Australia take control of second Test as Pakistan flounder
Australia seized control of the second Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, asserting dominance over Pakistan, who found themselves struggling at 194-6, trailing by 124 runs at the close of day two.
The Australian duo of Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon played pivotal roles, with Cummins dismissing key batsmen Abdullah Shafique and Babar Azam, while Lyon accounted for Imam-ul-Haq and Shan Masood. Despite Pakistan’s spirited effort, the dream of securing their first Test win in Australia since 1995 faded as Australia’s bowlers exploited seam and swing conditions.
Earlier in the day, Pakistan had displayed resilience by claiming seven wickets in the morning session, restricting Australia to 318 after resuming at 187-3. Aamer Jamal spearheaded Pakistan’s bowling attack, finishing with figures of 3-64.
However, Australia’s Marnus Labuschagne stood firm, top-scoring with 63, setting the stage for Cummins and Lyon to shift the momentum back in favor of the hosts. The visitors faced an uphill battle as their batting order struggled against the precision of Australia’s bowlers.
Australia’s comprehensive performance in the second Test follows their convincing victory in the opening match of the three-game series in Perth, where they triumphed by 360 runs. With a firm grip on the current Test, Australia aims to maintain their winning momentum, while Pakistan faces an uphill task to mount a comeback and avoid conceding the series to the hosts.
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