In a rain-interrupted day, Australia faced a spirited Pakistan bowling attack in the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Tuesday, securing a score of 187/3 in 66 overs.
Australia's top-order, including David Warner (38), Usman Khawaja (42), and Steve Smith (26), initiated promising starts but couldn't convert them into half-centuries.
Despite challenging conditions in Melbourne, Warner and Khawaja set a solid foundation with a 90-run opening partnership before Australia faced minor setbacks. The day concluded with Australia at 187/3, a position offering promise for a substantial score on the second day of the Test match.
Marnus Labuschagne, batting at 44 off 120 balls, partnered with Travis Head (9 off 19 balls), resiliently navigating the bowling attack. Labuschagne's determined innings endured a rain break and a testing pace attack that restricted boundaries until the later stages.
During the play, Smith and Labuschagne faced a tough ten-over period before rain disrupted the game, narrowly avoiding dismissals and benefiting from a review that overturned a crucial lbw decision.
Smith, however, fell for 26 after a successful review from Pakistan for a catch behind the wicket, ending his innings. The Australian batting lineup encountered difficulties amid Pakistan's formidable pace attack, facing challenges due to weather conditions and the moving ball.
Despite occasional struggles, Australia managed a commendable 187/3, with Labuschagne and Head steadying the innings and setting the stage for an intriguing continuation on the following day.
(With Agency Inputs)
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