MELBOURNE – Pakistan started strong, dismissing Australia for 318 in the second test but faced a challenging end to their reply, ending the day at 194 for six after Pat Cummins’ pivotal intervention.
Initially, the tourists appeared promising, reaching 124-1 after tea. However, their fortunes shifted, now trailing by 124 runs as they strive for their first test win in Australia since 1995, dimming hopes of a series-tying victory.
Cummins (3-37) turned the tide in two crucial overs, dismissing Abdullah Shafique for 62 with a stunning catch off his own bowling. He further troubled Pakistan by dismissing Babar Azam for one, drawing cheers from the Melbourne Cricket Ground crowd.
Nathan Lyon, the off-spinner, contributed significantly, breaking an obstinate opening partnership and later removing Shan Masood for 54, despite his commendable captain’s innings. Masood’s attempt to tackle Lyon resulted in a mistimed shot and an easy catch for Mitch Marsh.
Josh Hazlewood added to Pakistan’s woes, claiming Saud Shakeel, while Cummins returned to dismiss Agha Salman.
At stumps, Mohammad Rizwan stood unbeaten on 29, accompanied by Aamer Jamal at two not out from 26 balls.
Cummins praised their bowling efforts and strategic breakthroughs, acknowledging the challenge posed by Pakistan’s lineup. He also commended Australia’s batting, hinting at an improving pitch for the following days.
Early in their innings, Pakistan showed resilience against Australia’s pace attack, notably with Shafique and Masood’s 90-run partnership for the second wicket.
Australia, having secured a dominant 360-run win in the first test in Perth, now faces Pakistan in the second test in Melbourne, with the third and final test scheduled in Sydney next year.
PAKvAUS: Australia finish rain-impacted opening day at 187-3
Pakistan vs Australia Test squads
Pakistan: Imam-ul-Haq, Abdullah Shafique, Shan Masood (capt), Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan, Agha Salman, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Hasan Ali, Mir Hamza, Aamer Jamal
Australia: David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins (capt), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood
