LAHORE: Usman Khawaja hit his second successive century and Steve Smith became the fastest batter to 8,000 test runs as Australia extended its lead to 325 runs against Pakistan in the third test on Thursday.
Khawaja batted for the entire two sessions on day four to reach 100 in the last over before tea off 169 balls. Australia was 202-2 and aimed to set up a challenging target in its first tour of Pakistan since 1998.
Smith, needing seven to reach the milestone, drove Hasan Ali through covers for a boundary and was unbeaten on 12 at the break. He reached 8,000 runs in 151 test innings, one quicker than the record held by Kumar Sangakkara. Smith is the seventh Australian to the mark.
Khawaja has been prolific on tour in the country of his birth. The left-handed opener missed made 97 in the drawn first test at Rawalpindi, and 160 and 44 not out in the drawn game at Karachi. Despite being ill on the opening day of this test in Lahore, he scored 91 in the first innings as Australia racked up 391.
Pakistan, which conceded a massive first-innings lead of 123, could chip out only one wicket each in Australia's two sessions as Khawaja batted resolutely to raise their hopes for a series win on a worn-out pitch.
Khawaja combined in a 96-run opening stand with David Warner, 51, who was clean bowled by Shaheen Shah Afridi in the penultimate over before lunch.
Marnus Labuschagne, with 36, then shared another brisk 65-run stand with Khawaja before he swept hard at left-arm spinner Nauman Ali and was caught at deep midwicket in the second session.
Nauman gave Labuschagne a reprieve after lunch when he couldn’t hold onto an overhead catch at point off a top-edged sweep.
Earlier, in an eventful morning session, Pakistan missed out on an opportunity to dismiss Warner early; Khawaja escaped on 31 after he was bowled off Naseem Shah’s no-ball and then umpire Aleem Dar was involved in an animated conversation with Warner likely about how and where the veteran batter was running on the deteriorating pitch.
Warner removed his helmet and gloves, exchanging words with Dar before play resumed after nearly three minutes.
Video suggested Hasan got a thin edge off Warner’s bat in his second over of the day, but Pakistan didn’t appeal.
Warner showed Australia’s intent to score quickly when he hit Afridi for three boundaries in the day’s first over.
Australia stretches lead to 325 against Pakistan in 3rd test
https://arab.news/6smb3
Australia stretches lead to 325 against Pakistan in 3rd test
- Steve Smith became the fastest batter to 8,000 test runs as Australia extended its lead
- Khawaja batted for the entire two sessions on day four to reach 100 in the last over before tea
Smash GC announces 2026 LIV Golf roster as Harold Varner III joins lineup
- Talor Gooch-led team returns with lineup built for depth and competitiveness as LIV Golf kicks off new season in Riyadh
NEW YORK: Smash GC of the LIV Golf League today announced its official roster for the 2026 season with the addition of Harold Varner III. Varner joins newly minted captain Talor Gooch and returning veterans Jason Kokrak and Graeme McDowell.
The team blends winning pedigree, global experience and a competitive edge, reinforcing the team’s identity as one of LIV Golf’s most battle-tested lineups.
Varner, who made his LIV Golf debut in 2022, brings a mix of global experience and personal drive. He earned his first LIV Golf individual win in 2023 at LIV Golf DC after sinking a hole-out from the bunker for a birdie mid-round to claim a one-stroke victory. He joins Smash GC after a steady performance in 2025 with 4Aces GC, when he finished in the top 10 four times.
“Smash GC is a team that competes with confidence and edge,” Varner said. “I’m excited to join a group that believes in what it’s building and is focused on winning. I’m ready to get to work and contribute meaningfully in 2026.”
Gooch will lead Smash GC in 2026 after being officially named captain last December. One of LIV Golf’s most accomplished and consistent performers, he brings a performance-driven mindset and a deep understanding of team competition. He reunites with Varner after the two played together with RangeGoats GC during 2023, which was both Gooch’s and Varner’s most successful LIV Golf season.
In addition to Varner’s DC win, Gooch won three tournaments and the season-long individual championship. Rounding out the 2026 roster are Kokrak, who has delivered key individual and team performances throughout his LIV Golf tenure, and McDowell, the 2010 US Open champion and longtime Ryder Cup standout who brought steady play to the 2025 season combined with his experience, leadership and competitive instincts.
“Adding Harold to Smash GC is a big move for us, and I couldn’t be more excited to reunite with him in 2026,” Gooch said. “He’s proven he can compete at the highest level and, as captain, I’m excited about how he strengthens our lineup and pushes our standards forward. We’re building a team that expects to contend every week, and Harold is a big part of that.”
Smash GC enters the new season following a 2025 campaign defined by resilience and competitiveness. With strong team performances and consistent individual contributions, the club laid a foundation it now aims to build upon under refreshed leadership and a reinforced roster.
