Australia, set 462 to win – unlikely, given they scored just 202 in the first hit – ended the fourth day on 136-3. Like in the first innings, when they put on 142 for the first wicket, Usman Khawaja and Aaron Finch went well again, scoring 87 together before Mohammad Abbas felled Finch for 49.

Abbas, who had 4-29 in the first innings, then sent back the Marsh brothers Shaun and Mitchell to end the day with 3-26; one more on the last day, and he will join Yasir Shah as the fastest to 50 Test wickets by a Pakistani, in nine Tests

That's stumps! The partnership between Khawaja (50*) and Head (34*) is worth 49 runs from 110 balls with 90 overs to go… https://t.co/HlSp2YCFil #PAKvAUS pic.twitter.com/UItGiOahPd

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) October 10, 2018

Most people would have expected spin to be a major factor, and it has played its part, but reverse swing has had a say too, especially in Abbas’ hands.

“We know always that on this kind of track getting 20 wickets is hard work, but if you stick to your plans then the opportunity comes,” suggested Azhar Ali, the Pakistan batsman, after the fourth day.

“We’re making sure we’re going out and backing ourselves. We’ve been batting extremely well, guys have had really good ‘A’ tours, we had a really good tour match last week,” said Head.

“It’s not about reinventing the wheel, we’ve got to start really sharp, know where we’re going to score, know where we’re going to defend and how we’re going to play each ball and make sure we’re calm and relaxed.”