On Day 1, only 15.3 overs were feasible during the post-lunch session at the MCG due to persistent rain that interrupted the captivating period of play and eventually obscured the dreary overheads. In contrast to the late morning session, when David Warner took a wicket on the final delivery, Pakistan performed considerably better this time around, tying down Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne.
During the refreshments break, Labuschagne informed the host broadcaster that batting was difficult due to the waning light, overcast conditions, and swerving ball, and that he and Smith were merely attempting to “get through this period.”
Khawaja lost a promising start to the first session when he dropped a catch off Hasan Ali to Agha Salman at second slip, Labuschagne being joined by Smith within five overs. As the ball underwent a slight turn in the weather, Shan Masood implemented an active slip cordon in an effort to capitalize on the opportunity. Although Shaheen Afridi kept both batters on their toes, they both succumbed to the constraints of the passage of play and scored a meager six runs off 57 deliveries following Khawaja’s dismissal. An anticipated recompense for Pakistan’s tight bowling transpired in the form of precipitation, which prematurely terminated the session. Labuschagne was dismissed for 14 off 47 deliveries, whereas Smith amassed 2 off 26 balls.
Australia experienced improved weather conditions and sunshine during the morning session subsequent to Pakistan’s decision to bowl, which involved a four-pronged pace attack. A straightforward opportunity was missed by Abdullah Shafique, costing David Warner his life in the third over. The sun began to shine upon the MCG following the initial refreshments break, and the two batsmen became at ease. Warner’s dismissal in the final over of the session marked the beginning of Pakistan’s comeback.
Brief Scores: Australia 114/2 (Usman Khawaja 42, David Warner 38; Agha Salman 1-2) vs Pakistan
