Rain spoiled day 1 of the second test clash between Pakistan and Australia in their three-match series. Despite the rain interruption, Pakistan’s bowlers managed to make their mark, seizing three crucial wickets to counter the solid partnership between David Warner and Usman Khawaja.
Opting to field first after winning the toss in the Boxing Day Test, Pakistan banked on the overcast conditions to favor their potent seam bowling attack, spearheaded by Shaheen Shah Afridi and Mir Hamza.
Left-handed opener David Warner received a lifeline when Abdullah Shafique dropped him at first slip off Shaheen’s delivery in the third over.
Warner and Khawaja forged a strong opening stand, accumulating 90 runs before Salman Ali Agha’s breakthrough dismissed Warner for 38, caught at first slip by Babar Azam just before lunch.
Making his Test comeback since January, Hasan Ali swiftly found his rhythm, claiming the second wicket after lunch as Khawaja departed for 42, caught by Salman in the slips. This reduced Australia to 108-2 in the 34th over.
Marnus Labuschagne and Steven Smith took charge of the crease, steering Australia through the second session while the Pakistan pace attack intensified their pressure, delivering three consecutive maidens. However, rain forced an early tea break, with Australia at 114-2 in 42.4 overs.
Upon resumption, Shaheen struck by trapping Smith LBW, but a successful review by the batsman overturned the decision.
Aamir Jamal eventually broke the resilient partnership between Smith and Labuschagne, dismissing Smith for 26 with a caught-behind delivery. Labuschagne (44 not out) and Travis Head (nine not out) guided Australia to 187-3 by stumps.
As play concluded on day one, Labuschagne was set to face the first ball on day two at the MCG. The action is scheduled to resume at 0430 PKT. Despite the rain disruptions, Pakistan’s bowlers showcased their skills, setting the stage for an intriguing continuation of the Test match.
