In a gripping second day of the crucial Test match, Team Pakistan showcased resilience after an initial setback, containing the host team to a score of 318 by Wednesday’s lunch break at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
Despite Australia starting at 187-3 due to a rain-interrupted first day, Pakistan’s resurgence was evident as they secured vital wickets. Travis Head (17), Marnus Labuschagne (63), Alex Carey (four), Mitchell Starc (nine), Mitchell Marsh (41), Pat Cummins (13), and Nathan Lyon (eight) all fell on the second morning, courtesy of a commendable bowling effort.
Emerging talent Aamer Jamal shone with exceptional figures of 3-64, contributing significantly to Pakistan’s fightback.
The clash at the MCG was marred by rain interruptions, yet Pakistan’s bowlers managed crucial breakthroughs, countering the formidable partnership of David Warner and Usman Khawaja.
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Opting to field first in the Boxing Day Test, Pakistan’s seam bowling attack led by Shaheen Shah Afridi and Mir Hamza sought advantage from the overcast conditions. Despite Warner being dropped early in the game, Pakistan’s persistence paid off as Salman Ali Agha dismissed him just before lunch. Warner, coming off a century in Perth, departed after scoring 38 from 83 deliveries.
Labuschagne and Steven Smith steadied the Australian innings in the face of Pakistan’s pace attack, building a partnership amidst increasingly challenging weather conditions.
The pressure intensified on the home side as Pakistan’s pace duo, Hasan and Shaheen, delivered a sequence of three consecutive maiden overs.
Rain intervened, forcing an early tea break and temporarily halting play with Australia at 114-2 in 42.4 overs.
Resuming post-interruption, Shaheen managed to dismiss Smith, although the decision was overturned after a review. However, Aamir Jamal’s breakthrough dismissed Smith, ending his innings at 26 from 75 deliveries.
Travis Head, partnering with Labuschagne, aided Australia to reach 187-3 in 66 overs by stumps, with Labuschagne unbeaten at 44 from 120 balls, setting the stage for an intriguing following day’s play.
