On the third day of the second Test match between Australia and Pakistan at the renowned Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), there was intense activity as both sides attempted to seize the upper hand.
Pakistan managed to add 70 runs to their overnight total and only gave up a 54-run advantage, largely due to the efforts of Mohammed Rizwan, Aamer Jamal, and Shaheen Afridi. The Pakistani new-ball bowlers knew how essential it was to hit early, and they accomplished just that. Before lunch, Shaheen got two wickets in as many overs, sending Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne packing. As Mir Hamza dismissed Travis Head and David Warner off successive deliveries, the second session began for the tourists just as it ended.
Remarkably, the Australians were down at 16/4 with a mere 70-run advantage. Together, Mitchell Marsh and Steve Smith were able to revive the Australian innings. With their asses agape, the Pakistani pacers delivered a number of unplayable deliveries and were unfortunate not to generate more traction. With the opposition bowlers relentlessly going after the fifth wicket, Smith and Marsh had to ride their luck.
Marsh smashed three boundaries off Jamal in one over. In the next over, though, he forced the all-rounder to nick one to Abdullah Shafique at first slip. Both the Pakistani opener and Salman Ali Agha were unable to make a clean catch on the rebound. Marsh, who was just 20 years old at the time, later teamed up with Smith for 153 runs.
Salman’s stunning one-handed blow to remove Marsh for 96 allowed Hamza to break the stellar fifth-wicket partnership. Although Smith didn’t appear comfortable during his innings, he had a great deal of fortitude and will to stay in the crease.
When Pakistan decided to employ the short-ball strategy, they almost instantly saw results. After Smith played a grueling innings of 50 off 176 balls and awkwardly held off Salman at gully, Shaheen took the big wicket. In the continuing second test of the series, this ball ended up being the final one on Day 3. At present, Australia has a 241-point advantage at the end of the day, with 187/6 on the board. To date, Hamza and Afridi have each claimed three wickets.
‘X’ users’ reactions on the third day of the Australia vs. Pakistan boxing day test are as follows:
Mitchell Marsh, the best player of the series so far, played his first 20 Tests with a batting average of just 22.79 and a bowling average of 37.27. Australia invested in him, were patient and now it’s paying off. A lesson for Pakistan fans and cricket experts. #AusvPak
— Mazher Arshad (@MazherArshad) December 28, 2023
What a catch @SalmanAliAgha1. Come on boys, believe, this can be the turning point. pic.twitter.com/Q4Ui9LKEu5
— Shadab Khan (@76Shadabkhan) December 28, 2023
what a delivery @mirhamza_k best delivery of the match so far🥰. https://t.co/gzxI4D3hH4
— Mohammad Amir (@iamamirofficial) December 28, 2023
The reason I love watching Pakistan is days like this … they go from Genius to wheels off within in 10 mins .. #AUSvPAK ..
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) December 28, 2023
U beauty @mirhamza_k ❤️❤️ https://t.co/5AtXofnI3T
— Rumman Raees (@rummanraees15) December 28, 2023
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