Australia dominated the second Test against Pakistan at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, putting the visitors in a challenging position at 194-6, trailing by 124 runs on day two. Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon played crucial roles in Australia’s strong performance.
At the end of the day’s play, Mohammad Rizwan was unbeaten on 29, while Aamer Jamal was not out on two. Pat Cummins claimed important wickets, including Abdullah Shafique (62) and Babar Azam (one), as well as Agha Salman (five). Lyon contributed by dismissing Imam-ul-Haq (10) and Shan Masood (54), while Josh Hazlewood bowled Saud Shakeel for nine.
Pakistan had a challenging morning session, taking seven wickets and restricting Australia to 318 runs. Aamer Jamal led Pakistan’s bowling attack, finishing with figures of 3-64. Australia had resumed at 187-3, with Marnus Labuschagne top-scoring with 63.
In response, Pakistani openers Haq and Shafique made a positive start, surviving numerous appeals. Lyon, who recently achieved his 500th wicket in the first Test, earned a breakthrough when Haq edged to Labuschagne at slip. Despite a spirited effort from Shafique and Masood, Cummins and Lyon’s interventions disrupted their partnership.
Cummins showcased sharp reflexes with a caught-and-bowled dismissal of Shafique, and he later dismissed Azam. Lyon claimed his second wicket as Masood miscued, with Mitchell Marsh taking a challenging catch. Hazlewood then dismissed Shakeel before Cummins returned to remove Salman, leaving Pakistan in a challenging position.
Labuschagne had been solid on day one, scoring an overnight 44 off 120 balls, but he eventually fell to Jamal. Australia’s middle order faced challenges, with Head falling for 17, and despite Labuschagne’s fifty, the lower order struggled against Pakistan’s bowlers.
Australia won the first Test in the three-match series in Perth by a convincing margin of 360 runs. The second Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground showcased Australia’s dominance, putting them in a favorable position heading into the remaining sessions.
