Resuming their first innings on Day 2, Pakistan lost their fourth wicket with just five runs added to the score when Peter Siddle bowled Mohammad Abbas for just one. Australia had to wait for another 49 overs to have another celebration before Haris Sohail and Shafiq made them sweat throughout those overs. It was a gripping first hour with Pakistan adding not many to the total. Australians were on the mark with their bowling effort and hardly given away anything for free. However, Sohail and Shafiq complemented that with patience and technique as they continued to build a partnership.
The pair added 150 runs for the fifth wicket and placed Pakistan in the driver seat. Shafiq scored 80 before Labuschagne dismissed him to provide Australia a much-needed breakthrough. Babar Azam’s stay lasted only 11-balls 4-runs. Haris Sohail continued with his excellent batting at the other end scoring his first century in test cricket. He added 40 runs with Sarfaraz for the seventh wicket before Lyon dismissed him for 110. Pakistan lost their next three wickets for just 26 runs. It took 164 overs spanning over more than six sessions for Australia to get them all out for 482. Peter Siddle accounted for three wickets and Lyon took two.
Australia had a tricky last hour to bat in the final session on Day 2. Debutant Finch and Khawaja had the responsibility to see through the day without any damages to the side. There were plenty of nervous moments and loud shouts, but the pair managed to dig in and scored 30 runs and remained unbeaten. Australia has a mammoth task in hand and a lot depends on the opening partnership. This will also test the strength of the batting lineup without their two mainstays, Steve Smith and David Warner in the side.
