Australia has taken a 1-0 lead in its three-match series against Pakistan after thumping the tourists by 360 runs at Perth Stadium.
The Pakistanis were rolled for 89 in 30.2 overs following a pitiful batting performance on day four as Australia’s world-class bowling attack wreaked havoc on a volatile deck.
Sunday’s action was headlined by Nathan Lyon’s 500th Test wicket, with the veteran off-spinner becoming the third Australian to reach the career milestone.
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Australia v Pakistan – Day 4 Highlights | 08:31
DAVID WARNER – 9
164 and 0
It seemed inevitable.
Warner has developed a reputation for performing at his best when his back’s against the wall, and he once again defied his critics with a 26th Test century on day one of the series opener.
The veteran opener couldn’t convert that form into the second innings, falling victim to debutant Khurram Shahzad for a duck after top-edging a pull shot.
“You knock him, He’ll punch!” Warner ton | 02:20
USMAN KHAWAJA – 8
41 and 90
Khawaja was bitterly unlucky not to reach triple figures in the second innings, caught at deep third-man for 90 while Australia chased a declaration.
The Queenslander’s patience was evident throughout the match, rarely making an error against the swinging Kookaburra.
He also claimed a classy low catch to remove Faheem Ashraf on day three.
Diving Khawaja takes clean grab | 00:49
MARNUS LABUSCHAGNE – 3
16 and 2
The Queenslander’s love affair with Perth Stadium is seemingly over, failing to contribute in either innings of this week’s season opener against Pakistan.
He fell to a superb delivery from seamer Faheem Ashraf in the first innings before top-edging a pull shot late on day three.
However, Labuschagne was Australia’s best fielder in Perth, potentially saving ten runs in the first innings.
Death, taxes & Marnus burning reviews | 01:34
STEVE SMITH – 6
31 and 45
As has often been the case for Smith this year, he made a start in both innings without converting either into substantial scores.
The Australian vice-captain looked in vintage touch during the second innings in Perth before a marginal LBW decision ended his knock early on day four.
Earlier in the match, the right-hander fished at a length delivery outside off stump while facing debutant Khurram Shahzad, edging through to the wicketkeeper.
Smith left fuming after review decision | 01:24
TRAVIS HEAD – 5
40 and 14
In both innings of the Perth Test, Head departed after slashing away from his body while trying to pick up the tempo.
The South Australian fell into a preconceived third-man trap on day one before chipping a regulation match towards cover on Sunday.
Head also claimed a wicket in the first innings, but his breakthrough received a mixed reception after it robbed Nathan Lyon of a chance to take his 500th Test wicket on day three.
MITCHELL MARSH – 9
90 and 63*, 1-34
It was a wonderful homecoming for the West Australian fan favourite.
Marsh, playing his first Test match in Perth since 2017, fell agonisingly short of triple figures in the first innings before clobbering a quick half-century on day four. It was the first time he had passed fifty in both innings of a Test match.
The 32-year-old, later named player of the match, also snared the crucial wicket off Pakistan superstar Babar Azam on Saturday.
The Bison proves too good for Babar! | 01:13
ALEX CAREY – 7
34, five catches and two stumpings
Carey only got one chance to bat in Perth this week, dismissed by an unplayable jaffa from Pakistan debutant Aamir Jamal early on day two.
The South Australian completed two stumpings in the first innings, one of which he created out of thin air, while mistakes with the gloves were few and far between.
He also claimed his 100th Test dismissal on Sunday, becoming the eighth Australian wicketkeeper to pass the milestone.
Bails don’t move in WEIRD run-out chance | 00:54
MITCHELL STARC – 7
2-68 and 3-31
Starc was all over the place in the first innings, but the left-armer was back at his absolute best on day four of the Perth Test.
The New South Welshman tore the heart out of Pakistan’s top order on Sunday afternoon, snaring three wickets to put Australia within touching distance of a clinical victory.
However, the 33-year-old’s wayward spell with the second new ball on day three was cause for concern, with the pitch’s footmarks proving an issue for the talented quick.
PAT CUMMINS – 9
2-35 and 1-11
He didn’t finish with a bag of wickets, but Cummins was Australia’s best pace bowler this week.
The captain had the ball on a string in Perth, while his battles with Pakistan superstar Babar Azam throughout the match were absolutely riveting.
He only conceded 1.76 runs per over across the Test match, refusing to offer any freebies for the Pakistanis.
Brilliant Cummins spell gets Babar | 01:31
NATHAN LYON – 9
3-66 and 2-14
Lyon once again proved why he’s the most valuable member of the Australian Test side.
In his long-awaited return to the five-day format, the veteran off-spinner’s discipline and relentless accuracy made him a constant threat for Pakistan’s batters.
Taking his 500th Test wicket was the cherry on top for another superb performance from the GOAT.
Legendary Lyon claims 500th Test wicket | 02:02
JOSH HAZLEWOOD – 8
1-49 and 3-13
The Bendemeer Bullet did what he does best in Perth, holding up an end with accurate bowling and probing spells.
Pakistan’s batters treated Hazlewood with respect in the first innings but had no answers for the seamer on day four, when the 32-year-old knocked over rival captain Shan Masood before cleaning up the tail in a stellar performance.
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