Pakistan closed Day 3 of the Boxing Day Test at Melbourne on 96/3 in their second innings, still trailing Australia by over 150 runs, after a tense final session that left the visitors fighting to avoid an innings defeat. Despite showing more intent and application than in their first innings, Pakistan remain under significant pressure heading into Day 4, with Australia firmly in control of the match.
After being bowled out for 214 earlier in the day and forced to follow on, Pakistan’s priority was survival. The Australian bowlers, however, ensured there was no easy passage. With the MCG pitch still offering bounce and movement, the hosts attacked relentlessly, knowing that early wickets could end the contest quickly.
Pakistan’s openers began cautiously, determined to erase the memory of the collapse that defined their first innings. There was greater discipline outside off stump, and for brief periods they succeeded in blunting Australia’s new-ball threat. However, the pressure of a massive deficit was always present, and it showed as Australia struck regularly.
The first breakthrough came when an opener was dismissed attempting to defend against movement off the seam, edging to the slips. It was a familiar pattern — tight lines, patience from the bowlers, and a mistake forced by sustained pressure. Australia sensed an opening and tightened the screws further.
A second wicket soon followed, this time through bounce that hurried the batter into an awkward shot. The dismissal underlined how little margin for error Pakistan had. Even well-judged leaves and solid defensive shots were constantly tested by the steep bounce at Melbourne, making survival mentally exhausting.
Pakistan briefly steadied through a cautious partnership, rotating the strike and avoiding unnecessary risks. There were moments where the batters showed resilience, leaving well and punishing the occasional loose delivery. That stand gave Pakistan a glimmer of hope that they might bat deep into Day 4 and reduce the deficit significantly.
However, Australia struck again late in the session to remove a key batter, ensuring Pakistan went to stumps at 96/3 rather than with a platform fully intact. The wicket was a psychological blow, reinforcing Australia’s dominance and reminding Pakistan that every run would have to be earned the hard way.
From Australia’s perspective, the day unfolded almost perfectly. Bowling Pakistan out cheaply in the morning allowed them to dictate terms, and the follow-on pressure told as wickets fell at regular intervals. The bowlers rotated smartly, keeping intensity high even as the light faded, while the fielding remained sharp and aggressive.
For Pakistan, Day 4 now represents a stern test of character. Still trailing by more than 150 runs, they must first avoid an innings defeat before even thinking about making Australia bat again. That will require long partnerships, calm decision-making, and far greater resistance than shown earlier in the match.
The balance of the contest is clear. Australia are firmly in the driver’s seat, with time, runs, and wickets on their side. Pakistan, meanwhile, face a difficult road ahead — one where survival, rather than ambition, will define their immediate goals as the Boxing Day Test heads toward its decisive phase.
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