Pakistan vs Australia 2nd Test on Monday

Struggling batsman Nic Maddinson has been gifted a lifeline, with Australia to take an unchanged XI into the Boxing Day Test at the MCG.

Maddinson’s place at No. 6 for the Boxing Day showpiece was in doubt after scores of zero, one and four in his first three Test innings, following his debut against South Africa in Adelaide last month.

Brief Score: Pakistan 142/4 (Azhar Ali 66 not out, Babar Azam 23, Jackson Bird 2/53) v Australia.

First there was a short rain delay, then there was a puzzling decision while at the non-striker’s end when Asad Shafiq hit a straight drive.

The tourists were in awful shape after they were fired out for 142 in their first innings at the Gabba, offering Australia the chance to enforce the follow-on – something Smith opted not to do. “First thing that is important that we need to grab our opportunities whenever these good players give you an opportunity, you need to grab that”, he said.

Australia went on to win by 39 runs and take a 1-0 lead in the three-Test series. Brisbane-hero Asad Shafiq also scored 50 runs, with the pair also getting involved in a 115-run stand for the fifth wicket and Tauseef felt a good batting performance has provided a solid platform for the visitors. Let us know in the comments section below. In 2012, the left-arm quick was rested; in 2013, he missed the entire Ashes series due to a stress fracture; in 2014, he was dropped in favour of Ryan Harris; and a year ago, he missed the annual Melbourne Test match due to an ankle injury. We all grew up watching this match in Pakistan. But we know and are sure about the bowling combination that we will have tomorrow.

Pakistan have lost their last 10 Tests in Australia and last won at the MCG in 1981 in the era of Imran Khan, Javed Miandad and Zaheer Abbas. The first Test was gripping and dramatic.

On a surface which is offering assistance to the seam bowlers, Pakistan would believe that they in a formidable position to dictate terms, but the weather forecast is not very promising for the coming days, and the chances of a result appear to be very bleak. If Australia enjoy a good first hour or so, Pakistan might find it hard to recover from that.

Australia: TV – Channel 9.