Pat Cummins, Nathan Lyon give hosts edge in second Test

Thursday, 28 December 2023 00:42 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Pakistan trail Australia by 124 runs after Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon took key wickets for the hosts on day two of the second Test in Melbourne.

Cummins removed Abdullah Shafique for 62 before dismissing Babar Azam and Agha Salman cheaply, while Lyon’s spin saw off Imam-ul-Haq and Shan Masood.

The visitors ended the day on 194-6, with Mohammad Rizwan unbeaten on 29.

Marnus Labuschagne earlier helped guide Australia to 318 in their first innings with his 17th Test half-century.

Pakistan at one point were 124-1 in response and Australia captain Cummins said: “They obviously batted quite well.”

Pakistan need to win in Melbourne to keep the three-match series alive after losing by 360 runs in Perth, and they took advantage of a pitch offering seam and swing to claim seven Australia wickets in the morning session.