Khawaja, Warner give steady start to Australia against Pakistan: Second Test (Tea, Day 1)

Usman Khawaja and David Warner’s opening partnership put Australia in a strong position against Pakistan at the time of Tea on Day 1 in the second Test match at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground on Tuesday. At the time of Tea, Australia’s score read 114/2 in 42.4 overs with Marnus Labuschagne (14) and Steve Smith (2) unbeaten at the crease. Pakistan captain Shan Masood won the toss and opted to bowl in the second Test. The batting pair of Usman Khawaja and David Warner were decisive in their approach and made the Pakistan bowlers toil hard in excellent batting conditions.

Shaheen Afridi and Mir Hamza bowled in tandem to start Pakistan’s innings off quickly, but they were unable to gain any traction behind the wicket. Warner and Khawaja survived the first ten overs without being hit by the new ball, although Afridi and Mir Hamza got it swinging. Warner was squared up by an amazing delivery from Afridi in the channel that angled in and then nipped away on the last ball of the third over. The Australian opener, batting on two, nicked the ball, and Abdullah Shafique, at first slip, dropped the easiest of chances as the edge flew at a comfortable height and pace.Afridi couldn’t believe his terrible luck and walked back to his bowling run-up with his hands on his head for a few moments. Pakistan paid a high price for the let-off, as Australia’s openers added 90 runs for the first wicket. Afridi was overcome with misfortune and spent a few moments walking back to his bowling run-up with his hands on his head. Australia’s openers added 90 runs for the first wicket, so Pakistan paid a heavy price for the reprieve.

At the start of lunch, Agha Salman of Pakistan scored a 38-run strike by dismissing Warner. Warner was removed from the game after hitting three fours in the inning. On the first day of the MCG Test, Australia had lunch at 90/1. Following the first break, Pakistan’s bowlers were unrelenting, giving up just 22 runs immediately following lunch. Then, in the 33.1 over, pacer Hasan Ali dismissed Khawaja for 42 runs. The Australian team then attempted to be led by Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith. Play on Day 1 was halted by rain after 42.4 over, and a shortened second session was held at the MCG to take tea.