Mitchell Marsh and Steve Smith’s resilient partnership turned the tide for Australia in the second Test against Pakistan in Melbourne. Despite losing four quick wickets in the second innings, Australia fought back, ending the day at 187-6 with a lead of 241 runs.
Their remarkable 153-run partnership pulled Australia out of a dire situation, recovering from a dismal 16-4 start on a bowler-friendly pitch. Marsh initially dropped on 20 and crafted an impressive 96 off 130 balls, featuring 13 boundaries. His impactful innings ended when a sensational catch by Salman Ali Agha dismissed him off Mir Hamza’s delivery.
Meanwhile, Smith, after contributing 50 runs, fell to Shaheen Afridi’s ball on the day’s last delivery. Mir Hamza’s double-wicket over after lunch initially rattled Australia, accounting for David Warner (6) and Travis Head (0).
Earlier, in reply to Australia’s 318, Pakistan managed 264 in their first innings. Cummins claimed 5-48, while Nathan Lyon secured 4-73, curtailing the hosts’ lead to 54 runs. Australia struggled, slumping to 6-2 at lunch, losing Khawaja for a duck and Labuschagne for five before the break.
Pakistan appeared comfortable at 124-1 in pursuit of Australia’s first-innings total. However, a remarkable performance by Cummins saw them collapse to 194-6. Resuming at 124 runs behind, Rizwan (29) and Jamal (2) were on the crease.
Rizwan’s confident start ended when Cummins induced a drive, resulting in a catch by David Warner. He departed for 42, breaking a promising partnership with Jamal, who showed aggression alongside Afridi. Afridi’s spirited 21 was halted by Lyon’s spin, while Jamal remained unbeaten on 33.
Cummins secured his fifth wicket by dismissing Hasan Ali, and Lyon claimed his 505th Test wicket by stumping Mir Hamza for two, as Pakistan’s innings came to a close.