Pat Cummins sparks Pakistan collapse as Australia take control of Boxing Day Test at the MCG
- Planet Sport writer
- 27 December 2023
Australia captain Pat Cummins assumed control of the Boxing Day Test against Pakistan, claiming three important wickets to put the hosts in charge on day two.
Cummins removed Abdullah Shafique, key man Babar Azam and Agha Salman as the tourists slipped from 124 for one to 194 for six in Melbourne.
A disciplined bowling performance from the Pakistan attack had earlier rounded up Australia's first innings for 318, Aamer Jamal with a three-wicket haul including top-scorer Marnus Labuschagne for 63.
Nathan Lyon's early dismissal of Imam-ul-Haq bolstered Australia's position before a diligent 90-run stand between Shafique and skipper Shan Masood.
Cummins' fine caught and bowled accounted for Shafique (62) and broke things open before a fierce in-ducker toppled the dangerous Babar for just one.
The Aussie skipper grabbed his third before stumps, while Masood holed out off Lyon after reaching his half-century.
Josh Hazlewood also chipped in, bowling Saud Shakeel for nine, leaving the recalled Mohammad Rizwan (29 not out) in charge of clearing the remainder of the 124-run deficit on day three.
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