The pitches in use have been mostly lifeless, but Australia decided to breathe some life into their series against Pakistan by coming up with a bold declaration on the fourth day of the third and final Test.

After the first two games were drawn, Pat Cummins’ Australia have ensured that the third one sees a thrilling finish by declaring their second innings at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on 227/3, thereby setting the hosts a target of 351.

Pakistan replied gallantly to the challenge as they reached 73 without loss at the close of play on Thursday. They need 278 more on the final day for a series-clinching victory, while if Australia manage to topple 10 wickets before that target is reached, Cummins’ declaration will be talked about as a benchmark for captains and teams as Test cricket continues to strive for significance in this age of T20 onslaught.

Pakistan openers Imam-ul-Haq and Abdullah Shafique, batting on 42 and 27 respectively, negated the turn and low bounce that the wicket offered the bowlers.

Earlier, Australia opener Usman Khawaja continued his run-scoring spree against Pakistan, remaining unbeaten on 104. It was his second hundred of the series and 12th overall.

Pakistan-born Khawaja’s sequence of scores in this series reads — 97, 160, 44 not out, 91 and 104 not out. His series average? 165. 33.

The 35-year-old left-handed batsman, in fact, has had a tremendous year so far. In his last five Tests, including the ongoing one, he has hit four hundreds and two nineties. All that in a span of a little less than three months.

Khawaja believes that Cummins’ declaration came at the right time. “Personally, I think we declared at the right time. It’s going to be very hard to bat on the last day.

“If we can get (the ball) reversing like we did in the first-innings, then we’re right in this contest. I’m not really too worried about Pakistan sort of chasing the total,” he said.

Pakistan too lauded Australia’s bold call while hoping to chase down the runs on the final day. “I agree Australia’s declaration was a bold and brave decision and it is good for Test cricket,” Pakistan batting coach Mohammad Yousuf said.

Written with agency inputs