The first Test between Australia and Pakistan saw both sides put in good performances on Day 1 of the clash. Both sides took centre stage at the Optus Stadium in Perth from December 14. Winning the toss, Australia elected to bat first, and Pakistan had to depend on their debutants to take the majority of the wickets.
Led by Pat Cummins, the Australian batter dominated Pakistan’s bowling attack. However, debutant Aamer Jamal was one bowler who put in brilliant showings and was crucial in Pakistan bowling out the Australian batting attack.
Taking six wickets and conceding 111 runs in the 20.2 overs that he bowled, Jamal registered the sixth-best bowling figures by a Pakistan debutant on his Test debut. Furthermore, he also became the 14th Pakistan cricketer to achieve a five-wicket haul on his Test debut.
Before Jamal, the likes of Arif Butt, Mohammad Nazir, Shahid Nazir, Mohammad Zahid, Shahid Afridi, Mohammad Sami, Shabbir Ahmed, Yasir Arafat, Wahab Riaz, Tanvir Ahmed, Bilal Asif, Nauman Ali, and Abrar Ahmed had taken a five-wicket haul on their Test debut.
Putting in an exceptional showing on his Test debut, Jamal took the wickets of David Warner, Travis Head, Alex Carey, Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, and Nathan Lyon.
Pakistan trail by 355 runs as Day 2 ends
Speaking of the clash, Australia posted a mammoth total of 487 runs on the board in the first innings. David Warner was the highest run-getter, scoring 164 runs in 211 deliveries, with Mitchell Marsh adding 90 runs in 107 deliveries.
As Pakistan came out to bat, the side put in a reasonable showing with the bat in the remaining time of the day. Day 2 of the clash ended with Pakistan having lost two wickets and scoring 132 runs on the board.
Imam-ul-Haq and Khurram Shahzad stood at the crease when the day ended at 38* and 7* runs, respectively. Opener Abdullah Shafique was dismissed after scoring 42 runs in 121 deliveries, with skipper Shan Masood adding 30 runs on the board as well. As Day 3 approaches, the side will be keen on putting in a good batting performance and minimising the lead.