Day 2 of the Boxing Day Test between Australia and Pakistan began on Day 2 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Wednesday. Australia captain Pat Cummins claimed he bowled Babar Azam a “dream ball,” the outcome of which was unclear to him.
As Pakistan struggle to 194 for six, they trail Australia’s first innings score of 318 by 124 runs; therefore, the hosts maintain the upper hand.
Mohammad Rizwan was on 29 runs at ends, while Aamer Jamal was on two runs without being dismissed, after Abdullah Shafique (62) and Babar Azam (one) were dismissed by Cummins, followed by Agha Salman (five).
For the first time in the series, Pakistan appeared to be regaining the upper hand with a score of 124 runs off a loss of one. Nevertheless, Cummins turned the tide in the Boxing Day Test with just four deliveries and two wickets; one of his victims, Babar, is regarded as one of the world’s greatest batsmen, and the other, Abdullah, is predicted to attain the same level of prowess.
In the coming years, the Cummins delivery that nicked back and dismissed Babar will be replayed frequently. At the press conference following the match, Cummins elaborated on his strategy for dismissing Babar.
“It’s a dream ball,” Cummins remarked regarding his most recent attempt to discharge Babar. “You attempt to bowl it with the majority of your balls, but it rarely comes off.
“That was not an intentional seam ball.” The outcome, whether it seams in or out, is an even-spot. You attempt to create a slight angle; if I am uncertain as to its purpose, then hopefully the batter remains unaware as well.
“The swing is marginally more predictable; the batter perceives it marginally earlier, and the margins are marginally smaller.” “I occasionally attempt to swing one, but it’s uncommon; the majority of the time, I’m aiming for some seam off the wicket,” he continued.
After dismissing Babar for the second time in as many innings with just three deliveries, Cummins completed his day by switching ends and capturing another top-order wicket when Salman Ali Agha edged behind.