In the second Test against Pakistan at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), Australia seized control on Day 1 with a commanding batting performance, finishing on 187/3.
Strong start by Australian openers
Winning the toss, captain Shan Masood’s decision to put Australia in to bat proved to be a challenging one for the visitors. Openers David Warner and Usman Khawaja laid a solid foundation with a patient 90-run partnership. Despite a few hiccups, including dropped catches and close calls, Australia’s batters stood firm, dictating terms and frustrating the Pakistani bowling attack.
Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith steady the ship
Following the dismissals of Warner and Khawaja in short span of time, Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith took charge, steadying the Australian innings. They both added 46 for the third wicket before Smith have to depart eventually after scoring 26. Rain interruptions limited the day’s play to 66 overs, and at stumps, Labuschagne (44*) and Travis Head (9*) remained unbeaten.
Also READ: Michael Hussey gives his honest verdict on Mitchell Marsh’s suitability as David Warner’s replacement
Pakistan’s missed opportunities: Dropped catches and frustration
For Pakistan, Day 1 turned out to be a tale of missed opportunities and mounting frustration. Abdullah Shafique had a chance to dismiss Warner early in the innings but put down a straightforward catch at slips. This proved costly as Warner went on to contribute significantly to Australia’s total. The frustration continued with a contentious LBW decision against Smith, which was initially overturned after a DRS review. However, Pakistan found some relief when Smith was eventually dismissed, providing a breakthrough.
Labuschagne comes strong after failure in Perth
Labuschagne, who failed to make a significant impact with the bat in the Test series opener against Pakistan at Perth and registered scores of 16 and 2 in the clash, looked determined right from the start in this game. He firstly absorbed the pressure of breathtaking spell of bowling from Shaheen Shah and Hasan Ali and then played his natural game after getting set. All hopes will be on the right-handed handed tomorrow to take the host to the safe score alongside other players.
Here’s how Twitter reacted:
Pakistani bowlers have bowled nicely but Australian batters have played incredibly well on the opening day of Melbourne Test. Australia has batted under genuine overcast conditions with fresh grass on the MCG pitch. Pakistan would have not survived under such conditions. #AUSvPAK
— Arfa Feroz Zake (@ArfaSays_) December 26, 2023
At times Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith play their own games don’t they. Just saw Steve help Marnus mark his guard while umpire Joel Wilson just stood his ground behind the stumps #AusvPak
— Bharat Sundaresan (@beastieboy07) December 26, 2023
Pakistan were handing out gifts yesterday to Australia. More gifts today in the field #AUSvPAK #Cricket pic.twitter.com/0ueP23FhGq
— Saj Sadiq (@SajSadiqCricket) December 26, 2023
On Ch7, they have moved the 6 pm news to the end of cricket, due to rain delays. It’s not often they move the news around.
The home fans will have wanted to see Steve Smith bat. Instead, Pakistan have dismissed the greatest batsman of the last 30 years cheaply again.#AusvPak pic.twitter.com/cW2oEwOpeW
— Vijay A (@VAAChandran) December 26, 2023
I looked away and didn’t catch that dismissal. But Smith is shaking his head and reviewing. So it could be anything. Probably bowled. #AUSvPAK
— Cat Jones (@Cricketbatcat) December 26, 2023
Pakistan mostly bowled pretty well after Lunch today with minimal reward. However, Australia is probably 150 runs away from having enough for a first-innings lead. More than enough in the wicket.
Marnus in a great position to notch his first Boxing Day hundred tomorrow #AUSvPAK
— Jono Baruch (@JonoBaruch) December 26, 2023
Australia score 187 runs on the opening day
Scorecard: https://t.co/CPKLb6pH99#cricket #AUSvPAK #BoxingDay #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/QhA7ykHcY8
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) December 26, 2023
Mir Hamza reminds me of Mohammad Asif (If Asif was left-arm). @mirhamza_k must be kept with the team for every tour, all formats. He can easily be developed into a great left-arm seamer, the future of Pakistan cricket and mustn’t be ignored.#AUSvsPAK #AUSvPAK #PAKvsAUS… pic.twitter.com/P2OY9WVNDC
— Ameer Hamza Asif (@AmeerHamzaAsif) December 26, 2023
Australia finish Day 1️⃣ at 187-3 🏏
Aamir Jamal, Salman Ali Agha and Hasan Ali among the wickets ⚡#AUSvPAK https://t.co/u9pH27BZk1 pic.twitter.com/Pg6Bc34sC8
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) December 26, 2023
Day one complete.
A decent rain interruption but lots of good cricket either side! #AUSvPAK
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 26, 2023
Also READ: Sanjay Bangar reveals the reason behind India’s Test series victory drought in South Africa
#AUS #PAK #Twitter #reactions #Marnus #Labuschagnes #brilliance #rescues #Australia #Day #MCG #Test
