Australia set Pakistan imposing target as key batter is cleared of injury
Labuschagne was hit by fast bowler Khurram Shahzad in day three action, before being dismissed by the debutant soon after for just two. The right-hander was sent for scans, though was cleared of structural damage soon after, going on to bat in the nets before day four play.
"An X-ray taken last night did not demonstrate any visible fracture," a Cricket Australia spokesperson said.
"Marnus was able to bat unhindered in the nets this (Sunday) morning."
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Australia pushed on in spite of Labuschagne's injury and dismissal, setting Pakistan an even 450 to win halfway through day four, with Usman Khawaja and Mitchell Marsh both raising the bat for half-centuries.
The pair accelerated in the middle session, before Khawaja (90) holed out to Babar Azam in the deep while on the attack. Captain Pat Cummins made the declaration for Australia after the dismissal, meaning Marsh finished on 63* from 68 balls.
Earlier Steve Smith (45) added just two runs to his overnight score before he was dismissed lbw by Shahzad, who claimed three of Pakistan's first four wickets. Smith himself was also looked over for treatment, after he was struck by multiple Shaheen Shah Afridi short balls on day three.
Australia made an early breakthrough in Pakistan's second innings, with Mitchell Starc finding the edge of Abdullah Shafique (2) in his first over. Josh Hazlewood opened his account soon after by removing captain Shan Masood (2), before Imam-ul-Haq was struck in front by Starc on 10.
Pakistan came to Australia with a perfect record to start the new World Test Championship 2025 cycle, winning both their away Test matches to Sri Lanka back in July.
A draw against the Australians in the first Test would keep them atop of the table with 77.78% of possible points, though a defeat would mean they would share top spot with India on 66.67%, assuming Shan Masood's men do not incur any penalty points.
