Australia will aim to continue their winning momentum
Preview
AUS vs PAK will clash on each other in the 2nd Test of the Pakistan tour of Australia 2023 at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground. Australia presently leads the three-match Test series 1-0, securing a commanding victory by 360 runs in the 1st Test encounter.
In the 1st Test, Australia won the toss and elected to bat, posting a substantial total of 487 runs in their first innings. David Warner’s impressive 164-run innings at the top of the order, well-supported by Mitchell Marsh’s crucial 90 runs, established Australia’s dominance. Aamer Jamal’s six-wicket haul and Khurram Shahzad’s two wickets offered some resistance for Pakistan. Responding to Australia’s formidable total, Pakistan managed 271 runs in their first innings. Imam-ul-Haq’s 62 runs and Abdullah Shafique’s 42 runs showcased glimpses of stability in the top order. However, the Australian bowling attack, spearheaded by Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Starc, and Pat Cummins, managed to restrict Pakistan.
With a significant lead in hand, Australia commenced their second innings, notching 233 runs for the loss of 5 wickets and declared the innings. Despite David Warner’s early dismissal, Usman Khawaja’s resilient 90 runs and Mitchell Marsh’s aggressive 63-run contribution steered Australia forward. Pakistan’s Khurram Shahzad’s three-wicket haul limited Australia’s onslaught. Facing a challenging target in the fourth innings, Pakistan struggled to counter Australia’s bowling might. They succumbed to the pressure and were bundled out for a mere 89 runs. Saud Shakeel’s 24 runs were the only notable contribution as Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc wreaked havoc, each securing three crucial wickets, sealing Australia’s victory by a substantial 360 runs.
Match Information
Australia vs Pakistan, 2nd Test
Pakistan tour of Australia, 25 Dec 2023, Mon, 5:00 AM IST ,Melbourne
Probable PlayingXI
Australia
David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, TM Head, MR Marsh, AT Carey, Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins(C), Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood
Bench: C Green, SM Boland, LR Morris
Pakistan
Abdullah Shafique, IU Haq, Shan Masood(C), Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Agha Salman, Aamer Jamal, Mohammad Rizwan, Hasan Ali, S Afridi, Mir Hamza
Bench: S Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Abrar Ahmed, Saim Ayub, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Wasim, Nauman Ali, Sajid Khan
Injury News
Khurram Shahzad has picked up a stress fracture in his ribs and will be ruled out in this match.
Pitch Report
Captains: 8.5
Mitchell Marsh AUS bowl
Starc’s five-wicket haul in the previous match, showcasing his left-arm pace, was crucial in dismantling the opposition’s batting lineup. His knack for picking wickets consistently adds depth to Australia’s bowling arsenal.
Avoid Player Message: 8.5
Sarfaraz Ahmed: PAK