Australia clawed back into the game with two vital wickets, putting Pakistan in a precarious position at 132/2, still 355 runs behind in the first Test at Optus Stadium, Perth. The day was marked by a stellar debut from Pakistan's Aamer Jamal, who claimed 6/111, including the key wickets that wrapped up Australia's first innings at 487.
The Australian innings, resuming from an overnight score of 346/5, witnessed a collapse triggered by Jamal's incisive bowling. His performance was particularly noteworthy, as it was the first instance since 1967 of an overseas player taking a five-wicket haul on debut in Australia.
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Despite a formidable total by Australia, Pakistan's openers, Abdullah Shafique and Imam-ul-Haq, showed resilience. They put up a 74-run stand, negotiating the pace battery of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Mitchell Starc effectively. However, the Australian bowlers, particularly offspinner Nathan Lyon and pacer Mitchell Starc, eventually found their rhythm, striking crucial blows in the last session.
Lyon, inching closer to the 500-wicket milestone in Test cricket, dismissed Shafique for 42. The right-handed opener fell attempting an aggressive stroke against Lyon's bowling. The dismissal was a strategic victory for Lyon, who ended the day with figures of 1-40.
Pakistani captain Shan Masood, known for his aggression, came to the crease with intent, hitting five boundaries in his 30-run effort. However, his approach proved to be his undoing as he fell to Starc, edging a delivery to the wicketkeeper. Although initially given not out, a successful Australian review confirmed Masood's dismissal.
At the other end, Imam-ul-Haq remained a solid presence, crafting a patient 136-ball innings. His ability to anchor the innings was crucial, especially against a formidable Australian attack that frequently threatened his wicket.
The day also saw some near-misses and intense moments, such as when Shafique narrowly survived a review against Lyon. The Australian team's decision to review a caught-behind appeal turned out to be futile, as replays showed no contact with the bat.
Earlier in the day, Jamal's exceptional bowling spell ensured that Australia's tail did not wag for long. His five-wicket haul was a moment of personal triumph, as he celebrated passionately, reflecting the significance of his achievement.
The match also included a notable performance from Mitchell Marsh, who narrowly missed out on a century, being bowled for 90 just after lunch. Australia's innings, despite losing momentum towards the end, had been bolstered by a commanding 164 from David Warner on Day 1. Warner's innings, which included 16 fours and four sixes, was a critical component of Australia's strong total.
As the Test match progresses, Pakistan faces a challenging task against the reigning world test champions, Australia. The Pakistani team, aiming to secure their first Test win in Australia since 1995, will need to showcase exceptional skill and resilience to overcome the daunting Australian lineup and the challenging conditions at the Optus Stadium.
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