Day 1 post-Lunch session at the MCG saw just 15.3 overs possible as dark overheads gave place to continuous rain, which interrupted the captivating play. After taking a break at the end of the morning session thanks to a wicket from David Warner on the final ball, Pakistan performed considerably better this time, tying down Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne.
During the drinks break, Labuschagne informed the host broadcaster that batting was difficult because of the cloudy skies, waning light, and swinging ball, and that he and Smith were just trying to “get through this period.”
Smith joined Labuschagne five overs into the opening session after Khawaja had ruined a strong start by nicking a ball off Hasan Ali to Agha Salman at second slip. As the ball bounced around, Shan Masood tried to capitalize on the change in the weather by setting up a busy slip cordon. Both batsmen were kept on their toes by Shaheen Afridi, but they failed to yield and fell victim to the pressure of the play, which resulted in them scoring just six runs off 57 balls after Khawaja was removed. Rain prematurely stopped the session, despite Pakistan seemed to be about to receive a reward for their tight bowling. Smith finished with 2* off 26 balls, but Labuschagne went off for 14* off 47.
In the morning session, Australia had more luck and sunshine when Pakistan, who had opted for a four-pronged speed attack, decided to bowl. In the third over, Abdullah Shafique gave David Warner a simple chance to take the wicket. The two hitters settled down after the first refreshment break as the sun sparkled at the MCG. Pakistan didn’t make a comeback until the last over of the session when Warner was removed.
Scores: Australia 114/2 (Usman Khawaja 42, David Warner 38; Agha Salman 1-2) vs Pakistan