No Aust breakthrough on day 3 v Pakistan A

Australia failed to make a breakthrough in the morning session on day three of the tour game against Pakistan A, but the return of allrounder Mitchell Marsh to the bowling crease was a positive sign ahead of Wednesday’s first Test.

Marsh, who injured a hamstring on September 30, didn’t bowl in Pakistan A’s first innings of the four-day game in Sharjah.

But the 22-year-old pace bowler was off the long run on Friday morning in the home side’s second dig.

Pakistan A reached 0-56 at lunch, an overall lead of 88, with Ahmed Shehzad 36 not out and Shan Masood on 19.

Marsh had figures of 0-13 off five overs at lunch. The West Australian bowled two full tosses in his opening over but found some rhythm and completed two maidens.

Mitchell Johnson opened the bowling with his trademark aggression and struck Masood with a short ball to the ribs in the first over.

Peter Siddle at the other end was also looking sharp early, having been dropped from the Test side in South Africa in February for falling too far below the 140km/h mark.

Siddle’s seven overs have cost four runs.

Michael Clarke at second slip missed a difficult chance above head height off Johnson’s bowling when right-hander Shehzad was yet to score, as the ball sped to the boundary.

Left-arm quick Mitchell Starc, who didn’t bowl in Pakistan A’s first innings in a game that is not a first-class match, has 0-15 off his seven overs.

Australia have named a 15-man squad for the four-day game.

Wicketkeeper Brad Haddin took the day off on Friday and Pakistan-born UAE player Saqlain Haider has taken over the gloves for Australia.

Alex Doolan top-scored with 104 in Australia’s 8-273 on Thursday in reply to Pakistan A’s first innings of 8-305 from their allotted 90 overs.

Australia’s two-Test series against Pakistan starts in Dubai on Wednesday.

Stay up to date with the latest sports news
Follow our social accounts to get exclusive content and all the latest sporting news!