Australia vs Pakistan 2016/17: 1st Test, Day 3 - 5 talking points

#3 Khawaja fast becoming a dependable number 3

Khawaja was at his fluent best

Usman Khawaja is quickly becoming a dependable no.3 batsman for Australia. After showing his skills against the pink ball in the Adelaide Test against South Africa with a scintillating hundred, Khawaja was at it again here at the Gabba.

After chipping Yasir straight to short mid-wicket in the first innings, Khawaja batted with more freedom in the second innings. He started off with a streaky edge of Mohammad Amir in the 3rd over, and did not hit another boundary till the 20th over. Another edge off Amir followed but after that Khawaja grew in confidence.

An exceptional drive off the bowling of Rahat Ali set him ablaze and he started ramping the pacy Wahab Riaz over the slip cordon highlighting his confidence. It required a sharp catch from Misbah-ul-Haq to end his stay at the crease.