The second day of the
Boxing Day Test between
Australia and
Pakistan at the iconic
Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) was nothing short of enthralling cricket action. Both teams showcased moments of brilliance, with Australia dominating with the ball after being bundled out for 318 in their first innings.
Despite managing to restrict Australia reach a formidable total, Pakistan’s hopes were significantly dented
as they finished the day on 194/6, courtesy of a remarkable display by Aussie skipper
Pat Cummins.
Australia’s innings
Resuming their innings on a promising 187/3, Australia aimed to build on their foundation. Despite
Marnus Labuschagne (63) reaching his fifty and
Mitchell Marsh contributing a crucial 41 runs, wickets fell at regular intervals, preventing Australia from posting a formidable total.
Aamer Jamal led the Pakistani bowling attack with three wickets, supported by
Hasan Ali,
Mir Hamza, and
Shaheen Afridi, who all claimed two wickets each.
Pakistan’s solid start
Pakistan faced an early setback with the cheap dismissal of
Imam ul Haq. However,
Abdullah Shafique (62) and
Shan Masood (54) displayed resilience, forming a solid partnership that raised hopes for the visitors. Both batters notched up brilliant fifties, providing Pakistan with a strong foundation to build upon.
Pat Cummins strikes
The turning point of the day came when Australian skipper Cummins broke the formidable partnership by dismissing Shafique, shifting the momentum in Australia’s favour. Cummins finished the day with three crucial wickets to his name, proving once again why he is a vital asset for the Australian team.
Pakistan’s batting collapse
Despite the brilliant efforts of Shafique and Masood, Pakistan’s batting lineup collapsed after their dismissals. The Australian bowlers, led by Cummins and supported by
Nathan Lyon, managed to capitalize on the vulnerability of the Pakistani middle order. The day concluded with Pakistan reeling at 194/6 when stumps were called, putting Australia in a strong position going into Day 3.
Here’s how Twitter reacted:
Pakistan have owned the day today. Enjoyed the way they've batted. Shafique very impressive and Masood very good too. Right approach against the Aussies
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha)
December 27, 2023
It’s so often these days that you feel like everything else that happens when Australia play Tests is a lead-in to the headline act, which happens to be the Pat Cummins Show, like it has been today at the MCG
#AusvPak — Bharat Sundaresan (@beastieboy07)
December 27, 2023
Need a jaffa?
Call Sir Pat Cummins ?
pic.twitter.com/BACUO73IoO — Knight Vibe (@KKRiderx)
December 27, 2023
Pakistan cricket at it's best
Captaincy masterclass by Shan Masood. ?
Wonderful performance by bowlers?
#PAKvsAUS |
#AUSvsPAK pic.twitter.com/HYKNvNQYmK — King Babar Azam Army (@babarazamking_)
December 27, 2023
pakistan were 124-1
then pat cummins happened…
pic.twitter.com/Jhsm9c9BFc — × (@ffsfir)
December 27, 2023
The good work done by the bowlers in taking Australia's last 7 wickets for 114 runs, undone by Pakistan's batters once again who lost 5 wickets for just 70 runs
#Cricket #AUSvsPAK — Saj Sadiq (@SajSadiqCricket)
December 27, 2023
Highest Attacking shot % in tests since 2022 (Min 300 balls).
Captain Shan Masood in list.
#PAKvAUS #PakistanCricketTeam pic.twitter.com/jRMdmCkgEx — Nawaz ?? (@Rnawaz31888)
December 27, 2023
– 16 Tests.
– 5 fifties.
– 4 hundreds.
What a dream start to the Test career for 24-year-old Abdullah Shafique, Pakistan has got a future in their batting department.
pic.twitter.com/x9g1HVPFGZ — Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns)
December 27, 2023
Well played, Abdullah Shafique.
He scored 62 runs from 109 balls against Australia at MCG. He has 4 Hundreds, 5 Fifties in just 16 Test matches – The future of Pakistan cricket.
pic.twitter.com/8Lf4knoeDd — CricketMAN2 (@ImTanujSingh)
December 27, 2023
Brilliant from Cummins to end the innings of Abdullah Shafique
#PAKvAUS #AUSvPAK #AUSvsPAK #PakvsAus #نورین_رو_رہی_ہےpic.twitter.com/gnRm5zRhzQ — Fourth Umpire (@UmpireFourth)
December 27, 2023
UNBELIEVABLE!
Pat Cummins gets rid of Babar Azam again – with another BEAUTY!
#AUSvPAK pic.twitter.com/opwcKP3Mws — Azam Sajjad (@AzamDON)
December 27, 2023
What a year has it been for Pat Cummins.
#AUSvPAK #BoxingDayTest pic.twitter.com/ObkcsZ38vf — SUNNY (@sunnyfayzzz)
December 27, 2023
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