Melbourne (Web Desk): Steve Smith scored his 17th Test century, helping Australia fought back and scored 392 for four before lunch, in reply to Pakistan’s 443-9.
David Warner made 144 off 143 balls and Usman Khawaja contributed 97. At the crease, skipper Steve Smith on 33 and Handscomb are on 47 to trail the tourists by 93 runs.
Azhar Ali had hit an unbeaten 205 in Pakistan’s first innings, which was declared closed shortly after lunch.
Pakistan declared their first innings closed at 443 for nine wickets after lunch on day three of the second test on Wednesday.
Azhar Ali finished unbeaten on 205 after Wahab Riaz fell for one, caught and bowled by paceman Josh Hazlewood for his 100th test wicket.
Azhar’s double-century, the highest score by a Pakistan cricketer in Australia, put the tourists well in front but their chances of forcing a result have been reduced by the rain that disrupted the opening two days.
Hazlewood finished with 3-50, with fellow seamer Jackson Bird grabbing 3-113.
Earlier on rain hit days, the visitors had lost five very important wickets included Sami Aslam (9), Babar Azam (23), Younis Khan (21), Asad Shafiq (50) and skipper Misbah-ul-Haq (11).
