan chasing the game, meanwhile Mohammad Rizwan and Aamer Jamal will resume in the morning unbeaten on 29 and two respectively..

Lyon contributed by dismissing Imam-ul-Haq early and getting the well-set Shan Masood. Soon after, Josh Hazlewood sent Saud Shakeel packing for nine runs as Pakistan's target of a first Test victory in Australia since 1995 moved further out of reach.

Australia vs Pakistan second Test day three: Tips and suggested bets

Pakistan aren't in a very strong position and have often crumbled from similar spots in Australia. With the tail just about exposed and Australia bowling well, the market on the seventh wicket falling before Pakistan manage to get past 200 is worth a look.

This kind of match situation is tailor-made for a bowler like Australia's Lyon who thrives on opponent's being under pressure. Lyon is quite well placed to end up as the top wicket-taker for his team in this innings.

Rizwan looks in good touch and is likely to get a 50 but there is little value in either backing him to reach the milestone or to fail to get there. However, if Jamal can get beyond 25, he could present tidy winnings to the bold punter. A score of 25 or more would be his highest score in Test cricket.

As for Pakistan's first innings total, the under options look to be the most inviting with under 224.5 the choice in the event that Australia are really fired up on the third morning.