In an action-packed Day 1 of the 2nd Test between Australia and Pakistan, the visitors fought back after a positive start by the Australian openers. Pakistan removed both David Warner and Usman Khawaja to keep the hosts in check. Here are the highlights from the day’s play.
Positive Start for Australia, Warner Falls Before Lunch
Australia, looking to seal the three-Test series after a dominant win in Perth, got off to a solid start with openers David Warner and Usman Khawaja. Warner, in his farewell Test series, showed his class with a fluent knock of 38 before being dismissed on the stroke of lunch. Spinner Agha Salman took the crucial wicket, with Babar Azam completing the catch at slip.
Pakistan Elects to Bowl as Rain Looms Over Melbourne
Pakistan captain Shan Masood won the toss and chose to bowl first on a cloudy day in Melbourne. With rain in the forecast, Pakistan’s decision seemed justified as the pitch appeared to favor the seamers. Spearheaded by Shaheen Shah Afridi, Pakistan’s bowlers generated plenty of movement but missed opportunities to dismiss Warner early on.
SUBHEADING: Changes in Pakistan’s Playing XI
Pakistan made three changes to their playing XI for the 2nd Test. Mohammad Rizwan replaced Sarfaraz Ahmed as the wicketkeeper, while Mir Hamza and Hasan Ali came in for the injured Khurram Shahzad and Faheem Ashraf. With these changes, Pakistan opted for an all-pace attack without a specialist spinner.
SUBHEADING: Australia Sticks to the Same XI
Despite their comprehensive victory in the first Test, Australia decided to retain the same playing XI. The team relied on the likes of Warner, Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, and Pat Cummins to continue their impressive form and secure another win.
SUBHEADING: Australia vs Pakistan 2nd Test Day 1 Live Scorecard and Updates
To stay up to date with the live score and updates from the Australia vs Pakistan 2nd Test, visit the Hindustan Times website or app. Catch all the latest cricket news, live scores, and updates on the ongoing India vs South Africa series as well.
FAQs:
Who took the crucial wicket of David Warner on Day 1?
Agha Salman, the spinner, dismissed David Warner on the stroke of lunch.
What was the result of the first Test between Australia and Pakistan?
Australia won the first Test by a margin of 360 runs.
Why did Pakistan choose to bowl first in the 2nd Test?
Pakistan captain Shan Masood opted to bowl first due to the favorable pitch conditions for the seamers.
How many changes did Pakistan make in their playing XI for the 2nd Test?
Pakistan made three changes in their playing XI, including the replacement of wicketkeeper Sarfaraz Ahmed.
Where can I find the live scorecard and updates of the Australia vs Pakistan 2nd Test?
You can visit the Hindustan Times website or app for the live scorecard and updates of the Australia vs Pakistan 2nd Test.