Australia smell victory

Australia look certain to take a 1-0 lead in their series against Pakistan after dominating with both bat and ball on day three of the first Test in Brisbane on Saturday.

Big centuries to Marnus Labuschagne (185) and David Warner (154) helped Australia to a first innings total of 580 in reply to Pakistan’s 240.

At stumps Pakistan were in big trouble on 64 for three, still needing 276 runs to make Australia bat again.

Shan Masood was not out 27 and Babar Azam was 20 at the close.

Pakistan bowling coach Waqar Younis said later that with such an inexperienced attack at their disposal, it was only natural that there would be tough times.

“Naseem (Shah) is only 16 remember and even Shaheen (Afridi) is only 19, so of course they are going to learn a lot from this tour,” he said.

“We’ve got to give them time and hope they learn, and in a year or so they’ll be a force.”

SCORES IN BRIEF

Pakistan: First innings 240

Australia: First innings 580 (Warner 154, Burns 97, Labuschagne 185, Wade 60; Shah 4-205, Sohail 2-75)

Pakistan: Second innings 64 for 3 (Masood 27 not out, Azam 20 not out; Starc 2-25)