Crumbling Pakistan looks to stay in the game as Australia posted 487
In Perth, Pakistan looked behind Australia at the end of the 2nd day. Pakistan is 132 for the loss of 2 wickets. This was in response to the Australian first innings score of 487 by losing all ten wickets. At the end of the day, Imam ul Haq was not out on 38 off 136 deliveries, along with nightwatchman Khurram Shahzad, who was on 7.
Earlier, Australia began the day with 346 for 5, with Marsh and Carey on the crease. Australia added 130 in the first session on the day. Aamir Jamal, a Pakistan- debutant, made several inroads during the innings and was the pick of the bowlers as he grabbed six wickets. He was only the 14th bowler of Pakistan to achieve a five-wicket haul and only the second to do that on Australian soil.
From Australia’s first innings, David Warner was the star as he made 164, striking the ball around 80, while Mitchell Marsh also played his role and got out on 90. From Pakistan’s point of view, they got off to a steady but slow start, with Shafique and Imam getting Pakistan to 74 in the 37th over when Abdullah lost his wicket to Nathon Lyon. Then the captain, Shan Masood, looked in a different mode and scored quickly, but fell to Starc, with a score of 30. Meanwhile, Imam ul Haq stood there till the end of the day.
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There have been question marks around Pakistan’s bowling and batting approach. The critics point out that Pakistan going with two all-rounders and no specialist spinner has made a big mistake. Because on the Australian pitches, Pakistan has always and most recently struggled to pick wickets.
In the batting approach, how Abdullah and Imam built the innings also sparked backlash as Pakistan scored 132 in 53 overs, compared to Australia, who reached 487 in only 113 overs. It is all set up on day three; with Babar and others to come, Pakistan will look to get near the Australian total. The hopes are high among fans that Babar will make his mark on this tour.