Solid reply from Aus

A run-a-ball hundred from David Warner gave Australia an outside chance of forcing a result after Azhar Ali posted a double-century for Pakistan in the second Test in Melbourne on Wednesday.

Warner smashed 144 off 143 balls in a pulsating 198-run stand with Usman Khawaja to cut Pakistan's lead to just 165 runs with two days to play.

Azhar posted the highest score by a Pakistan batsman in Australia with an unbeaten 205 before a declaration at 443 for nine just after lunch on the third day.

By stumps, the home side had given themselves a chance of getting a lead to put the pressure back on the Pakistanis after rain disrupted the opening two days.

Usman Khawaja was gunning for a century on 95 with skipper Steve Smith not out 10 as Australia reached 278 for two in reply off just 58 overs.

Warner plundered his maiden century in a Boxing Day Test at the MCG and his 17th Test hundred overall.

Warner's innings contained 17 fours and a six gave his team an outside chance of forcing a result.

SCORES IN BRIEF

PAKISTAN: First innings 443 for 9 decl (Azhar 205 not out, Azam 23, Shafiq 50, Amir 29, Sohail 65; Hazlewood 3-50, Bird 3-113)

AUSTRALIA: First innings 278 for 2 (Warner 144, Khawaja 95 not out; Riaz 1-77)