Relentless Cummins: The Series-Winning Force for Australia by 2-0
There were moments on Day 4 when it appeared Pakistan may take the game by the scruff of the neck, but a relentless Pat Cummins put an end to that in the closing session, becoming the first Test captain to pick 10 wickets in an MCG Test. Pakistan collapsed from 216 for 5 to 237 all out, giving Australia a 2-0 series lead even before the teams go to Sydney for the third Test in the new year.
Cummins had set the tone toward the end of the second session when he stopped Shan Masood’s breezy essay, which threatened to drag Australia out of the game. Masood and Babar Azam did an excellent job of chipping away at the target by taking on Nathan Lyon and preventing Cummins from giving his quicks longer rests. The Australian fast bowlers, on the other hand, responded by being merciless in the last session, when Lyon became Pakistan’s sole escape route.
Pakistan was already spooked by Masood’s wicket, but they were more rattled when Babar Azam got his second unplayable nipbacker of the Test. Josh Hazlewood got one to duck back in and breach his bat-pad gap this time. Pakistan’s chase was on the verge of collapsing at 143/4, but Mohammad Rizwan took command to defy the hosts. He began the innings by slog-sweeping Lyon for a six and then welcomed Mitchell Starc into the attack with a cover drive for four.
Australia’s series-clinching victory against Pakistan in the second Test was fueled by the exceptional performance of their pace-bowling captain, Pat Cummins. With his fiery bowling, Cummins secured five wickets in the match, taking his total tally to an impressive 10 wickets. This article delves into the thrilling moments of the game, highlighting Cummins’ exceptional skills and the pivotal role he played in Australia’s triumph.
A Battling Pakistan Starts Strong
Pakistan began their chase with determination, aiming for their first Test victory in Australia since 1995. Despite facing a challenging target of 317 runs, the visitors displayed resilience and fought hard to make their mark. Opener Abdullah Shafique and skipper Shan Masood formed a solid partnership, scoring half-centuries and providing Pakistan with a glimmer of hope.
Cummins Strikes to Change the Game
Just when Pakistan seemed to be gaining momentum, Pat Cummins intervened with his hostile bowling. Cummins’ ability to produce crucial breakthroughs proved pivotal in turning the tide of the match. His diving return catch dismissed Shafique, followed by a stunning delivery that dismantled the stumps of Babar Azam. The crowd erupted in excitement as Cummins showcased his exceptional skills and determination.
Collapse of Pakistan’s Middle Order
Pakistan’s middle order struggled to withstand the relentless pressure exerted by the Australian bowlers. Cummins, along with his teammates, capitalized on the situation, causing a collapse of 5-46. The dismissals of skipper Shan Masood and Salman Ali Agha further dented Pakistan’s hopes of a successful chase. Mohammad Rizwan fought valiantly and remained unbeaten at the end of the day, but Pakistan still trailed by 124 runs with four wickets in hand.
Australia’s Resolute Bowling Attack
Australia’s victory was not solely dependent on Cummins’ heroics. The Australian pace-bowling attack, consisting of Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Nathan Lyon, provided crucial support. Starc’s four-wicket haul and Lyon’s two-wicket contribution added to the pressure on Pakistan’s batsmen. The collective efforts of the Australian bowlers ensured that Pakistan’s innings fell short, ultimately leading to Australia’s triumph.
A Challenging Day for Australia’s Batting Lineup
Before Pakistan’s innings, Australia had faced challenges of their own during their first innings. Rain interruptions on the first day led to a shortened game, as Australia resumed at 187-3 on the second day. The batting lineup battled against Pakistan’s disciplined bowling attack, resulting in a total of 318 runs. Marnus Labuschagne’s patient half-century and Mitchell Marsh’s aggressive innings provided the much-needed impetus to Australia’s total.
Pakistan’s Improved Fielding Efforts
Pakistan’s fielding efforts showcased improvement compared to the previous match. Wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan displayed remarkable skill with a one-handed catch to dismiss Alex Carey. The pace quartet of Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mir Hamza, Hasan Ali, and Aamir Jamal maintained consistent pressure on the Australian batsmen, resulting in breakthroughs at crucial moments.
Looking Ahead: The Third Test in Sydney
Australia’s series win has set the stage for an exciting third Test in Sydney. Scheduled to begin on January 3 at the Sydney Cricket Ground, both teams will be eager to finish the series on a high note. Pakistan’s middle-order collapse in the second Test will likely be a point of focus for their team as they aim to bounce back and challenge the Australian side.
Conclusion
Pat Cummins’ exceptional performance played a pivotal role in Australia’s series-clinching win against Pakistan in the second Test. His relentless bowling and ability to take crucial wickets at key moments turned the match in Australia’s favor. Supported by a resolute bowling attack and improved fielding efforts, Australia showcased their strength as a team. As the series moves to Sydney, both teams will be determined to leave their mark in the final Test. The stage is set for an enthralling contest that cricket fans around the world eagerly await.
