David Warner rode his luck to slay his MCG demons with a century, spearheading a bold counter attack by Australia that has left the door ajar for a push at an unlikely victory.
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The batting crisis of a month ago seems a world away now after Australia's senior batsmen returned fire at Pakistan, making serious inroads into their imposing first innings total.
The first half of the day belonged to Pakistan, whose defiance with the bat exacted further toll on Australia's quicks, but it's the home side who head into the fourth day with a more realistic hope of winning.
oth teams, however, will also have to beat the elements with more rain forecast on Thursday in a game already severely interrupted by wet weather.
Australia finished the third day on 2/278, trailing Pakistan by 165, with Usman Khawaja needing a further five runs to join Warner in triple figures. If weather permits the hosts will be ahead as early as lunch if they can maintain their strong scoring rate.