India have been docked two essential (*79*) in the opening Test towards South Africa for bowling two overs brief.
Australia has continued their profitable journey in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25. After retaining the Ashes in England, they’ve additionally carried out admirably on their dwelling turf. In the primary Test of the three-match collection towards Pakistan at Perth, Australia emerged victorious by a large 360-run margin. Building on this triumph, they’ve now taken a commanding 2-0 lead in the collection by defeating Pakistan in the second Test on the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).
In the second Test, Australia was requested to bat first by Shan Masood, the Pakistani captain. The hosts put up a decent complete of 318 runs, with Marnus Labuschagne main the cost with a formidable rating of 68. Usman Khawaja and Mitchell Marsh additionally contributed considerably with scores of 42 and 41 respectively. Pakistan’s bowling efforts have been marred by 52 additional runs conceded. Aamer Jamal, nonetheless, continued to impress together with his bowling expertise, taking 3 wickets for 64 runs.
In response, Abdullah Shafique and Shan Masood spearheaded Pakistan’s fightback with scores of 62 and 54 respectively, serving to their crew put up a complete of 264 runs in their first innings. Pat Cummins proved to be a formidable pressure for Australia, taking 5 wickets for 48 runs, whereas Nathan Lyon additionally made a major contribution with 4 wickets for 73 runs.
Pakistan had a golden alternative to use strain on Australia after they decreased them to 16/4 in the second innings. However, the trio of Mitchell Marsh (96), Alex Carey (53), and Steve Smith (50) spearheaded a exceptional comeback, propelling Australia to a complete of 262 runs.
Chasing a goal of 317 to safe their first Test victory in Australia since 1995, Shan Masood led the cost with a stable innings of 60, whereas Agha Salman contributed a worthwhile 50. Unfortunately for Pakistan, they have been unable to provide the large innings that they had hoped for, as Pat Cummins as soon as once more showcased his brilliance by claiming a five-wicket haul, ending with figures of 5/49 and finishing a complete of 10 wickets in the match. Mitchell Starc additionally performed his half, taking 4/55, as Pakistan crumbled and have been dismissed for 237.
With a margin of 79 runs, Australia emerged victorious in the Test, securing a 2-0 lead in the three-match collection. The third Test is scheduled to happen in Sydney on January 3.
Following their triumph in the second Test towards Pakistan, Australia’s report now stands at 4 wins, 2 losses, and 1 drawn Test, giving them a win share of fifty%. This has propelled them to the third place in the World Test Championship (*79*) table. On the opposite hand, Pakistan has slipped to the fifth spot with a win share of 45.83%, having secured 2 wins and suffered 2 losses. India, who confronted defeat in their first Test towards South Africa, at present occupies the sixth place with a win share of 38.89%, having gained one match, misplaced one, and drawn one, together with a penalty of two (*79*) for a sluggish over-rate.
READ| Watch: MS Dhoni suggests fan to go to Pakistan as soon as for meals; his reply leaves CSK captain in splits
