Australia vs Pakistan
Second Test, MCG, 26 December
Australia vs Pakistan Preview. At one stage it looked like the first test was going to be over in three days. Smith, Handscomb and Renshaw set up the good first innings total of 429 and then the fast bowlers torn through Pakistan. Australia made quick runs in their second dig before sending Pakistan back in under lights. Another quick kill was expected but Pakistan fought. A blazing century from Asad Shafiq, and half centuries to Azhar Ali and Younis Khan saw them amass 450 in the fourth innings. The fight was not enough to win the match, but it is something they can draw on for the rest of the series.
The next test is the traditional Boxing Day Test in Melbourne. Australia’s batting is becoming more settled with every innings, with number six the only exception. Maddinson, Ferguson and M. Marsh have all been tried there this summer. Pakistan has threats within their bowling attack, but I expect more runs from Australia.
You can never predict what Pakistan will deliver with the bat. They showed their best and worst at the Gabba. The second innings fight was gallant, but the first innings collapse of 7-24 was irretrievable. Starc, Hazlewood and Bird offer balance and diversity with the ball. Don’t be surprised if they get on a roll again and wrap up the series in Melbourne.
Stadium Record
Australia’s Christmas joy regularly flows into Boxing Day. They have 14 wins, 2 losses and 1 draw in their last seventeen Boxing Day tests. Pakistan has played two tests at the MCG in the last dozen years and lost them both. Their last win at the ‘G was in 1981.
2nd Test - Australia v Pakistan (Boxing Day Test)
Australia 1.40
Draw 5.5
Pakistan 5.5
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Blue Bet Words: Rhys Thurston
