Pakistan won the toss and elected to bowl first on a field that favored pacers in the second Test of the Australia-Pakistan series, which was played at the storied Melbourne Cricket Ground for the Boxing Day Test. Given the circumstances, this choice was expected. In the first match of the series, Australia defeated Pakistan with a resounding score of 360 runs. Australia had a 1-0 lead in the three-match Test series going into the second Test. Pakistan made a lineup change, inserting Muhammad Rizwan in place of former captain Sarfaraz Khan in the starting eleven.
In his last Whites match on Boxing Day, David Warner faced Shaheen Afridi’s new ball attack and managed to survive an early chance. He lost to the final ball before lunch after a productive opening session in which Australia scored 90 runs. Despite being sidetracked by things off the field, Usman Khawaja scored a smooth 42 but, like two other hitters, was unable to convert.
Travis Head has had a good start and appears to be a good player for the play that will take place the next day. Marnus Labuschagne stood tall, undefeated at 44 off 120 balls. Australia hopes to turn their first-day score of 187 for 3 into a total above 350, which might give them significant influence over the game. Pakistan’s bowling lacked consistency, with moments of brilliance mixed with an overall struggle for control, despite Shaheen Afridi’s outstanding but unrewarding bowling.
The bowlers from Pakistan continued to put the Australian hitters through their paces, but their accuracy was inconsistent. Labuschagne stuck to his guns at the crease, partnering with the fearless Head, even if there were some stressful moments before and during a rain break. More excitement is expected tomorrow as both sides are hoping for significant advancements and a possible change in momentum. Play will start 30 minutes early the next day to make up for the overs lost to inclement weather, so cricket fans can look forward to plenty of excitement as the Boxing Day Test drama at the MCG plays out.
Here’s how ‘X’ users felt following the Stumps on the first day of the Australia vs. Pakistan second test:
Usman Khawaja has the names of his children on his shoes today . stay strong man #AUSvPAK pic.twitter.com/1dpoX2eVlP
— Haسan Raza (@HasanOnInternet) December 26, 2023
Pakistani bowlers have bowled nicely but Australian batters have played incredibly well on the opening day of Melbourne Test. Australia has batted under genuine overcast conditions with fresh grass on the MCG pitch. Pakistan would have not survived under such conditions. #AUSvPAK
— Arfa Feroz Zake (@ArfaSays_) December 26, 2023
Rythem me aa rha h larka
#PAKvsAUS |#AUSvPAK |#BoxingDay |#INDvsSA pic.twitter.com/AU1WU1bHgK
— Khurram
(@Khurram_Rana21) December 26, 2023
A few pigeons were behind the bowler – so Marnus Labuschagne and Hasan Ali decided to move them along! #AUSvPAKpic.twitter.com/Wf62Q70k7K
— Azam Sajjad (@AzamDON) December 26, 2023
Shan Masood Cptancy
#PAKvsAUS #PAKvAUS#AUSvsPAK #AUSvPAKpic.twitter.com/1DkR0cOnK4— Noor (@noornffatima) December 26, 2023
India
