Day 2 of the Boxing Day Test dawned with the promise of cricket at its most enthralling, and the players on both sides did not disappoint. As the shadows lengthened at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, it was the Australian cricket team, under the keen leadership of Pat Cummins, that finished the day riding high, leaving Pakistan reeling with 7 wickets down for 194 runs.
Following an opening day marred by rain, Australia resumed batting at 187 runs, managing to add a valuable 131 runs before Pakistan made their presence felt by claiming wickets and announcing a temporary comeback. The initial Pakistani resurgence, however, rapidly succumbed to an Australian onslaught in the game’s third session, which saw Pakistan’s promising start decline to a precarious position by the close of play.
In Pakistan’s innings, Abdullah Shafique and Shan Masood emerged as twin pillars of strength, each notching half-centuries in defiance of Australia’s formidable bowling arsenal. The partnership delivered a sense of stability following the early loss of Imam-ul-Haq, putting together an impressive 90-run stand that hinted at a Pakistani fightback.
The turning point arrived when Pakistan were in the driver’s seat at 124/1, appearing set to mount a serious challenge to Australia’s total. However, their hopes began to unravel amidst a showcase of skilled bowling by the hosts. Australian captain Cummins led the charge, executing a sensational caught and bowled to dismiss Shafique, before sending Babar Azam’s stumps flying with a delivery that would make any highlight reel.
Nathan Lyon joined the fray, fooling Masood into a misjudged attack that ended up in Australian hands, while Josh Hazlewood bowled Saud Shakeel with a delivery that was nothing short of sublime. Cummins struck once more, dismantling Agha Salman’s wicket and leaving Pakistan at six wickets down for 170, reeling from the intensity of Australia’s pace attack.
With the departure of the seventh wicket, Pakistan found themselves at a crossroads. Mohammad Rizwan rose to the occasion, unleashing an aggressive counterattack, while his partner, Aamer Jamal, exhibited resilience in sticking to one end. Their efforts nudged the team to close the day at 194 for 7, with a deficit of 124 runs.
Pakistan now faces the uphill battle of not just closing in on Australia’s lead but also ensuring they present a competitive total to defend against the Aussies’ robust batting lineup.
Day 1 set the scene for this battle of wits, with Australia putting up a total of 187/3 across 66 overs, only to watch Pakistan dismiss their remaining batsmen in the subsequent day’s first session. Despite the quickened pace of scoring from the home side, it was the swings in fortune that defined the day’s play.
As the teams look to the days ahead, the balance, though tipping in Australia’s favor, remains delicate. Pakistan still harbors the talent with the bat to make a comeback, and their bowling, at its peak, has proven capable of cutting through batting orders.
Yet, at this midway point in the match, it’s Australia, with the dual advantages of runs on the board and a dominant display of seam bowling, who appear to have the edge.
As the players leave the MCG field, with the stands abuzz and the floodlights dimming, cricket enthusiasts are buzzing with anticipation. The match could swing either way, and the third day’s play will be crucial in determining whether Pakistan can overcome the odds or if Australia will continue to tighten their grip on the heralded Boxing Day Test.
