MELBOURNE – In a commanding display at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Australia seized control of the second Test against Pakistan on Wednesday.
Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon led the Australian attack, leaving Pakistan struggling at 194-6 at the end of the day, trailing by 124 runs. The resilient partnership of Mohammad Rizwan and Aamer Jamal was a highlight for the visitors.
Pat Cummins played a pivotal role in dismantling Pakistan’s top order, securing crucial wickets including Abdullah Shafique (62), Babar Azam (1), and Agha Salman (5). Nathan Lyon also contributed by dismissing Imam-ul-Haq (10) and Shan Masood (54), while Josh Hazlewood accounted for Saud Shakeel (9).
Earlier in the day, Pakistan showed promise by claiming seven wickets in the morning session and restricting Australia to 318 after they had resumed on 187-3. Aamer Jamal played a crucial role with figures of 3-64.
As the match heads into the third day, the balance is in question, with Australia aiming to extend their lead and Pakistan hoping to stage a comeback and level the series.
In a post-match press conference, Pakistan opener Abdullah Shafique, who displayed resilience with a score of 62, expressed optimism despite the team facing challenges against the formidable Australian side. He addressed Babar Azam’s underperformance, remaining positive and expressing hope for a turnaround in the upcoming innings.
“Test cricket is not that easy. Sometimes things go against you,” said Abdullah Shafique.
“Babar Azam is our best batter,” said the player, adding that the type of form they saw him displaying in the nets indicated he was in good rhythm.
“We expect to see him scoring runs,” said Shafique.
Abdullah also acknowledged the impact of a crucial dropped catch of David Warner in Australia’s first innings, emphasizing that missed opportunities are part of the game. He praised Australia’s skipper, Pat Cummins, highlighting his ability to extract something from the pitch with every delivery.
Abdullah emphasized the ongoing partnership in the middle and the team’s determination to get as close to Australia’s total as possible.
Responding to questions about the pitch, he dismissed the notion that it was getting flatter, explaining that batting becomes easier when a batsman gets set in the middle.
