Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon steered Australia into a formidable position on the second day of the second Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, leaving Pakistan struggling at 194-6 and trailing by 124 runs.
At stumps, Mohammad Rizwan stood at 29, with Aamer Jamal not out at two.
Cummins played a pivotal role by claiming crucial wickets, including Abdullah Shafique (62), Babar Azam (one), and Agha Salman (five).
Lyon complemented the attack by dismissing Imamul Haq (10) and Shan Masood (54), while Josh Hazlewood bowled Saud Shakeel for nine.
Pakistan’s aspirations for a historic Test win in Australia, not achieved since 1995, began fading as they faced the relentless Australian bowling attack.
The visitors had a promising start, claiming seven wickets in the morning session and restricting Australia to 318 after they had resumed on 187-3.
Aamer Jamal emerged as a standout performer for Pakistan with figures of 3-64. Australia’s batting display featured Marnus Labuschagne as the top-scorer with 63.
Openers Haq and Shafique showcased resilience early in their innings, surviving a barrage of appeals. Lyon, fresh from reaching his 500th wicket milestone in the first Test in Perth, eventually found success as Haq edged to Labuschagne at slip.
After tea, Pakistan accelerated their run rate, with Masood hitting Lyon for six, and Shafique reaching his first Test 50 in Australia. However, Cummins’ sharp reflexes ended Shafique’s innings with a brilliant caught-and-bowled effort.
Cummins continued his dominance, dismissing Azam, while Lyon claimed his second wicket as Masood miscued a shot, and Mitchell Marsh secured a challenging catch with the sun in his eyes. Hazlewood removed Shakeel before Cummins returned to send Salman back, caught by wicketkeeper Alex Carey.
Earlier in the day, Labuschagne and Travis Head provided a solid partnership for Australia, but Aamer Jamal’s crucial breakthroughs, including Labuschagne’s wicket, gave Pakistan a glimmer of hope. However, the tailenders could not capitalize on the momentum, and Australia’s total was limited to 318.
Having won the first Test in Perth by 360 runs, Australia is now in a commanding position in the ongoing three-match series against Pakistan.
