Australia vs Pakistan second Test: Tips and suggested bets

Pakistan's failure to put the Australian openers under any pressure on the first morning of the first Test set in motion a series of events that saw them overwhelmed in the series opener.

For the hosts, David Warner made a mockery of his critics with a knock that showed that he is still very much deserving of his place in the Test team even if he intends to retire after the third match of the series in Sydney.

Boxing Day Tests are traditionally all about sunshine and fast bowling, but the Melbourne Cricket Ground pitches haven't been as lively as years gone by in more recent years.

Pakistan will still need to find a way for their batters to stand up to the pace barrage that the hosts will send their way.

The last Test played at the MCG saw Warner notch a double ton as Australia secured a massive victory over a self-destructing South Africa.

Pakistan, meanwhile, haven't won at the MCG since 1981 but might take heart from the fact that their subcontinental rival India was the last team to beat Australia in a Boxing Day Test at the ground.

On Pakistan's last visit to the ground, Australia put up their highest-ever total at the venue.

 

Australia vs Pakistan second Test: Suggested bets

Travis Head has threatened to cut loose already this series, and if he gets given a decent platform by the top order he could be just the man to punish the older ball and pile on runs quickly.

Warner remains a big run threat, but Head could deliver as an outside pick.

Pakistan need to get as much from their opening pair of Abdullah Shafique and Imam-ul-Haq as possible.

The pair let themselves down in Perth, giving away their wickets to Nathan Lyon just as Australia started to get restless in the field.

It isn't always about express pace at the MCG, and the type of bowlers who will be a danger could shift to the likes of Mitchell Marsh and Josh Hazlewood and, as the match wears on, also Lyon.

Pakistan weren't able to threaten Australia as consistently in the first innings as they might have hoped and will need an all-round tightening of their skillsets, but if there is one man who can give them that early lift, it will be Shaheen Afridi.

 

Predictions

- Pakistan to lose their first wicket after passing 40

- Imam-ul-Haq to top score for Pakistan in the match

- Josh Hazlewood to be Australia's top wicket-taker

- Travis Head to top score in Australia's first innings