Australia put themselves into the miserable scenario once again in the ongoing Test series against Pakistan. Nathan Lyon had given them a fantastic start picking up four wickets before lunch on the first day. However, Sarfaraz and Fakhar counter attacked to post a first innings total. Australia managed to restrict them under 300, and the confidence out of drawing the first test match could have made them think about a win series win.
A good opening partnership could have given them the control in the second test, especially with the form Khawaja and Finch displayed in the first test match. However, Mohammad Abbas had different plans for the day. He struck twice in the last half an hour which Australia batted to remove Khawaja and the night watchman Peter Siddle. The middle order failed again for Australia on Day 2 in their first innings. Marsh brothers failed again so as Travis Head. Finch couldn’t convert the start he got and fell for 39.
Labuschagne dismissed in a bizarre way when Yasir Shaw managed to get his finger on a straight drive from Starc which went on to hit the stump at the non-striker end. Tim Paine failed once again in his test career. Starc did show the fight to add some runs in the end but once again Australia bowled out for 145 giving away a huge lead for the second time in this test series.
Australia has themselves to blame for the collapse and the position they are in. The test is moving in the same direction as in the first with Pakistan looking forward to setting a big target to chase.
