The prospect of Pakistan securing their first Test match win on Australian soil since 1995 dimmed significantly, thanks to a stellar performance by Pat Cummins on the second day of the match in Melbourne. In this second Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Australia established a solid lead:
- Australia’s Innings: 318 runs in 96.5 overs, highlighted by Marnus Labuschagne’s 63 runs; Aamer Jamal claimed 3 wickets for 64 runs.
- Pakistan’s Response: 194 for 6 in 55 overs, with Abdullah Shafique contributing 62 runs; Cummins and Nathan Lyon were the standout bowlers for Australia, taking 3 for 37 and 2 for 48, respectively.
Currently, Pakistan is trailing by 124 runs.
The Australian bowling attack, spearheaded by Cummins and Lyon, wreaked havoc on the Pakistani batting lineup. Cummins dismissed top-scorer Shafique and then swiftly removed Babar Azam and Agha Salman. Lyon’s spin mastery accounted for the wickets of Imam-ul-Haq and Shan Masood.
Pakistan closed the day at 194 for 6, bolstered by Mohammad Rizwan’s undefeated 29.
Earlier, Labuschagne’s diligent batting pushed Australia to 318, marking his 17th half-century in Test cricket.
Reflecting on the day’s play, Australian skipper Cummins commented on Pakistan’s initial strong batting, but was pleased with Australia’s later breakthroughs, feeling they had made significant inroads into the visitor’s batting order.
Pakistan, aiming to level the three-match series after a hefty defeat in Perth, initially capitalized on a pitch conducive to seam and swing. However, Cummins lauded Labuschagne’s tenacious 63 off 155 balls, which anchored Australia’s innings after they resumed from an overnight score of 187 for 3.
Mitchell Marsh also played a crucial role, contributing 41 runs and surviving two close calls, thanks to successful reviews after umpire Joel Wilson’s decisions against Hasan Ali’s bowling.
Labuschagne’s exit, caught off Jamal’s bowling, led to a waning in Australia’s batting, culminating in the loss of their last six wickets for an additional 68 runs. Despite this, Cummins remained optimistic about their performance.
Pakistan’s innings began promisingly, despite losing Imam early. Shafique’s half-century, his first in Australia, came off Mitchell Starc, marking a period of accelerated scoring post-tea. However, Cummins’ sharp catch to dismiss Shafique signified the beginning of a collapse, as Pakistan lost five wickets for just 46 runs. Cummins continued his onslaught, bowling Babar and then Salman. Hazlewood and Lyon also contributed, leaving Pakistan in a precarious position.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Australia-Pakistan Test Match
Who were the key players for Australia in the second Test against Pakistan?
Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon were the standout players for Australia. Cummins took crucial wickets, including that of top-scorer Abdullah Shafique, while Lyon’s spin bowling accounted for important dismissals like Imam-ul-Haq and Shan Masood.
What was Pakistan’s position at the end of day two in the Melbourne Test?
At the end of day two, Pakistan was at 194-6, trailing Australia by 124 runs. Mohammad Rizwan was not out on 29, helping steady the innings after a series of quick wickets fell.
How did Marnus Labuschagne contribute to Australia’s first innings score?
Marnus Labuschagne played a significant role in building Australia’s first innings total of 318. He scored 63 runs, marking his 17th half-century in Test cricket, which was crucial in setting a strong foundation for the Australian team.
What did Australian captain Pat Cummins say about their performance?
Australian captain Pat Cummins was pleased with the team’s performance, particularly the bowlers who managed to make significant inroads into Pakistan’s batting order. He acknowledged Pakistan’s strong start but was satisfied with how Australia ended the day.
What is the significance of this Test match for Pakistan?
More about Australia-Pakistan Test Match
- Australia vs Pakistan Second Test Highlights
- Pat Cummins’ Performance in Melbourne Test
- Marnus Labuschagne’s Innings Analysis
- Pakistan’s Struggle in Australian Conditions
- Test Series Overview: Australia vs Pakistan
5 comments
omg, Cummins is on fire this series! totally ripping through Pakistans batting, Lyon’s doing great too. Aussies showing why they’re tough at home.
gotta say, labuschagne’s innings was solid, but that collapse later on? not good… Australia needs to work on their middle order.
I’m still holding out hope for Pakistan. They’ve got talent, just need to play smarter against Cummins and Lyon. Go Pak!
Did anyone else think those umpiring decisions were a bit off today? Marsh’s reviews were close calls.
Pakistan had a chance but those quick wickets, wow. they really need to step up their game if they wanna win in Melbourne.