AUS vs PAK Boxing Day Test: Australia Reach 187-3 On Rain-Marred Day 1, As It Happened
Australia ended Day 1 at 187/3 after rain affected the delay in the proceedings in the second Test.
Australia and Pakistan clashed in the Boxing Day test at Melbourne's MCG following Australia's commanding 360-run victory in the first test at Perth. Shan Masood, Pakistan's captain, opted to bowl first after winning the toss, hoping for favourable conditions for his bowlers amid overcast weather in Victoria's capital.
However, Pakistan encountered early troubles in the second test, facing fielding issues that cost them potential early breakthroughs, notably missing the chance to dismiss David Warner. Opening batsmen Warner and Usman Khwaja formed a robust partnership, accumulating 90 runs. Warner departed after scoring 38, followed by Khawaja at 42. Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith then took charge, working to rebuild Australia's innings after the strong start. At Tea, Australia stood at 114/2 in 42.4 overs, with Labuschagne on 14 and Smith on 2 runs. Pakistan showcased a significantly improved bowling performance compared to their earlier showing in the series. Their main pace bowler, Shaheen Shah Afridi, consistently clocked speeds of around 140 kmph but unfortunately remained without a wicket, partly due to Abdullah Shafique dropping a catch off Warner's bat. The pitch was not an easy one to navigate as it offered swing and seam for the fast bowlers, displaying occasional uneven bounce, making batting quite challenging.
Following a brief rain interruption, Pakistan maintained their disciplined approach. While Marnus Labuschagne had a couple of LBW appeals against him, he managed to survive, unlike Steve Smith, who edged one to the keeper off Aamer Jamal’s bowling and departed. Presently, Labuschagne appears to be commanding his innings and aims to establish a formidable partnership with Travis Head on Day 2. Meanwhile, Pakistan's focus remains on consistently hitting the right lengths, seeking swing, and aiming to claim wickets early on tomorrow’s morning and keep Pakistan in the contest.
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