The same old story threatened to repeat at the SCG on day three of the third and final Test match between Australia and Pakistan. No, the rain didn’t fall in Sydney to wipe out a significant chunk of play.
Instead, it was Pakistan failing to make the most of their opportunities as a dropped catch on Mitch Marsh appeared as if it would come back to haunt them as he recorded an 84-run partnership with Alex Carey.
But then a spectacular late batting collapse sparked by Aamir Jamal, which saw the Aussies lose 5-10 in and around tea, saw the Test take a sharp turn as chaos descended upon the New Year’s Test before Pakistan were also skittled to finish seven down with just an 82-run lead.
Australia vs Pakistan: Mitch Marsh's dream summer continues
A day after India and South Africa made headlines around the world for the shortest-ever Test match, the Australians and Pakistanis seemed intent on matching the warp speed nature of that contest.
MORE: South Africa vs India 2nd Test - All the records broken in Cape Town
The narrative quickly shifted under the weight of a deteriorating pitch to the point where Marsh’s pivotal half-century knock almost vanished into the periphery as wickets suddenly started to tumble in the afternoon.
It was in stark contrast to the morning session, which was trapped in a slumber, with the Aussies unable to break free from the confines of tight Pakistani bowling as their run rate dragged along at well under three runs an over.
Marsh has made a habit out of coming out to the middle and bailing his side out of trouble this summer. And once again, the big 32-year-old did exactly that after making the most of his reprieve as he was dropped by Saim Ayub on 7.
After falling agonisingly short of a century in Melbourne, the allrounder took some time to settle into his innings as he was content to just survive.
Still trailing by over 100 runs and with five wickets down after Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith had been removed, Marsh continued his stellar form with his fourth successive half-century.
To put that into perspective, in his 32 Test matches prior to his recall he had registered just three 50s and two centuries.
"Shot of the day, that one."
— Fox Cricket (@FoxCricket) January 5, 2024
A glorious cover drive by Mitch Marsh! 👏👏👏
📺 Watch Day 3 #AUSvPAK on Fox Cricket and Kayo Sports: https://t.co/VNpf5Xojhg
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🔢 MATCH CENTRE: https://t.co/yRfZUM8adD pic.twitter.com/Tt8uOw3BFR
By the time Carey (38) was dismissed by Sajid Khan on the stroke of tea, the duo had almost managed to reel in the deficit and tip the match back in the home side’s favour.
"We’re seeing another side to his batting and he’s evolving," Mark Waugh said of Marsh in commentary on Fox Cricket.
"He’s getting through the tough periods where other batsman are failing. He’s got a great combination of defence and attack, along with a little bit of luck."
However, just after tea Marsh’s fine innings came to an end on 54 when a mistimed drive skewed to Shaan Masood at mid-off. Cue bedlam.
Aamir Jamal shines on chaotic day at SCG as wickets tumble
Jamal turned the game on day one with a defiant knock as Pakistan’s tail wagged to frustrate the Aussies, and with the ball in hand he tormented them again on his way to a blistering six-wicket haul.
It was his delivery which skidded off the pitch to remove Marsh, before he also claimed the scalp of Pat Cummins just a few balls later to thoroughly halt the Australian charge.
MORE: Aamir Jamal records - Pakistan bowler creates history with brilliant spell
Jamal then removed Nathan Lyon and Josh Hazelwood to leave the Aussies all out for 299, trailing by 14. Jamal finished with figures of 6-69, as he claimed his second five-fa of the series.
SIX WICKETS FOR JAMAL! 💥👏
— Fox Cricket (@FoxCricket) January 5, 2024
📺 Watch Day 3 #AUSvPAK on Fox Cricket and Kayo Sports: https://t.co/VNpf5Xojhg
✍️ BLOG: https://t.co/ejMaDboVuT
🔢 MATCH CENTRE: https://t.co/yRfZUM8adD pic.twitter.com/IN99jU3XG6
The wind in Pakistan sails didn’t last long though, as the Aussies responded with two rapid-fire wickets to whip the Sydney crowd up into fever pitch. Incredibly, seven wickets had fallen between the sides in just 29 balls during this spell.
Not content with that carnage, Australia continued to steamroll their way through Pakistan's top order to bag five wickets for just nine runs.
Josh Hazlewood, who finished on 4-9, the chief architect of destruction as he claimed three wickets in one over to complete a breathless day in Sydney.