Pakistan suffered rapid wicket losses following the dismissal of Australia for 318 in the Aus vs Pak match

Melbourne: Pakistan faced a setback, sliding to 194-6 at the end of day two of the second Test against Australia, putting Australia in a commanding position. This leaves the visitors trailing by 124 runs in their first innings, with Mohammad Rizwan (29) and Aamer Jamal (2) currently at the crease.

Initially at 124-1, Pakistan’s fortunes took a downturn towards the latter part of the day’s play, causing them to be on the defensive. Although Abdullah Shafique (62) and Shan Masood (54) both achieved half-centuries, they were unable to convert them into substantial scores.

Star batsman Babar Azam faced disappointment yet again, being dismissed by Pat Cummins after scoring only one run, as Cummins secured three crucial wickets.

Post-lunch, during the second Test in Melbourne, Pakistan had reached 68-1 by tea on day two. Despite opener Abdullah Shafique’s unbeaten 39, Imam-ul-Haq’s departure after contributing 10 runs, and Captain Shan Masood’s unbeaten 15, signaled Pakistan’s struggle.

With the desire to bounce back in the three-match series after a resounding defeat in the first Test, Pakistan’s bowlers managed to dismiss Australia for 318. However, Australia’s innings was marked by the contribution of 52 extras, the second-largest addition to their total. Pacemen Shaheen Afridi, Mir Hamza, and Hasan Ali each claimed two wickets.

In the initial day’s play, Australia, chosen to bat by Pakistan’s captain Shan Masood, reached 187-3 by stumps due to rain affecting the Boxing Day Test, limiting the overs bowled to 66. With an unchanged side from their victory in Perth, Australia aimed to clinch the series.

Pakistan opted for Mohammad Rizwan over Sarfaraz Ahmed as wicketkeeper and included fast bowlers Mir Hamza and Hasan Ali, replacing injured Khurram Shahzad and Faheem Ashraf. They fielded an all-pace attack led by Shaheen Shah Afridi and Aamer Jamal, foregoing a specialist spinner.

Pakistan’s historical record in Australia has been dismal, having lost 15 consecutive Tests, with their last win in 1995.

Teams:
Australia: David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins (capt), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood

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