ISLAMABAD:After putting Australian bowlers to test for 162 overs, Pakistan declared the innings as the bad light was confronting the batters on day two, of the first Test, at Pindi Stadium, Rawalpindi.
Pakistani batter even after losing three wickets on day two (four in total) posted 476 runs for four and declared the innings, thinking the bowlers might get a chance to grab some of Australia’s early wickets.
However, the Kangaroos stood strong as openers Usman Khawaja scored five off 4 balls while David Warner was yet to open his account (0) as they reached stumps on day two (5 for 0).
Meanwhile, Pakistan started the day two with 245 on the scoreboard for 1 but could not materialize as they lost the first wicket in the 121th over. Australian Skipper Pat Cummins was the one to break the 208 partnership between Imam ul Haq and Azhar Ali. Imam was the unlucky one to go on lbw as he was on 157. He also went for the review but it went it in vain. Imam played 358 balls which included 16 fours and 2 sixes.
Pakistan suffered another loss as surprisingly Skipper Babar Azam got run-out in the 148th over, on a direct hit by Marnus Labuschagne. The prolific batter went for 36 runs on 82 balls.
He was followed by Azhar who got unlucky as he was just 15 runs short to reach his double century when he took a top edge in Labuschagne’s over (156th) and was taken by Cameron Green.
Azhar hit the first six of day two in the 130th over of the game, as he hammered it high over wide long-on into the first row of the stands. The former Skipper scored 185 off 361 balls including 15 fours and 3 sixes.
Meanwhile, Haris Rauf, Faheem Ashraf and Hasan Ali have joined the squad. Haris rejoined the squad after the end of his isolation and testing negative, while Faheem and Hasan had joined after the end of their three-day isolation. The play of day three would start at 9:50am on Sunday.
Speaking after second day’s game, Pakistani batter Azhar Ali said our plan was to get one or two Australian wickets tonight but unfortunately we couldn’t get so as the light went down quickly.
“We have to give credit to the Australian bowlers the way they bowled this morning. The bowl had started to reverse which made it hard for us to score but the bad light also played its role.
To a question, he said he wanted a 200 but as we were going close to the declaration we wanted to get runs. “The reverse was there so it was hard to score against fast bowlers but we were trying to increase the run-rate by hitting against spinners and unfortunately I got out as you have to take risks in situations like these,” he said and added he was still happy that he played good.
“I feel excited against playing Australians as they test you by attacking and short bowling. You get satisfaction by performing against them.”
He said he was happy for Imam the way he performed as it was his comeback test. “Imam got the opportunity and he made it count. He is good in ODIs but he will build on in Tests after his this innings for Pakistan in future.”
About the wicket, he said hopefully we would be able to see spin on day three and would get the opportunity to take Australia’s wickets but it won’t be easy. “We will try to bowl well and keep up the pressure and be on the plan.”
Meanwhile speaking the Test where was it headed a draw or win, Australian all-rounder Marnus Labuschagne said we take it as over to over and day to day. “Imam and Azhar batted beautifully and stayed focused for a long period of time,” he said.
About the wicket, he said this was his first tour here and the wickets was flat and there was no bounce.
On the passing of Australian legendary spinner, Labuschagne said it was very touching for Australian cricket and for the world.