Australia delivered a dominant performance at the Melbourne Cricket Ground to defeat Pakistan by an innings and 67 runs in the Boxing Day Test, securing a 1–0 lead in the two-match Test series. From the moment they took control on the opening day, Australia dictated terms with bat and ball, exposing Pakistan’s inconsistencies and underlining their own depth and discipline in home conditions.
Batting first after winning the toss, Australia laid the foundation with a commanding first-innings total that immediately put Pakistan under pressure. The Australian top order negotiated lively conditions with patience before accelerating, building partnerships that steadily wore down the visiting bowlers. Marnus Labuschagne was the cornerstone of the innings, anchoring the middle order with a composed century that blended defensive solidity with timely aggression. Support came from across the lineup, ensuring Pakistan could not capitalise fully even when they found occasional breakthroughs.
Pakistan’s bowlers showed flashes of quality, particularly through their pace attack, but lacked sustained control. Shaheen Afridi led the effort with determination, extracting movement and bounce to claim key wickets, yet the absence of consistent support allowed Australia to push well beyond a competitive total. By the time the hosts were bowled out, they had established a massive first-innings lead that effectively set the tone for the remainder of the match.
Pakistan’s response with the bat never gained momentum. In their first innings, early wickets left them constantly playing catch-up, and the middle order struggled to handle Australia’s relentless pace and probing lines. Mitchell Starc was outstanding, using the MCG bounce to devastating effect as he ripped through Pakistan’s lineup with pace and precision. He found movement through the air and off the seam, repeatedly breaching the defence and preventing any meaningful partnerships from developing.
Bowled out cheaply, Pakistan were forced to follow on, a clear indication of Australia’s dominance. The second innings offered little respite. Although there were brief periods of resistance, Australia maintained pressure through disciplined bowling and sharp fielding. The Australian attack rotated seamlessly, keeping batsmen under constant scrutiny and capitalising on any lapse in concentration.
Starc once again led the charge, supported ably by the rest of the pace unit, as Pakistan’s second innings mirrored the fragility of the first. Wickets fell at regular intervals, and the visitors were unable to mount a serious challenge or bat time to salvage pride. The innings defeat was sealed decisively, confirming Australia’s control over all phases of the match.
The result gives Australia a deserved 1–0 lead in the series and reinforces their reputation as a formidable force at home. For Pakistan, the defeat raises pressing questions about batting resilience and consistency, especially against high-quality pace bowling. As the teams look ahead to the second Test, Australia will aim to complete the series in emphatic fashion, while Pakistan face the task of regrouping quickly to avoid another one-sided contest.
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