Although the sun was out there was no play to push the Test further towards a draw

Australia 271 for 2 (Khawaja 97, Labuschagne 69* Warner 68) trail Pakistan 476 for 4 dec by 205 runs

A wet outfield has delayed the start of day four of the first Test, increasing the likelihood of a draw with Australia poised to continue their fightback against Pakistan on a flat pitch in Rawalpindi.

Even though the ground was bathed in sunshine, the morning session was wiped out after heavy rain overnight lashed Rawalpindi causing wet patches on the field, including on one of the bowlers’ run-ups.

The previous two days finished about an hour early due to bad light, negating precious overs in a match that appears headed for a draw.

In reply to Pakistan’s massive first innings of 476 for 4, Australia will resume day four at 271 for 2 in their long road back into the historic series-opener. Marnus Labuschagne, who is the No.1 ranked Test batter in the world, restarts on 69 while Steve Smith is 24 not out.

No rain is forecast for the remainder of the day.