Home
On the second day of the second cricket Test, Australian captain and pace bowler Pat Cummins delivered a pivotal performance, taking quick wickets that stymied Pakistan's efforts at a comeback. The match, held at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, witnessed Pakistan ending the day at 194 for six, a response to Australia's first innings score of 318.
Follow the Sports Tak channel on WhatsApp
The day was marked by significant action, with a total of 13 wickets falling. Cummins was particularly effective, securing three wickets for 37 runs, while off-spinner Nathan Lyon contributed with two wickets for 48 runs. Pakistan's batting highlights included half-centuries from Abdullah Shafique (62) and captain Shan Masood (54), who together built a commendable 90-run partnership for the second wicket.
Pakistan had a promising start but faced setbacks as Lyon made the initial breakthrough in the 16th over, dismissing opener Imam-ul-Haq for 10. The momentum further shifted towards Australia when Cummins achieved a remarkable return catch to send Shafique back, reducing Pakistan to 124 for two. The crowd of 44,837 spectators erupted as Cummins continued his impressive spell, bowling Babar Azam for just one run with a well-executed off-cutter.
The Pakistani side then experienced a significant downturn as Shan Masood, attempting an aggressive shot, was caught off Lyon's bowling, leading to a slump at 147 for four. The situation worsened when Josh Hazlewood dismissed Saud Shakeel, and Cummins claimed another wicket, removing Salman Ali Agha. This series of dismissals resulted in Pakistan's middle-order collapsing, losing five wickets for just 46 runs.
At the close of play, Mohammad Rizwan remained unbeaten with 29 runs. Pakistan trailed by 124 runs with only four first-innings wickets remaining.
Australia, resuming the day at 187 for three, was eventually bowled out for 318 in an extended morning session. Key contributions included Marnus Labuschagne's patient 63 off 155 balls and Mitchell Marsh's brisk 41 off 60 deliveries. David Warner and Usman Khawaja had set a solid foundation on the first day with a 90-run opening stand. Notably, Pakistan conceded 51 extras, which included 20 byes and 15 wides, contributing significantly to Australia's total.
Pakistan's fielding improved on the second day, exemplified by Rizwan's spectacular one-handed catch to dismiss Alex Carey. The Pakistani pace attack, including Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mir Hamza, Hasan Ali, and Aamir Jamal, applied consistent pressure on the Australian batsmen.
Australia, having won the opening Test in Perth by 360 runs, seeks to maintain their dominance, while Pakistan aims for a comeback in the series. The final Test is set to commence on January 3 at the Sydney Cricket Ground, a venue where Pakistan last won a Test in Australia in 1995.
MORE ON SPORTS TAK:
WATCH: Babar Azam stunned by Pat Cummins again with absolute peach of a delivery, batter's reaction viral
AUS vs PAK: Marnus Labuschagne becomes Australia's wall on rain-hit day 1 of Boxing Day Test
