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Boxing Day Test: Australia v New Zealand, Steve Smith repels boos and short-pitched barrage

Steve Smith copped boos from sections of a huge MCG crowd, then battled the umpires and a hostile Kiwi attack in a return to form | WATCH

Andrew Faulkner and Tom Crystal
17 min read
6:42PMDecember 26, 2019
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Steve Smith hits out on day one. Picture: AAP
Steve Smith hits out on day one. Picture: AAP

Welcome to coverage of Day 1 of the Boxing Day Test between Australia and New Zealand at the MCG. Australia reached 4-257 at stumps after being sent in to bat.

Andrew Faulkner 6.20pm: Smith hits form to deny Kiwis

Of course it was a matter of time before Steve Smith made runs.

And he’s using time – as much as runs – to bat the Black Caps out of a chance get their hands on the Trans-Tasman Trophy for the first time in 27 years.

After a barren stretch – 122 runs at 24.40 since his 80 in the first innings at The Oval – Smith has gone to stumps on a slow and steady 77 (192 balls, eight fours and a six) and with his side 4-257.

Steve Smith avoids a bouncer from New Zealand paceman Neil Wagner. Picture: AFP
Steve Smith avoids a bouncer from New Zealand paceman Neil Wagner. Picture: AFP

He looks set for one of his epic scores, which is bad news for the Kiwis as they need to win both here and in Sydney to reclaim the Trans-Tasman Trophy.

Smith is back in that groove where he just appears to be batting for the fun of it. There’s nothing rushed or forced, he’s just batting.

He’s solved the leg-trap conundrum. Duck the high ones and pull the not-so-high ones with rolled wrists. Simple really, when you think of it.

Travis Head (25 from 56, three fours) has looked flighty at times but authoritative at others, and he has another chance to cement his place in the side tomorrow.

There’s no apparent gremlins in the surface – but there is something there for the seamers -- so at this stage curator Matt Page appears to have done a good job.

Matthew Wade is hit on the helmet on day one. Picture: AFP
Matthew Wade is hit on the helmet on day one. Picture: AFP

One of the day’s biggest developments was the number of Kiwis who boosted the crowd to 80,473 – the second highest for a non-Ashes Boxing Day and the sixth-highest overall on Boxing Day.

Smith exchanges words with umpire Nigel Llong. Picture: AAP
Smith exchanges words with umpire Nigel Llong. Picture: AAP

“Thanks so much to the Australian and New Zealand fans who made history at the MCG today,” CA chief executive Kevin Roberts said.

“The atmosphere was brilliant from ball one and reflective of the great rivalry between our two nations on the field, and the close relationship we have off it.

“We can’t wait to be back at the MCG on March 8 next year, as we seek to eclipse today’s crowd at the final of the ICC T20 World Cup Australia 2020 on International Women’s Day.”

Match blog below — how day one unfolded:

5.59pm: Stumps

Travis Head (25) survives the last over of the day from Tim Southee as Australia reach 4-257. Steve Smith is unbeaten on 77 - his 28th Test half-century.

Andrew Faulkner 5.35pm: Last-ditch effort

The tourists have launched a late foray with the new ball but Smith and Head have been up to the challenge.

As play drifts into overtime, the hosts are 4-237, with Smith 71 and Head 11.

Smith has punched Boult thought mid-off with a cracking report that echoed around the still well-populated stadium.

We have an official crowd — 80,473. That’s the second highest for a non-Ashes Boxing Day Test.

5.15pm: New ball taken

Trent Boult takes the second new ball with Travis Head (6) facing up. New Zealand will feel they’re on top if they can pick up a couple of wickets tonight — providing one of those is Steve Smith (67).

New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson late on day one. Picture: AAP
New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson late on day one. Picture: AAP

Andrew Faulkner 5.05pm: Grand style

De Grandhomme has done it again, drawing Wade into nibbling at a little tempter outside off to give BJ Watling a regulation catch.

Wade’s exit for 38 (78 balls, three fours) keeps the Kiwis very interested indeed with 15 overs remaining today.

Smith (64) has been joined by Head with five overs remaining until the new ball’s due.

De Grandhomme had already beaten Wade outside off and an earlier edge had fallen just short of first slip.

But the bowler kept floating his gentle floaters well wide of the stumps and Wade just couldn’t resist flirting with disaster.

4.55pm: WICKET!

Matthew Wade’s luck runs out, as he’s caught behind for 38 off the bowling of Colin de Grandhomme. A well deserved wicket leaves Australia on 4-216. Fox Cricket commentator Ian Smith reveals that it’s Wade’s sixth edge of the day — the other five yielded 14 runs.

4.50pm: Come in spinner?

At drinks in the final session we have 40 minutes of scheduled play remaining and a minimum of 17 overs to bowl. New Zealand’s hopes haven’t been helped by the form of Mitchell Santner, who’s bowled six ordinary overs for 30 runs. He’s been ineffective in tying up an end, spelling the pacemen or helping the over rate.

Andrew Faulkner 4.40pm: Steady advance

Steve Smith is doing the Kiwis slowly.

Deep in the final session, Smith has edged to 60 from 141 deliveries (six fours and a six).

His obstinate innings has been aided by Wade, who’s 25 (61 deliveries, one four).

The pair’s 50 stand came from 109 balls and Smith’s slow and determined progress was underlined by the runs-share in the stand – 21 each to the batsmen and eight to sundries.

At 3-200, the Australians are focused on being there at stumps as cricket reverts to red-ball tactics – there’ll be no declaration to exploit the conditions tonight.

4.10pm: Pitch battle
Matthew Wade is in a dogfight as he tries to survive a hostile spell from Neil Wagner, who has struck him a blow on the helmet. Wade has 13 from 49, while Smith (56) looks more comfortable against balls directed at the body. Australia are 3-180.

Matthew Wade cops a ball to the helmet from Neil Wagner. Picture: Michael Klein
Matthew Wade cops a ball to the helmet from Neil Wagner. Picture: Michael Klein

Andrew Faulkner 3.42pm: Smith mixes flair, fortune

Steve Smith has opened his last session account with a stroke of profound beauty.

The on-drive to the southern rope was as good a shot as has been played today.

The next was among the worst. But his thick edge to third man brought the same result – four runs.

He next picked off Southee for a single to wide mid-off to bring up his 50 – his first half-century this Test summer and his first since The Oval back in September.

Early in the final session the Australians are 3-165, with Smith 51 and Wade seven.

Neil Wagner slips has he tries to field on his follow-through. Picture: AFP
Neil Wagner slips has he tries to field on his follow-through. Picture: AFP

3.33pm: Final session begins

Tim Southee steams in to Steve Smith with a minimum 35 overs remaining in what has been a compelling day of Test cricket.

Andrew Faulkner 3.20pm: Aussies edge in front

Tea has been taken with the hosts in a solid position.

At 3-155, with Smith 41 and Wade seven, the Australians are looking good but as the adage goes, add two wickets to any score for a reality check on how fortunes can swing.

Smith, of course, is the key wicket, but even if he prospers the Kiwis will be confident of making inroads at the other end.

Wade and Travis Head are yet to nail down their spots in the side, and Paine’s no Adam Gilchrist at No 7.

However, the tail is stronger with Pattinson (Test average 26.73) replacing the injured Josh Hazlewood (12.18).

3.13pm: Tea

A late comeback by the Kiwis has Australia on 3-155 after two sessions, with Steve Smith 41 and Matthew Wade 7.

Andrew Faulkner 3pm: Elbowed aside

Marnus Labuschagne (63 from 149 balls) was disgusted with his misjudged leave that ultimately had him departing the arena.

De Grandhomme made the breakthrough to claw something back for his side after Smith and Labuschagne added 83.

Wade has joined Smith, who’s worked his way to 39 from 89 balls (three fours and a six).

The MCG in all its glory. Picture: AAP
The MCG in all its glory. Picture: AAP

2.55pm: WICKET!

Didn’t the New Zealanders need this one — Marnus Labuschagne bowled via a deflection off his elbow from aColin de Grandhomme delivery that bounced just a little outside off stump. Australia are now 3-144.

2.35pm: Half-century for Labuschagne

The right-hander slashes Colin de Grandhomme between slip and gully for four to bring up a fifth straight Test score above 50.

Andrew Faulkner 2.30pm: 50 stand

The Australians have whacked Santner out of the attack to consolidate their strengthening position.

Labuschagne heaved a Santner half-tracker over the midwicket rope before pulling another for three.

He took 11 runs off the first four balls of the over to bring Smith on strike.

Smith must’ve considered milking Santner; why would he want him out of the attack?

But in the end he couldn’t help himself – so advanced to the last ball of the over to strike a straight six.

The Australian pair took 17 from the over to bring up the 50 stand (55 from 118 deliveries).

They’ve since taken the score to 2-119, with Labuschagne 49 and Smith 27.

Andrew Faulkner 2.10pm: Partnership builds

The Smith/Labuschagne stand is mounting notwithstanding a couple of close run-out calls.

Labuschagne was stranded a third of the way down the wicket after Smith pulled out of a tight run to mid-off.

However, Labuschagne was far from blameless as he was watching the ball instead of his partner.

It didn’t matter in the end, as Williamson’s throw missed the stumps and there wasn’t time for the bowler, Southee, to get back to take the throw.

Labuschagne was 27 at the time and he’s since moved to 34. Smith is 17 and the score’s 2-94 deep in the second session.

This is an important stand from the Australian Nos 3 and 4, especially given their side was asked to bat first.

Steve Smith avoids a bouncer from Neil Wagner. Picture: AAP
Steve Smith avoids a bouncer from Neil Wagner. Picture: AAP

Andrew Faulkner 1.35pm: Smith counter-attacks

Smith has started brightly after lunch, whacking Southee for two boundaries in the first over he faced after the break.

The first four was a typical punch down the ground but the second – a superbly controlled square pull – was surprising.

Smith fell twice to the Black Caps’ leg-trap in Perth, so it was fascinating to see how he’d approach the Kiwi bouncer barrage here in Melbourne.

So far he’s mostly swayed out of trouble, but on this occasion he decided the ball was in his pulling zone and away it sped to the rope.

The second session started dramatically. Labuschagne was struck in front by Santner but the appeal was denied.

It looked very adjacent indeed but the Kiwis decided against a review. It was a wise choice – replays showed it clearing the bails by a comfortable margin.

Twenty minutes into the second session, the Australians are 2-79, with Labuschagne 27 and Smith nine.

1.11pm: Second session underway

Spinner Mitchell Santner nearly gets a wicket first ball after lunch, as he hits Marnus Labuschagne in front. A big appeal is turned down and the Kiwis decide against a review. The replay shows it was too high.

12.45pm: ‘Smith has every right to be angry’

Cricket great Shane Warne has taken issue with some of the rulings from umpire Nigel Llong towards the end of the first session.

It revolved around Steve Smith being hit while evading some short-pitched bowling from Neil Wagner. Under the rules, the batsman is allowed to take a leg bye in such a situation. However, umpire Llong twice ruled dead ball in that situation. Smith was annoyed, and so was Warne on the Fox Cricket commentary.

“The umpire is wrong,” Warne said. “Steve Smith has every right to be angry — umpire Llong has got it wrong.”

Andrew Faulkner 12.38pm: It’s all happening at the ‘G

The cricketers have turned on an opening session worthy of the Boxing Day hype.

An unplayable ball to get an Aussie opener for a golden duck, a classic slips catch, and plenty of fodder for they who like their cricket in pantomime form – the first session has been packed with action.

Steve Smith fends off a short ball. Picture: AAP
Steve Smith fends off a short ball. Picture: AAP

At lunch the Australians are 2-67, with Labuschagne 23 and Smith 1.

Smith has been touched up by some short bowling and both Smith and Labuschagne have had words with both umpires over two dead-ball calls against Smith.

Smith was denied leg byes twice when he let short balls hit his body. As the players left for lunch, both Australian batsmen had animated chats with the umpires.

Smith has been booed and heckled by the large Kiwi contingent but the mood is more boisterous than belligerent.

After a summer that’s featured some lacklustre crowds, the Black Caps have come to Cricket Australia’s aid, packing the stands in what must be a crowd approaching the 70,000 mark.

12.33pm: Lunch

An absorbing session ends with Steve Smith 1 and Marnus Labuschagne 23. Neil Wagner (1-10) and Trent Boult (1-23) were the successful New Zealand bowlers.

Andrew Faulkner 12.20pm: Boos, cheers greet Smith

Tim Southee has taken a classic catch at second slip to see off Warner (41).

Warner’s thick, healthy edge from Wagner’s bowling flew fast and to Southee’s right.

He threw out a long right arm and cradled the ball, which bobbled slightly, as he went to ground.

Smith walked out to loud boos from the huge contingents of Kiwis in the crowd. Wagner wasted no time in dropping short — bouncing Smith with the second and third balls the batsman faced.

Smith scrambled a very tight single to get off the mark and take the score to 2-62 just over 10 minutes until lunch.

Before he fell, Warner had a taste of the vicious bounce that forced the Victoria/WA Shield game to be called off three weeks ago.

A Boult delivery seamed alarmingly from leg to off to hit Warner in the chest.

12.13pm: WICKET!

David Warner falls to a screamer, caught at second slip by Tim Southee off the bowling of Neil Wagner. A much-needed breakthrough. Australia now 2-61.

Andrew Faulkner 12.04pm: Pressure mounts on visitors

De Grandhomme has the bays of Kiwis clapping him to the crease and cheering every ball as he ties up the Australians with his nagging medium-pacers.

The ever-reliable Black Cap has sent consecutive balls past Warner’s probing edge and after four overs has conceded only six runs.

At the other end, Wagner is working his way into another willing and tight spell; the left-armer has 0-5 from three overs.

But the wickets aren’t coming for the tourists, so the pressure is mounting on Williamson after he won the toss.

Thirty minutes before lunch the Australians are 1-53, with Warner 36 and Labuschagne 15.

Umpire Marais Erasmus inspects the ball as Kane Williamson looks to get a replacement. Picture: AAP
Umpire Marais Erasmus inspects the ball as Kane Williamson looks to get a replacement. Picture: AAP

11.53am: Leg-spinner gets Aussie call

Australia have called leg-spinner Mitchell Swepson into their squad for the Sydney Test against New Zealand. The 26-year-old Queenslander has not played a Test, but has previously toured with the Australian team to both India and Bangladesh.

11.40am: Wagner wheels in

Left-armer Neil Wagner, who took seven wickets in the scorching Perth heat in the first Test, will bowl the 15th over of the innings.

Andrew Faulkner 11.33am: Aussies dig in

The Australians will be happy to have made it to drinks for the loss of only Burns wicket.

It’s getting easier with every ball they face — and what’s more the clouds are burning off just as the drinks cart trundles onto the field.

At 1-31, with Warner 21 and Labuschagne eight, the Australians have their toehold.

Andrew Faulkner 11.25am: Warner watchful

Warner and Labuschagne have seen off Boult to take the score to 1-29 after 43 minutes’ play.

Warner (19 from 30 balls) is looking busy and confident, punching confidently down the ground and running especially well, as he has all summer.

Labuschagne has played a lovely off-drive and a cracking square-drive to pick up two boundaries – his total score (eight from 34 balls).

De Grandhomme has replaced Boult at the Members End.

Some of the New Zealand fans in the crowd at the MCG. Picture: AAP
Some of the New Zealand fans in the crowd at the MCG. Picture: AAP

11.20am: Change of bowling

Right-arm medium pacer Colin de Grandhomme is on to bowl the 11th over of the innings. He immediately induces some swing back into left-hander Warner (19). Marnus Labuschagne has 8.

Andrew Faulkner 11am: Loyalties divided

The 50,000-plus in the ground – from the sounds of it equal parts Australian and Kiwi – are absorbed in a gripping contest.

The Black Cap seamers have sent balls flying past the outside edges of both Warner (10) and Labuschagne (four).

After five overs the hosts are 1-14 on a pitch that’s yet to reveal its true character.

Yes, the ball’s swinging – Boult scythed a very late outswinger past Warner – but first impressions are of a track that appears sticky and slow.

A Southee bouncer ballooned harmlessly over Labuschagne’s head and the same batsmen edged a ball that failed to carry to the cordon.

Andrew Faulkner 10.38am: Golden moment

You think Trent Boult was happy after dismissing Joe Burns? Picture: AAP
You think Trent Boult was happy after dismissing Joe Burns? Picture: AAP

Trent Boult’s dismissal of Joe Burns for a golden duck has sent the huge bays of Kiwis into a frenzy.

The Kiwis erupted in a roar to rival the din the Australians made when Mitchell Starc bowled Brendon McCullum in the 2015 World Cup.

Burns’s castle was demolished by Boult, who then comprehensively beat Labuschagne with the first two balls he faced.

The hosts are 1-1 after one over.

10.33am: WICKET!

A golden duck for Joe Burns as an inswinger from Trent Boult’s fourth ball of the day crashes into middle peg. A dream start for the Kiwis. Australia are 1-1. The wicket drew a huge roar from the crowd!

10.32am: We’re underway

Recalled paceman Trent Boult, with 255 Test wickets to his name, starts off to left-hander David Warner. The second and third balls of the day show a touch of outswing.

Andrew Faulkner 10.12am: Williamson rolls the dice

The Black Caps have won the toss and sent Australia in on what they hope is a bowler-friendly surface.

Kane Williamson will unleash Trent Boult, Tim Southee and Neil Wagner in a bold gamble here at the MCG.

Tim Paine would likely have batted but he was wavering right up to the toss.

“I’m pretty happy I’ve lost the toss to be honest because I wasn’t quite sure what to do,” Paine said. “The wicket’s obviously an unknown but the weather’s looking good for the next few days.”

The Kiwis have confirmed their two changes – Tom Blundell in for Jeet Raval and Boult in for Lockie Ferguson.

Australia: David Warner, Joe Burns, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Matthew Wade, Travis Head, Tim Paine (c/wk), James Pattinson, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon.

New Zealand: Tom Latham, Tom Blundell, Kane Williamson (c), Ross Taylor, Henry Nicholls, Colin de Grandhomme, BJ Watling (wk), Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Neil Wagner, Trent Boult

10am: Kiwis win the toss

Kane Williamson has called correctly and New Zealand will bowl first on a pitch that has a good covering of grass.

Andrew Faulkner 9.50am: Five bowlers unlikely

Australian coach Justin Langer has indicated that the hosts will go with a conventional four-man bowling attack.

Langer has told SEN that James Pattinson for the injured Josh Hazlewood will likely be the only change to the Australian XI.

The coach wouldn’t say whether they’d bat or bowl first if given the choice on the grassy pitch.

“There’s a good mat of grass on it,” Langer said. “But we wait and see how it plays.

“It looks like a good cricket wicket. It will be fascinating to see how it plays.”

Crowds gather outside the MCG before the start of the Test. Picture: AAP
Crowds gather outside the MCG before the start of the Test. Picture: AAP

Andrew Faulkner 9.05am: Toss crucial at the MCG

A cool and cloudy Boxing Day has dawned to fuel speculation about bowling first on Australian cricket’s biggest day of the year.

Tim Paine was surprised by the amount of grass on the wicket yesterday, and the swing-friendly conditions will tempt whomever wins the toss to send their opponents in.

Whether the pitch will be flat like past MCG Tests, or frightening as it was in the recent — abandoned — Shield match, will be revealed in two hours’ time.

The Australians are contemplating playing four seamers, which would be a significant leap from the two-man pace attack that bowled Australia to a 296-run win in Perth.

James Pattinson is raring to go in his first MCG Test in four years and Michael Neser is a chance to make his Test debut.

The Kiwi pace battery has been bolstered by the return of Trent Boult, who replaces the injured Lockie Ferguson.

The covers are off and the players are about to start their warmups.

9am: Fine weather for Boxing Day Test

Australia will host New Zealand at the MCG for the third time in history under clear skies and temperature in the low 20s.

The Bureau of Meteorology’s Boxing Day forecast is for a cloudy Melbourne morning, giving way to a mostly sunny afternoon.

Cricket fans will start filling the ground from 9am, where more than 3500 people will be working in catering, as event staff, security, and in customer service. Spectators have been encouraged to use public transport to get to the MCG. Roads will be closed at Brunton avenue and Jolimont street from 8am to 6.30pm and one hour at Wellington Parade from 5.30pm to 6.30pm.

8.30am: Kiwis’ big gamble with Blundell

New Zealand have settled on a line-up for their first Boxing Day Test at the MCG in 32 years.

While Australia will wait until the toss to announce their XI, the Kiwis have confirmed two changes to the side that was smashed by 296 runs in Perth.

New Zealand captain Kane Williamson confirmed Tom Blundell would replace struggling opener Jeet Raval at the top of the order. As expected, ace quick Trent Boult returns from a rib injury, with fellow fast bowler Lockie Ferguson making way.

The left-armer was sorely missed in Perth, with Boult’s 17 wickets in Australian conditions the sixth most by a Kiwi bowler.

New Zealand opener Tom Blundell. Picture: AFP
New Zealand opener Tom Blundell. Picture: AFP

Williamson labelled Blundell a “smart” and “positive” player capable of rising to the occasion.

Blundell played the last of his two Tests in December 2017 and batted at No.8.

“It’s important you adapt to the conditions in front of you and important he goes out and looks to play his natural game,” Williamson said.

AAP

8am: The greatest Boxing Day Tests

AUSTRALIA V WEST INDIES 1981
In one of the knocks of his career, Kim Hughes stared down a West Indies pace battery led by Andy Roberts and Michael Holding to rescue Australia from 3-8, hitting an unbeaten 100 before the hosts were bowled out for 198. Legendary quick Dennis Lillee then ripped through the Windies with 7-83 including his famous last ball of the day dismissal of Viv Richards. Eventually set 220 for victory, the Windies collapsed from 3-80 to be dismissed for 161 as Australia won by 58 runs, ending the Calypso Kings’ 15 Test unbeaten run.

AUSTRALIA V ENGLAND 1982
Set 292 to win, Australia were staring down the barrel when they slumped to 9-218. A quick kill for the visitors appeared imminent with an out of sorts Allan Border — under enormous pressure to retain his spot — and notorious bunny Jeff Thomson left at the crease. What unfolded next will go down in Ashes folklore. With Border expertly rotating the strike, the pair put on 70 as Australia dared to dream of a cricket miracle. Yet with three runs left to pull off a stunning victory, the great Ian Botham had a heartbroken Thomson caught behind for 21 by a juggling Geoff Miller. Border remained unconquered on 62 as the delirious visitors went into party mode.

AUSTRALIA V NEW ZEALAND 1987
The hosts had no answer to Richard Hadlee in the 1985-86 summer when the New Zealand great took 33 wickets in three Tests to secure the Kiwis’ first series win on Australian soil. Yet they found one in the most unlikely of heroes in this Boxing Day heart stopper — tailenders Michael Whitney and Craig McDermott. Hadlee again looked set to emerge as the hero when he took 10 wickets for the match as Australia slumped from 5-209 to 9-227 after being set 247 to win. With the crowd cheering every dot ball, somehow Whitney and McDermott survived as Hadlee threw the kitchen sink at them in the remaining 4.5 overs to ensure a draw and protect Australia’s 1-0 series lead.

AUSTRALIA V WEST INDIES 1992
Shane Warne would go on to have many fond Boxing Day Test memories but this is where his legend was born. The then all-conquering Windies looked set to at least secure a draw when they cruised to 1-143 after being set 359 to win by Australia. Captain Richie Richardson in particular, donning his trademark wide brimmed hat, looked in total control on 52. Enter Warne. In what remains one of his favourite dismissals, Warne bowled Richardson with a classic flipper before ripping through the visitors, taking 7-52 as Australia claimed a 139-run win. Warne’s 1994-95 hat-trick and then record 700th scalp in 2006 in Melbourne were also memorable but his 1992 heroics started it all for the legendary legspinner.

AUSTRALIA V ENGLAND 2013
The Boxing Day Test was England’s to lose when they cruised to 0-54 in their second dig with an overall lead of 105. However, fearsome left-arm quick Mitchell Johnson sparked a collapse of 3-1 before England were bowled out for 179, remarkably losing their last five wickets for just six runs as offspinner Nathan Lyon took 5-50. Set 231 for victory, opener Chris Rogers’ 116 steered Australia to a crushing eight-wicket win. The hosts went on to claim a 5-0 series sweep, gaining sweet revenge after their 3-0 loss earlier that year in England.

AUSTRALIA V PAKISTAN 2016
Defeat would have been the last thing on Pakistan’s mind after opener Azhar Ali’s unbeaten 205 steered the visitors to an imposing 9(dec)-443 in their first dig. Then Steve Smith and David Warner happened. Smith top scored with 165 not out while Warner thrashed 144 off 143 balls as Australia finally declared at 8-624. Still buzzing from his quick-fire 84 with the bat, left-arm quick Mitchell Starc claimed 4-36 as Pakistan were routed for 163 in 53.2 overs as the hosts secured victory by an innings and 18 runs.

AAP

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