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After a fiery spell from debutant Aamer Jamal, Pakistan led by their batters finished the second day of the opening Test against Australia at 132/2, trailing by 355 runs. Despite losing a couple of wickets, including skipper Shan Masood, the visitors managed to end the day on a decent note. At stumps, Khurram Shehzad and opener Imam-ul-Haq were holding the crease, showing resilience against the formidable Australian bowling attack.
Solid start and early losses in Pakistan’s innings
Pakistan’s first innings began on a positive note with openers Imam and Abdullah Shafique forming a gritty partnership of over 50 runs. However, Australia’s Nathan Lyon broke through, claiming his 497th Test wicket by dismissing Shafique. Newly-appointed captain Masood tried to steadied the innings alongside Imam but succumbed to Mitchell Starc‘s delivery. Despite these early setbacks, Pakistan showcased determination and fight in their response.
Australia batting display on Day 2 and Aamir Jamal’s bowling brilliance
Earlier, resuming their innings from 346/5 on Day 2, Australia’s Mitchell Marsh and Alex Carey built a sturdy partnership, crossing 50 runs. Nevertheless, Pakistan struck with timely breakthroughs, leaving Marsh to battle alone until lunch. After the lunch break, Jamal targeted the remaining Australian tailenders, concluding their innings.
Jamal emerged as the standout bowler for Pakistan, finishing his debut Test spell with impressive figures of 6/111. His impact on Australia’s innings was significant, contributing to the host’s dismissal shortly after lunch on Day 2 as they were bowled out for 487.
Also READ: New Zealand update ODI squad against Bangladesh after Kyle Jamieson’s injury
Here’s how Twitter reacted:
For anyone who has followed Pakistan playing Test cricket in Australia, this was among the best days of play. 👏👏👏
— Rehan Ulhaq (@Rehan_ulhaq) December 15, 2023
First time in Pakistan's 71 years Test history the debutant bowlers have contributed 8 wickets in an innings – six by Aamir Jamal and two by Khurram Shehzad. #AusvPak
— Mazher Arshad (@MazherArshad) December 15, 2023
From playing Pakistan U19s to years of being overlooked in Islamabad cricket, culminating in a remarkable 6-wicket haul on Test debut at Perth! A fantastic success story of Aamer Jamal that sheds light on the flaws in the system. pic.twitter.com/kVKE1j9uJS
— Muhammad Wasim (@MuhammadWasim77) December 15, 2023
That’s a test debut that Aamer Jamal won’t forget: 6 for 111.
— Ian Raphael Bishop (@irbishi) December 15, 2023
A man of his word 🫡
2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣3️⃣ has been our 🦬's year 🔥#AUSvPAK #CapitalsUniverse pic.twitter.com/O1BiPmnZAE
— Delhi Capitals (@DelhiCapitals) December 15, 2023
It's stumps on Day 2 in Perth
Scorecard: https://t.co/rlybjCri2W#AUSvPAK #cricket #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/NMiygkoSOm— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) December 15, 2023
A classic comeback from Pakistan team to restrict Australia for 487. Positive part is that it's not a declaration but ALL OUT.
Momentum is with Pakistan and they got ability to go past 500 if two of their batters go well. Manifesting Babar's century.#AUSvsPAK
— Himanshu Pareek (@Sports_Himanshu) December 15, 2023
A good looking 50 runs opening partnership for Pakistan against Australia between Abdullah Shafique and Imam ul Haq. Hoping for them to set the stage right for the next batters. Come on boys!
— Wajahat Kazmi (@KazmiWajahat) December 15, 2023
Attendance for day two of Perth Test: 17,666#AUSvPAK pic.twitter.com/EGzoXEWM2u
— Nic Savage (@nic_savage1) December 15, 2023
The hate Imam-ul-Haq has been getting for his batting today is baffling to me.
It's not ODI Cricket or T20 Cricket – it is Test Cricket. He can take as many balls as he wants; there's still 3 days or 270 overs or 1600+ balls to be played more in the game.
Calm down!#AUSvPAK
— Israr Ahmed Hashmi (@IamIsrarHashmi) December 15, 2023
Following Aamir Jamal's six-fer, Pakistan finish Day Two at 132-2 trailing by 355 runs 🏏#AUSvPAK pic.twitter.com/sHCrsjYqic
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) December 15, 2023
