Cricket legend Mark Taylor has revealed what he believes Australia must do next to land in a "comfortable" position, after ending day three of the first Test in Perth with a 300-run lead over Pakistan.
Steve Smith (43 not out) and Usman Khawaja (34 not out) faced a bouncy and unpredictable pitch in the third session of day three but Taylor said Australia would still be able to pile on a bigger lead.
"I think they'll feel very comfortable if they make another 100 and get 400 (runs) in front, but I reckon they'll probably be eyeing 450-ish," Taylor told Nine's Wide World of Sports on Saturday.
AS IT HAPPENED: Australia v Pakistan first Test day three
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"150 runs could take some time, to the middle of the day tomorrow."
"I think they'll set Pakistan at least 450 with a day-and-a-half. If they (Australia) score quickly and get away, they may even get a few more."
The visitors put up a fight on day three with ball in hand, after being rolled by Australia in the first innings for 271 runs.
"Pakistan, to their credit, have really stuck at it in this Test match," Taylor said.
Taylor believes the unpredictable and uneven pitch has become a key factor in this Test match, already noticing Australia's run rate decreasing to 2.55 an over on day three.
"Just looking at the scoring rate of yesterday and even today, scoring seems to have slowed a little, which suggests to me that it (the pitch) may be a bit up and down," Taylor said.
"Just today watching Pakistan with the new ball, quite a few didn't carry through.
"It (the pitch) might be getting a little uneven, which will make scoring (runs) harder. But … it might give Australia a few more opportunities when they get a lead they (want) to get."
Earlier in the day, David Warner failed to replicate his first-innings heroics, falling for a duck.
No.3 batsman Marnus Labuschagne pulled up sore and immediately called for the trainer after a Khurram Shahzad delivery caught his right hand as he attempted to whip the ball down the leg side.
His pinky finger received some attention on the field but he was able to continue batting before falling for two.
Australia will resume day four on 2-84 after 33 overs.
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