Jackson Bird gives Australia control on rain-hit Day 1
Melbourne, by Tristan Lavalette •
Last updated on Mon, 26 Dec, 2016, 12:01 PM
Probing bowling from Jackson Bird (2 for 53) in the second session curtailed Pakistan's doggedness and gave Australia the initiative on a rain-affected first day's play of the second Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Monday (December 26).
Bowling a full length with some dangerous late movement, the 30-year-old was the pick of Australia's bowlers, claiming the key wickets of veterans Younis Khan (21) and Misbah-ul-Haq (11). Australia's charge was halted by persistent rain, which washed out the entire final session. At stumps, Pakistan were 142 for 4, with determined opener Azhar Ali unbeaten on 66 and Asad Shafiq, fresh off his heroics in Brisbane, 4 not out. Only 50.5 overs were bowled in an anti-climax on Boxing Day - the most iconic fixture on the Australian calendar.
After winning the toss and electing to bat, Azhar and Sami Aslam started cautiously to ensure Pakistan's momentum from the backend in Brisbane was not stifled. Runs were hard to come by for the openers as Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazelwood were on the money.
After getting through Australia's vaunted spearheads and surviving the opening hour, Aslam edged Nathan Lyon's third ball of the match straight to Steven Smith at slip, triggering wild celebrations. Lyon, who has ascended into a cult favourite, was mobbed by rapturous teammates, while an adoring crowd ensured the MCG was reverberating.
Despite the setback, Pakistan continued to fight with stout batting. Runs were at a trickle but importantly Pakistan had denied Australia regaining momentum after the stunning finale in Brisbane.
Highly-rated youngster Babar Azam, who struggled in Brisbane, started crisply with several elegant drives to complement Azhar,
as a promising partnership was developing. However, just when it appeared Pakistan would enter lunch just wicket down, Hazelwood dismissed Babar with the last ball of the session by luring the right-hander into a false drive and the healthy edge was taken low down by a gleeful Smith.
Straight after lunch, it appeared Pakistan had slid further when Younis was adjudged lbw off a Hazelwood delivery that appeared to be sliding down the leg side. The decision was overturned on DRS but Younis soon fell when he was bowled by a Bird delivery that cut back sharply.
Bird, who is under some pressure to retain his spot as the team's third seamer, was in the midst of a superb spell and troubled the batsmen with his accuracy and late movement. The Tasmanian was duly rewarded when he dismissed the struggling Misbah, who was brilliantly caught low down at short-leg by Nic Maddinson. Misbah didn't seem convinced the catch had been taken cleanly but replays confirmed Maddinson had his fingers under the ball in undoubtedly the best moment during his fledgling Test career.
Misbah has scored just 20 runs for the series, and once again looked unconvincing, bar a spectacular six over midwicket off Lyon to get off the mark. But it proved a tease as Misbah never seemed comfortable during his short stay at the crease, once again raising question marks over his future.
Australia's push for more wickets was halted by Melbourne's notoriously fickle weather, where persistent drizzle interrupted play just before the Tea break. No play was possible in the last session, which could be an unfortunate snapshot of the Test with rain forecast each day of the remainder of the match.
Brief Scores: Pakistan 142/4 (Azhar Ali 66*; Jackson Bird 2-53) v Australia
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