Australia v Pakistan day 2: Pat Cummins lands crucial blows to turn Boxing Day Test
Pat Cummins has bowled Australia into a commanding position after day two of the Boxing Day Test, and has backed two of his teammates to rediscover their ability to do so with the bat. RECAP DAY TWO HERE.
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Pat Cummins’ “dream ball” stymied Pakistan’s resistance but the Australian skipper is on alert as a sloppy over rate threatens to cost his side valuable World Test Championship points.
The tourists fought valiantly and were threatening to challenge for a first innings lead before the skipper intervened, opening the door for his teammates to prey on a vulnerable Pakistan middle order on Wednesday afternoon at the MCG.
Bowled out for 318 after losing seven wickets on an extended morning session of day two, the Aussies had Pakistan 6-194 at stumps, still trailing by 124 after the tourists lost 5-46.
Mohammad Rizwan was not out 29, with Aamir Jamal on two.
Opener Abdullah Shafique and captain Shan Masood provided punchy resistance, taking their side to 1-124 during the final session, leaving Pakistan well-placed to take bragging rights from day two of the second Test.
But just as he has done at so many crucial junctures during his captaincy, Cummins stepped up to wrest momentum back in Australia’s direction.
The crucial breakthrough came as Shafique (62) nudged a length ball back to the skipper who snaffled a tough return chance.
Within a couple of overs Cummins had struck again, getting one to nip back from outside off and dismiss dangerman Babar Azam for one.
“Yeah it’s a dream ball. It’s what you try and bowl most balls, but it’s rare that it comes off, so really happy with that one,” Cummins said of the delivery which Fox Cricket commentator and Aussie great Mike Hussey labelled “almost unplayable.”
With that scalp, the floodgates had opened. Nathan Lyon, who had already removed opener Imam-ul-Haq, ended Shan’s counterattack as the Pakistan skipper miscued to point on 54.
Josh Hazlewood bowled Saud Shakeel for nine, while Cummins drew the egde of Salman Ali Agha to remove the all-rounder for five.
The Aussies will however need to get a move on given how slowly they sent down their overs.
It was in this Test three years ago that Australia was docked the points that ultimately cost Tim Paine’s team a spot in the WTC final, and the Aussies are already down 10 points in the current WTC standings owing to tardiness during the Ashes, not to mention there are potential financial sanctions in play too.
“You keep an eye on it. I think we got about three or four minutes back, we were 13 minutes down at one stage, I think we’re nine or 10 now. Keep half an eye on it, and if it starts getting tight start trying to make sure you can rein it in, always try and not waste too much time, if we can,” Cummins said.
Australia had started the day at 3-187 yet while Marnus Labuschagne crept to 63 and Mitchell Marsh bludgeoned his way to 41, there was little to write home about overall for the hosts.
Pakistan shared the wickets around, with Jamal the pick of the bowlers with 3-64. Alex Carey’s miserable back half of the year continued when he knicked Shaheen Shah Afridi to be brilliantly caught by Rizwan diving to his right.
It was a mixed bag behind the stumps for the recalled Rizwan, who conceded 20 byes among the whopping 52 extras in Australia’s first innings.
Marsh’s dramatic surge in popularity was emphasised late in the day when fans in the outer chanted “We love Bison,” five years after he was booed when entering the attack in the Boxing Day Test.
“That was awesome. He actually said that as he was walking off, he’s like ‘geez it feels a long way away from a few years ago when I was getting a different reception,’” Cummins said.
“He should be getting the receptions that he’s starting to get now, he’s a champion and as you can see he’s always up for a good time, having a laugh with the fans as well.”
CUMMINS BACKS STIFLED STARS TO REDISCOVER BEST
- Ed Bourke
Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne’s marked drop-off in Test batting form in 2023 does not concern captain Pat Cummins, who has backed both to return to their dominant best.
The pair sat at one and two in the ICC’s Test batting rankings as recently as June but have fallen away significantly over the calendar year with only four centuries between them in 45 innings.
Smith, who fell for 26 to a faint outside edge on the opening day at the MCG, has made 879 runs at 41.85, while Labuschagne has posted 799 runs at 36.31 after he was dismissed by Aamer Jamal for 63 on Wednesday.
Their decline from the heights of averaging more than 60 in Tests does not worry Cummins, who said Labuschagne’s half-century was worth “100-odd” in difficult conditions as Australia posted a first innings score of 318.
The skipper said he “wouldn’t be surprised” if both were able to again reach their ceilings in the longer format, adding Australian pitches were not as flat as they were in 2019 when Smith averaged 75, and Labuschagne 65.
“I mean, when they were averaging 60 each year, you thought, ‘Oh, well that’s going to be an outlier’, and four or five years later, we’re all kind of in awe that they’ve kept up that standard,” Cummins said.
“The batters, it wasn’t long ago we had one, two, three-ranked in the world and they were right up there.
“So I wouldn’t be surprised if they start averaging 60 or 70, but we’ve toured India this year, some of the wickets in Australia haven’t been like they were five or six years ago either.
“You see the hours they put in in the nets, they’re still hitting it as well as they ever have, so I wouldn’t be surprised if they start churning out hundreds all the time.”
Cummins said he was pleased by Australia’s first innings batting performance despite a collapse of 6-68 in the first session on day two.
“It was really tough, even the outfield is not very quick here, so 300 is probably worth at least 400,” he said.
“(Labuschagne’s) 60 or 70 was probably worth 100-odd in the context of the game.
“I’m happy with our batting performance, and to have them six (wickets) down overnight, still a fair way behind, puts us in a good position I think.”
Cummins said he expected the MCG pitch to become more batter-friendly as the match wore on, and wanted a fast start on Thursday from his bowlers.
“I think the wicket is going to get better and better … we’ve got to start well.”
DAY 2 LIVE
with Tim Michell
STUMPS: PAKISTAN 6-194, TRAILS BY 124
A burst of 5-46 inspired by captain Pat Cummins has lifted Australia into a commanding position after the second day of the Boxing Day Test.
Pakistan had dominated most of the second day at the MCG and had reached 1-124 with Abdullah Shafique and Shan Masood in control.
But a brilliant caught-and-bowled by Cummins changed the course of the afternoon as Pakistan’s middle-order fell apart in a chaotic 78-ball stretch.
When Cummins had Salman Ali Agha out caught behind, Pakistan slumped to 6-170 and had squandered much of its hard work.
Mohammad Rizwan (29) and Aamir Jamal (2) survived a tricky period before stumps, ensuring no further damage was done.
They will resume tomorrow morning with an enormous job to keep their team in the Test.
5.27PM: WICKET! SALMAN EDGES BEHIND
The last of Pakistan’s recognised batters is gone.
Salman tries to drive Aussie skipper Pat Cummins but only gets an edge through to Alex Carey.
“That’s a nothing shot,” says Mark Waugh.
Wasim Akram adds: “Pakistan in trouble”.
5.13PM: WICKET! SHAKEEL CASTLED
What a delivery that is by Josh Hazlewood.
Saud Shakeel is out for under 20 runs for the first time in his Test career after being deceived by a beauty from Josh Hazlewood.
Hazlewood was subtly taking the ball away from Shakeel, then slid a bit wider on the crease and angled one in which was two quick for the Pakistan batter.
“You could sort of feel that wicket coming on,” says Mark Waugh.
Pakistan is in a world of pain now.
Who would have thought we'd be saying that an hour ago?
5PM: WICKET! LYON BEATS MASOOD
Shan Masood went after Nathan Lyon one too many times and has paid the price.
The Pakistan captain took a couple of steps down the track but was beaten in flight and could only manage a leading edge which ballooned to Mitch Marsh.
It was a harder catch than it appeared as Marsh had to look straight into the sun at point.
Pakistan has lost 3-23 and Australia suddenly has a firm grip on this match.
Rizwan joins Shakeel in the middle.
4.42PM: SHAN MASOOD FIFTY
It got overshadowed by that flurry of Pat Cummins wickets but Shan Masood has gone passed 50.
It’ll be interesting to see how the Pakistan captain approaches the next hour or so after taking a controlled but aggressive approach so far.
Does he rein it in after losing Abdullah and Babar?
4.33PM: WICKET! CUMMINS DELIVERS AGAIN
Babar Azam’s poor start to the tour continues as Pat Cummins continues to single-handedly change this game.
Australia was in a dangerous position only 15 minutes ago but now all the pressure is on Pakistan.
Babar only managed 1 from 7 balls after being beaten by a ball which seamed through the gap left by Pakistan’s talisman.
“That's the thing about Test cricket. It can all change so quickly,” says Mike Hussey on Fox Cricket.
Hussey later adds: “It’s almost unplayable.”
4.23PM: CUMMINS BRILLIANCE GETS BREAKTHROUGH
Abdullah Shafique is on his way for 62 after a superb return catch from Pat Cummins.
Just as the situation was getting dangerous for Australia on day at 1-124, Cummins removed the opener after he bunted a ball back down the wicket.
“Nothing much that Pat can’t do,” says Adam Gilchrist on Fox Cricket.
Channel 7’s timer reveals Cummins had 0.62 secs to react and take the catch. Wow.
Brilliant from Cummins! #AUSvPAKpic.twitter.com/0gc6y2yXcV
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 27, 2023
4.20PM: WHY WARNER REPLACEMENT COULD BE KNOWN WITHIN DAYS
Joe Barton
Cricket fans might only need to wait a handful of days before learning of who will be David Warner’s replacement at the top of the order.
Warner will retire after the Sydney Test, as flagged during the Ashes earlier this year, but who will step into his shoes as Usman Khawaja’s opening partner is yet to be revealed.
Warner himself nominated Marcus Harris as his preferred option, while fellow fringe Test stars Cameron Bancroft and Matt Renshaw are also in the mix – and selectors could yet opt to move one of Cameron Green or Mitchell Marsh up the order as a temporary measure.
But former Australia coach Darren Lehmann believes selectors will give an insight when they name the squad for the final Test of the Pakistan series, in Sydney next week.
That squad will be named upon the conclusion of the Boxing Day Test, and Lehmann believes selectors would be eager to bring Warner’s replacement into the team environment as soon as possible.
“You’d think they’d like that person around the group for transition as well, so you’d think that person – whoever it may be – would come into the fold for that next Test match and be around the group,” Lehmann told RSN Radio.
Lehmann suggested recent form would be the biggest factor, which could play into the hands of Bancroft – who has dominated Shield cricket the past two summers, with 945 runs last year and 512 in the current season.
“I think they’ll go performance, current form,” he added.
“They may go Harris because he’s been the incumbent in waiting, but if you look at Bancroft he’s had a magnificent two years in Shield cricket.
“If you get 750 (runs in Shield cricket) you’ve had a great year. The wickets are doing a lot and he’s managed to make runs the past two years – on form he’d be ahead of the game. Then Renshaw has played well as well.”
3.55PM: ABDULLAH SHAFIQUE HALF-CENTURY
Pakistan is playing with real intent in this session and has reached 1-97.
Abdullah Shafique goes to fifty with by punching Mitchell Starc through point for a boundary.
There has been a noticeable shift in the tempo of Abdullah’s innings since Shan Masood came to the crease.
3.45PM: LEGEND SLAMS ‘EASY OPTION’ TAKEN BY RAUF
An Australian cricket legend has accused Pakistan quick Haris Rauf of taking “the easy option” by opting out of the Test series to play in the Big Bash League.
Rauf chose to play for the Melbourne Stars instead of being part of Pakistan’s touring party for the current Test series, a decision which was slammed by PCB bosses.
Mark Waugh said Rauf should be bowling at the MCG for Pakistan, instead of the Stars.
“Great for the Big Bash but not for Test match cricket. He should be playing in the Test match. He’s a Test match bowler,” Waugh said on Fox Cricket.
“I think he’s taken the easy option. Four overs a game. He should be out here bowling on this pitch. Imagine him on this pitch. He’d bowl well.
“It’s really important to the West Indies too. They have lost a lot of players to IPL over the years. We have got to get the balance right. It’s not an easy balance.
“I don’t have the answer. But Rauf should be playing here.”
TEA — PAKISTAN 1-68, TRAILS BY 250
Another encouraging session for Pakistan, which lost Imam ul-Haq but has made steady progress toward Australia’s first innings total of 318.
Skipper Shan Masood is 15 not out and Abdullah Shaffique is 39 not out at the break.
Nathan Lyon has the wicket for Australia.
You get the sense the third session of day two is likely to be decisive.
If Australia can make inroads into Pakistan’s middle-order, it will take a stranglehold of the Test.
But the longer Shan and Abdullah stay at the crease, Pakistan will start to fancy its chances of taking a first innings lead.
Earlier, Victorian coach and former Aussie opener Chris Rogers told SEN he thought Australia’s total was strong.
“I think that 318 is probably worth closer to 400 out here,” Rogers said.
3.05PM: CA BACKS TRADITION AMID PUSH FOR LATER BOXING DAY START
Joe Barton
Cricket Australia boss Nick Hockley has rebuffed the latest push from sports broadcaster Gerard Whateley for a later start to the Boxing Day Test – advocating for the tradition of the occasion.
Whateley has been a leading voice in the push for the first ball to be pushed back from its traditional 10.30am start – suggesting a midday start would be superior, and allow for play to go through until 7pm, as it did on Tuesday due to rain delays.
But Hockley remains unconvinced, pointing to a jam-packed cricket schedule which included two Big Bash matches which were played after the full day of Test cricket.
“The great thing is we got to play through until 7pm last night (after the rain),” Hockley said.
“Even for those who had a bit of a lie in, I’m really thrilled that – credit to the ground staff – people got back on.
“That’s something you’ll keep advocating for but traditional is a wonderful thing.
“You had two wonderful Big Bash matches to watch later on.”
2.55PM: WAUGH — CURRAN BBL BAN ‘A BIT STEEP’
Former Australian batter Mark Waugh says the four-match ban handed to Sydney Sixers all-rounder Tom Curran for umpire intimidation was “a bit steep”.
Curran’s four-match penalty was upheld on appeal and the Englishman is not due to return until January 3.
Waugh said a two-match ban would have been more fitting.
“Well it was silly. Very silly actually. I’m not sure he needed to do it. Four-game ban? You want your marquee players playing as many games as they can in a shortened season,” he said on Fox Cricket.
“I’d give him two actually...and put him on a warning. Four I think is maybe a bit steep. I don’t condone this in any way, shape or form but I’m going two games.”
2.32PM: WICKET! LYON GETS IMAM
Nathan Lyon has his 502nd Test wicket, bringing Imam ul-Haq forward and inducing an edge from the Pakistan opener which carries to Marnus Labuschagne at second slip.
Pakistan is 1-34 after a slow but steady approach to its first 15 overs.
The wicket fell just after Mitchell Starc issued a 15-20 minute warning to Pakistan’s batters.
Speaking on Fox Cricket, Starc said: “Yeah we’re going all right...a lot of plays and misses. We have just got to stay a bit patient.
“There’s certainly enough in the wicket to create chances at the minute.
“I think maybe 15-20 more minutes, once the roller wears off, we might see a little bit more movement...there’s certainly enough there at the minute. Obviously a bit breezy, so there’s a bit of swing.”
He also added the “scoreboard is going nowhere.”
1.55PM: PLAYERS ‘READY’ FOR CHRISTMAS DAY BBL
Ed Bourke
A two-time BBL champion says the league is ready to play on Christmas Day and is “shocked” the BBL retreated from the Christmas Eve timeslot this season after a four-year experiment.
Sydney Sixers batter Jordan Silk warned Cricket Australia not to miss the boat as “more and more codes” schedule games on Christmas Day to fill a longtime vacancy in the national sporting landscape.
The NBL has held three games on December 25 over the last two years, with its fixtures poised to become an annual tradition, but the BBL has strayed further from a Christmas fixture, with an annual Christmas Eve clash in Hobart removed from the schedule this season.
Silk, who has spent his entire 10-year BBL career at the Sixers, questioned why the game had been removed after four years in that slot.
“I was shocked that there was no game on Christmas Eve,” he told SEN Breakfast.
“In terms of Christmas Day, I think we are ready for it. The BBL … you are always looking for something to watch that afternoon.
“After you’re done playing backyard cricket, you want to put your feet up and have a beer.
“Something to watch would be great and it’d be a nice lead in to the Boxing Day Test.”
1.36PM: EX-SELECTOR QUESTIONS WARNER’S PUBLIC HARRIS VOTE
Former Australian selector Jamie Cox has questioned David Warner’s public vote of confidence for Marcus Harris to be his Test successor.
After play on day one, Warner told reporters: “It is a tough one (and) it is obviously up to the selectors,” he said.
“But from my position, I feel like the person who has worked their backside off and has been there for a while in the background (is Harris). Harry’s been that person who has toured (and) he scored that 100 the other day and missed out in another couple of games but he’s always been the person who’s next in line.
“So if the selectors show their faith in him, then I’m sure he’ll come out and play the way he does. You know, he’s not too dissimilar to me.”
Cox tweeted on Wednesday: “Well bugger me – another modern first! I have never heard of a current player anointing their successor. What’s wrong with ‘that’s a question for George Bailey not me’? I need a lie down…!”
️
12.39PM: WICKET! AUSTRALIA ALL OUT FOR 318
Pakistan has held on to another great catch in the outfield.
Hasan Ali finishes with 2-61 and his pace partner Mir Hamza has snared another brilliant catch at fine leg.
Australia is all out for 318 and with that wicket, we'll have lunch.
Don’t forget to drop Crash Craddock a question in our live Q&A above.
12.29PM: WICKET! CUMMINS HOLES OUT
Pat Cummins is gone chasing quick runs, caught at deep backward square leg by Mir Hamza off the bowling of Aamir Jamal.
“That’s as good an outfield catch as you’ll see,” Adam Gilchrist tells Fox Cricket.
Josh Hazlewood strides to the crease and Australia is 9-308.
That means we’ll have an extended opening session which could end up being three hours after the 10am start.
12.23: RAISE THE BAT...EXTRAS
Pakistan has now given Australia more than 50 runs in extras. Jamal in particular has been wayward in this session and Rizwan is a bit unlucky to have 20 byes credited to his name. Earlier, Mike Hussey told Fox Cricket: “47 is way too many extras at this level.”
Hussey says Pakistan’s extras count “could prove crucial” in the outcome of the Test, while Adam Gilchrist called the ill-discipline a “waste”.
“You just know the Australian bowlers aren’t going to give anything like those numbers,” adds Hussey.
“The pressure is going to be on the Pakistan batsmen when they come out to play.”
A half-century with a difference. 🤔 ðŸ pic.twitter.com/6aA7liPXh8
— Telegraph Sport (@telegraph_sport) December 27, 2023
Pakistan has conceded 20 byes in this innings, the most by a touring Test side on Australian soil in 111 years.#AUSvPAK
— Nic Savage (@nic_savage1) December 27, 2023
12.02PM: WICKET! MARSH GONE FOR 41
Australia is in danger of being bowled out for less than 300 as Pakistan’s spirited fightback continues.
Some inventive captaincy from Shan Masood paid off as Mir Hamza extracted a loose shot from the Aussie No.6.
Marsh was on the attack but only succeeded in bunting the ball to Aamir Jamal at a deeper backward point.
Australia is 8-286.
“This session today has just kept things alive,” says Adam Gilchrist on Fox Cricket.
12PM: THE ‘LORDS CURSE’ CAREY CAN’T SHAKE
Joe Barton
The Lord’s Curse is real – and it is continuing to wreak havoc on Alex Carey’s Test career.
The wicketkeeper suffered another cheap dismissal on Wednesday, well-caught down the legside for 4 as Australia’s first innings lurched along on a difficult batting wicket.
It was simply the latest in a run of outs that has led to Carey’s average plummeting towards 30 for the first time the very early stages of his career.
And the turning point looks undeniable – with the South Australian’s form with the bat falling off a cliff since the infamous Jonny Bairstow stumping at Lord’s.
At that point, Carey’s average was a very respectable 34.51 across 31 innings, with five 50s and a century against South Africa to his name.
But in the eight Test innings since the Lord’s Test, Carey has a high score of just 34 at an average of 15.57, which has led to his career average dropping to 30.61.
11.42AM: STARC REACHES 2000 TEST RUNS, THEN FALLS
Mitchell Starc has become the third Aussie in Test history to complete the 2000 runs-300 wickets double.
But minutes after getting a round of applause from the MCG, Starc is out for 9 poking at a delivery from Mir Hamza.
Australia is 7-275 and Pat Cummins joins Mitch Marsh.
Full list of Australians with 2000+ runs and 300+ wickets in Tests:
— Nic Savage (@nic_savage1) December 27, 2023
Shane Warne
Mitchell Johnson
MITCHELL STARC#AUSvPAK
11.40AM: ‘SAD’: THE ‘FLAT OUT WRONG’ CALL THAT SPLIT CRICKET
Joe Barton
Out, or not? It is the controversial decision which split Australian cricket on Tuesday night.
And you either thought Sydney Sixers captain Moises Henriques took a spectacular catch to remove Melbourne Stars batsman Tom Rogers – or that the third umpire had made a catastrophic error.
Henriques leapt high and cleanly snaffled the ball with an outstretched arm, but in returning to the turf the ball – while in his grasp – appeared to come into contact with the ground.
It was a scenario not dissimilar to that in the Ashes when Mitchell Starc appeared to calmly take a fine outfield catch to remove England’s Ben Duckett – only to have the batsman given a life.
CATCH is the call!
— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) December 26, 2023
Moises Henriques with an unbelievable fielding effort to dismiss Tom Rogers. Out? #BBL13pic.twitter.com/7s4zb2Vd5m
Third umpire Claire Polosak gave Rogers out on Tuesday night, ruling she’d insufficient evidence to overturn the on-field decision, but that enraged some sections of Australia’s former cricketers.
“Wrong decision by third umpire,” wrote former Test spinner Bryce McGain.
“Flat out wrong. #bbl have to get this stuff right for competition integrity.
“Could cost a team’s season, a players job / role in team. Great attempt (Moises Henriques). Always has to be “butter side up” – this landed butter side down.”
Former Victorian keeper Darren Berry was equally miffed.
“(Oh my god). Another mistake 3rd umpire sadly not understanding the rules,” he wrote.
“Great catch but as the law stands that is Not Out. Sad when the paid officials don’t know the rules.”
11.25AM: WICKET! RIZWAN TAKES A SCREAMER
Mohammad Rizwan has pulled off an incredible catch to get rid of Alex Carey for 4.
Carey attempts a drive but Shaheen catches the inside edge and Rizwan flies low to his right to reel in a brilliant catch.
“That is as tough a catch as you will have off a quick bowler,” says Adam Gilchrist on Fox Cricket.
Australia is 6-260.
Stunning catch at the MCG. 👇 pic.twitter.com/QtZXyVc1Bp
— Telegraph Sport (@telegraph_sport) December 27, 2023
11.06AM: WICKET! LABUSCHAGNE CAUGHT
Aamir Jamal has his tail up this morning and gets his reward as Labuschagne nicks to Babar Azam in the slips.
The Aussies are 5-250 and the new ball is about to be due.
Dangerous period coming up for Mitch Marsh who will want to survive but can’t bat too well for fear of people continuing to suggest he should be David Warner’s replacement.
Marnus will be kicking himself as grinding his way to 63 from 155 balls — there was a hundred there for the taking today.
But to Pakistan’s credit, they have bowled very well since the start of the second session yesterday.
10.37PM: MARSH SURVIVES ON DRS … AGAIN!
Joel Wilson has given Mitch Marsh out the very next ball, Marsh again reviews and again the result is not out on review.
It looked like he was given caught behind but the ball clearly smashed into Marsh’s thigh pad which is where the noise came from.
Oh Joel.
“Joel Wilson having a shocker in my opinion,” says Wasim Akram on Fox Cricket.
10.36PM: MARSH SURVIVES ON DRS
Pakistan thought it had another huge blow with umpire Joel Wilson adjudging Mitch Marsh lbw.
Marsh sent a speculative review upstairs and replays indicated a huge inside edge.
It was going on to hit the stumps, so it’s a break for Marsh and the Aussies that he managed to get an edge on that one.
Pakistan players appear to be overheard on stump microphone saying “that’s not fair”.
“It’s not fair decision, (that’s what) I’ve heard,” says Wakim Akram in commentary.
On Channel 7, former Test umpire Simon Taufel says: “A really tough decision for Joel Wilson. A thin inside edge, a clear mark, a clear spot on hotspot, so that is conclusive. Occasionally, we don’t see a mark on hotspot, which is why we have the redundancy built into the protocols.
“So there are some very unique reasons why marks do not show up on the bat which is why we have the safety net provision of RTS available to the third umpire as well.”
10.18AM: WICKET! PAKISTAN STRIKE EARLY
Before most spectators have had a chance to take their seats, Pakistan has a wicket.
Shaheen Shah Afridi removes Travis Head for 17, caught by Salman, and Australia is 4-204.
Just in case you were in any doubt about the change in sentiment for Mitch Marsh, he gets a warm hand from the supporters who made their way to the MCG for the early start.
Remembering, it wasn’t that long ago the Melbourne crowd booed him.
“There is still enough there. You have to stay patient as a bowling group,” Ricky Ponting tells Channel 7.
“We talk about patience with batting all the time, but it’s equally important for the bowlers. Stay patient, try and build pressure, keep yourself in the game.
“If you go searching for wickets and you bowl a couple of bad balls an over, that’s all the best batsmen are looking for, looking for one little error ball an over that they can jump all over. That’s exactly what Travis Head does, if he gets the ball in the right area he’s a chance to get a catch behind the wicket.”
Great catch Salman!
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 26, 2023
Early wicket for Pakistan on day two #AUSvPAKpic.twitter.com/dLDD5u0CCj
10.05AM: PLAY STARTS EARLY, MARNUS LOOKS TO CASH IN
After a lean return in the Perth Test – with scores of 16 and 2 – Marnus Labuschagne is looking to finish 2023 in the right fashion.
He grinded his way to stumps last night, resuming this morning on 44, and will be hoping for a pay-off in the form of just his second century of the year today.
Labuschagne notched a ton in a match-saving effort against England in the drawn Test in Manchester, but outside of that has failed to reach three figures since reaching the mark against the West Indies in Adelaide last year.
9.45AM: HUSSEY TIPS TOUGH DAY FOR BATSMEN
Mike Hussey has tipped a tough day for the batters in Melbourne on a pitch which should have more pace than day one.
Australia will resume on 3-187, with Marnus Labuschagne on 44 and Travis Head on 9 – and Hussey expects another hard slog with the bat after a day in which the hosts crawled along at under 3 runs an over.
“Expecting some more movement today,” Hussey said on Fox Cricket.
“There’s also a couple of little cracks opening up and that caused a little bit of variable bounce.
“Expect this pitch to quicken up a little bit today, so plenty of movement for the bowlers. The batsmen are going to have to work hard for their runs.”
9AM: PAKISTAN STARS EMBROILED IN FRESH SELECTION DRAMA
Melbourne Stars are increasingly resigned to losing Pakistani pair Haris Rauf and Usama Mir in a couple of days despite a bid to extend their stay in Australia until the new year.
Paceman Rauf and leg-spinner Mir are both with the struggling Big Bash League club but have only been granted no objection certificates (NOC)s from the Pakistan Cricket Board until December 28.
The Stars have applied to the PCB for the NOCs to be stretched until the first couple of days of January, which would allow the pair to feature in the Stars’ New Year’s Eve game against the Adelaide Strikers and derby against the Melbourne Renegades on January 2.
Mir and Rauf have both been included in Pakistan’s white-ball tour of New Zealand, which begins with a Twenty20 international in Auckland on January 12.
But the Stars are yet to be given the green light for an extension, meaning Rauf and Mir are likely to depart after the game against Hobart on Thursday night.
Club versus country tension is an evolving issue in cricket, with Aussie great Mike Hussey – who is involved with the Indian Premier League’s Chennai Super Kings – saying on Tuesday that he hoped international cricket retained its primacy.
“I hope we don’t go down the different model where it’s you play for your franchise or your different league team around the world and then every now and then come back and play for your country,” Hussey said.
“I love cricket being different in that we play for our country and that’s the pinnacle at the moment and then around that you can go and play in these leagues around the world. So I hope it remains that way. I don’t know if it will but that’s certainly my hope.”
Rauf’s involvement in the BBL this season had been controversial given he turned down the chance to play for Pakistan in the current Test series against Australia to play for the Stars instead.
Chief selector Wahab Riaz criticised Rauf’s decision last month.
“We spoke to Haris Rauf for this tour,” Wahab said.
“When we spoke to him two days ago, he gave his consent to play Test cricket for Pakistan. But last night he changed his mind, and now he doesn’t want to be part of this Test series. I’m revealing this because we should be honest with officials, teammates, and the public. We spoke to Haris and he was worried about his body and fitness, as well as his workload. Mohammad Hafeez and I sat with him and tried to facilitate him in every way. We told him even if he didn’t perform well there, we would accept it.
“Our physio spoke to him and said he wouldn’t expect any issue or injury. Of course there’s fatigue, but we were sure we could have managed that very well. But he pulled out at the last moment and he made himself unavailable. I think this will hurt Pakistan cricket.”
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