MELBOURNE, 28 December 2023 (ANI) : On Day-3 of the Boxing Day Test 2023, Pakistan wrapped up their innings at 264 all out in 73.5 overs. At stumps Australia were 187-6 after 62.3 overs, with Alex Carey at 16 unbeaten. In the first innings Australia had scored 318.
Half-centuries from Mitchell Marsh and Steve Smith led Australia’s fightback after early wickets, with their lead increasing to 241 runs at the end of the day three of the second Test against Pakistan at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Thursday.
In the final session, Smith and Marsh continued to counterattack. Australia reached to 150-run mark in 44.1 overs.
The 153-run partnership between Smith and Marsh came to an end as Marsh was caught by Agha Salman at slips, with Mir getting his third wicket. Marsh was gone for 96 in 130 balls, with 13 fours. Australia was 169 for five wickets.
Smith carried on building a partnership with Alex Carey. Smith reached his half-century in 153 balls, with three fours. However, he fell on the last ball of the day for 50 in 176 balls to Shaheen. On that note, the day ended.
Mir (3/27) and Shaheen (3/58) were among the top bowlers for Pakistan for the day.
Earlier, a counter-attacking half-century by Mitchell Marsh and his partnership with Steve Smith helped Australia overcome early loss of wickets and swell their lead to 161 runs at the end of the second session of day three of the second Test against Pakistan at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Thursday.
Australia reached the 50-run mark in 15.2 overs as Marsh smashed Jamal for the fourth boundary. Smith played the anchor role on the other end, helping Marsh express himself. The duo reached 50-run stand in 87 balls.
In subsequent overs, Marsh went after Pakistan’s lead pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi, smashing him for some boundaries. The all-rounder registered his third successive fifty of the series in 70 balls, with eight fours.
In 28.4 overs, Australia reached the 100-run mark. The duo helped Australia end the session without a loss of wicket.
Earlier, a five-wicket haul by skipper Pat Cummins put Australia in a commanding position before the visitors clawed their way into the contest as Shaheen Shah Afridi struck two crucial blows to rock the hosts.
Pakistan ended their innings at 264/10 in 73.5 overs, trailing by 54 runs.
Cummins (5/48) was the top bowler for Australia, while Lyon also took 4/73 in 18.5 overs. Josh Hazlewood also got one wicket.
Scores: Australia: 318 and 187/6 (Mitchell Marsh 96, Steve Smith 50, Mir Hamza 2/13) lead Pakistan: 264 (Abdullah Shafique 62, Shan Masood 54, Pat Cummins 5/48) by 241 runs. (ANI)
