Yasir Shah scores maiden Test century against Australia
ADELAIDE, Australia (AFP) – Yasir Shah scored a fighting maiden Test century on Sunday as Pakistan battled back against Australia in the day-night second Test in Adelaide.
Best-known as a spin bowler, the 33-year-old’s highest score in his previous 36 Tests was just 42. But after playing second fiddle to Babar Azam in a 105-run partnership, Yasir took charge when his countryman was out for 97.
He raced to a first-ever 50 then, supported by Mohammad Abbas, brought up his hundred off 192 balls, clattering 12 fours and kissing the turf after reaching the milestone. He had a near-miss off the bowling of Marnus Labuschagne on 33. Steve Smith believed he caught him at slip and made a big appeal, but replays showed the ball fell just short of his fingertips. Yasir was then dropped by Labuschagne off his own bowling on 43. Earlier, Mitchell Starch ran riot through the Pakistan batting line-up taking six wickets and denying Babar Azam a century. Pakistan resumed at 96 for six in reply to Australia’s first innings 589 for three declared, built on the back of David Warner’s monumental 335 not out. Left-armer Starc snapped up four quick wickets but Azam and Yasir took advantage. The duo put on a disciplined 105-run stand with Azam looking destined for a third Test century until Starc pounced again edging out the batsman on 97. Earlier, Shah survived twice in a near-miss off the bowling of Marnus Labuschagne on 33. He was then dropped by Labuschagne off his own bowling on 43.Maiden Test 100 for Yasir Shah! 💯@Domaincomau | #AUSvPAK pic.twitter.com/QA0x7kuH8L
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 1, 2019
