![AUS vs PAK [WATCH]: Mir Hamza delivers inch-perfect inswinger to outfox Travis Head on Day 3 of MCG Test](https://crickettimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Mir-Hamza-and-Travis-Head.webp "AUS vs PAK [WATCH]: Mir Hamza delivers inch-perfect inswinger to outfox Travis Head on Day 3 of MCG Test")
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On Day 3 of the Boxing Day Test at MCG, Pakistan’s pace-battery, led by Shaheen Afridi and Mir Hamza, emerged as a formidable force, wreaking havoc on Australia’s celebrated batting lineup. After restricting Shan Masood‘s side to 264, the Pakistani pacers orchestrated a comeback, putting the hosts in a precarious position in the second innings.
Pakistan’s pacers domination
Under the effective leadership of Afridi and Hamza, the visiting team created significant issues for the hosts by taking quick wickets in the second innings. Hamza contributed to two of the initial four dismissals, including the crucial wicket of one of the most in-form batters of the year, Travis Head. In his fourth Test appearance, the 31-year-old Hamza dismissed the World Cup 2023 star, Head, with an exceptional delivery. The left-arm pacer deceived Head with a ball that sharply moved inside, causing disruption of bails.
Travis Head falls victim to Mir Hamza’s inswinger brilliance
During the second session of the day, the Australians found themselves at 16/2 when Hamza, in the sixth over of the Australia’s second essay, first removed David Warner with a back-of-a-length delivery. He followed it up with an extraordinary peach that resulted in the dismissal of Head. Bowling from round the wicket, the red-leather swung inside, pitching fuller just outside off, and then it seamed in sharply. Head was completely beaten as the ball hit the middle stump.
Here’s the video:
BOWLED! Mir Hamza rips an in-swinger through Travis Head first ball! #PlayOfTheDay | @Nrmainsurance | #AUSvPAK pic.twitter.com/8UbzVV8esa
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 28, 2023
Also READ: AUS vs PAK: David Warner’s laughter rings out as 3rd Umpire gets stuck in a lift on Day 3 of MCG Test
Pat Cummins’ commanding performance
In the first session of the match, Pat Cummins showcased his bowling prowess by taking five crucial wickets for just 48 runs. The Australian captain toyed with the Pakistani batters, getting the ball to seam in and out effectively. Cummins’ outstanding performance included the key wicket of Mohammad Rizwan, who had contributed significantly with a score of 42.
Nathan Lyon’s spin web
Adding to Pakistan’s woes, Nathan Lyon, the seasoned spinner, bowled exceptionally well, finishing with four wickets for 73 runs. Lyon’s spin prowess complemented the pace attack, making it challenging for the Pakistani batters to build substantial partnerships. The collective effort from Cummins and Lyon restricted Pakistan to only 70 runs from their overnight score of 194/6, resulting in the loss of the last four remaining wickets.
