Hazlewood’s triple-strike puts Australia in control against Pakistan

Australia bowler Josh Hazlewood took three wickets in an over as Pakistan suffered a batting collapse on day three of the third Test in Sydney.

Pakistan, who scored 313 in their first innings, had bowled their hosts out for 299, with Aamer Jamal taking 6-69.

The tourists then lost two wickets for one run at the start of their second innings, but recovered to reach 58-2.

They were 67-4 when Hazlewood took his trio of wickets as Pakistan tallied 68-7 for a lead of 82 runs at the close.

Hazlewood dismissed Saud Shakeel, Sajid Khan and Salman Agha in the penultimate over of the day as he took 4-9 from five overs.

Australia will look to give themselves a small victory target, with Hazlewood knowing the bowlers can take pressure off the batters.

“It’s quite tough, [a chase of] under 100 would be outstanding but anything under 130 would be ideal,” said Hazlewood.

“There’s a lot of rough there, [Muhammad] Rizwan’s obviously the key so hopefully we see the back of him nice and early on Saturday.”

Rizwan and Jamal ended the day unbeaten on six and nought respectively, and Pakistan will hope they have more heroics left in them, having scored 88 and 82 respectively in a first-innings rearguard effort.

Australia have already won the three-match series after winning the first two Tests. (BBC Sport)