Pat Cummins, Australia's star bowler, was the hero of Day 2 in the MCG Test as he turned the tide in Australia's favor with a brilliant three-wicket haul. His exceptional deliveries to dismiss Babar Azam and two other key batsmen have put Australia in a commanding position after an enthralling day of cricket.
The day started with perfect weather conditions and a challenging pitch for batting. Pakistan's fast bowlers wasted no time in making breakthroughs after being kept at bay by Marnus Labuschagne on Day 1. Labuschagne managed to reach his fifty, but eventually fell victim to the impressive Aamer Jamal, who emerged as Pakistan's standout bowler with three wickets. Shaheen Afridi, Hasan Ali, and Mir Hamza also contributed with two wickets each, making it difficult for Australia to build substantial partnerships. Despite Mitchell Marsh's aggressive knock of 41 runs off just 60 balls, Australia could only manage to score 131 runs in the morning session, losing seven wickets. Pakistan's fielding was exceptional, conceding only 52 runs in extras and taking some outstanding catches.
In the afternoon session, Australia's fast bowlers took control of the game in favorable conditions. Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, and Pat Cummins consistently troubled Pakistani openers Abdullah Shafique and Imam Ul Haq. However, the duo managed to withstand the pressure and frustrate the Australian attack. It was spinner Nathan Lyon who eventually broke the partnership, enticing a nick from Imam that was safely caught by Labuschagne at first slip.
During the final session, Shafique and Shan Masood went on the offensive against Lyon. Masood confidently danced down the track and hit Lyon's first delivery after tea for a boundary. Starc had a challenging over, conceding 13 runs, before Cummins made a crucial bowling change, bringing an end to Lyon's post-tea spell. Cummins wasted no time in making an impact, displaying his athleticism by taking a sharp catch off his own bowling to dismiss Shafique. Just two overs later, he produced a brilliant back-of-a-length delivery that breached Babar Azam's defenses, sending him back to the pavilion. Despite Masood reaching his fifty, Cummins brought Lyon back into the attack after the drinks break, and the spinner outfoxed Pakistan's captain, inducing an outside edge that was safely caught by Mitchell Marsh at cover.
Australia continued to apply pressure and dismantle Pakistan's middle-order, with Hazlewood playing a pivotal role. He deceived Saud Shakeel with a nip-backer that crashed into the stumps, leaving him no chance. With less than ten overs remaining before stumps, Agha Salman attempted a risky drive away from his body, resulting in an edge that was comfortably caught behind by the wicketkeeper. Cummins completed his three-wicket haul, further denting Pakistan's hopes. Pakistan, who were 68/1 at tea, finished the day at 194/6, still trailing by 124 runs.
Cummins' exceptional bowling display has firmly swung the momentum in Australia's favor and has put them in a commanding position heading into Day 3. With Pakistan's vulnerable middle-order exposed, Australia will be eager to maintain their dominance and push for a decisive victory in the Test match.