Australia finished on 505-8 at the stumps on day 2 of the 2nd test versus Pakistan at National Stadium, Karachi. Carrying on from 251-3, the Australian batters seemed in no hurry and took their time tiring out the Pakistani fielders.
The night-watchman keeps the guard up:
Nathan Lyon, sent in as a night-watchman at the end of the first day’s play, kept batting for more than one and half hours on the 2nd day. He frustrated the already irritated bowling lineup and kept the momentum going on for the Kangaroos. He combined with Khwaja to put up a 54 run stand in which he contributed 38 runs before getting dismissed.
Khwaja continues his marathon innings:
Usman Khwaja kept going strong on day 2 of the 2nd test as well. He scored an impeccable 160 off 369, including 15 fours and a six, before being dismissed by Sajid Khan. His innings was the glue in Australian innings till the team scored 360.
Alex Carey joins the party:
Alex Carey joined Khwaja in the middle when Travis Head got trapped leg before by Sajid Khan. Carey’s partnership with Khwaja did not last long as the left-hander opener soon followed Head into the dugout. Carey, then played the aggressor for the Australians. He made 93 runs, which is his highest score in test cricket so far. He was dismissed by the Pakistani captain Babar Azam, who tried giving his bowlers a reprieve for a few overs.
What to expect on 3rd day:
The way the pitch at National Stadium is behaving, it won’t be foolish to say that the 3rd of the 2nd test will also be a run-fest. Cricreads expect that the match is heading towards a draw, and Pakistani batters will put high scores on the 3rd day just like their counterparts did in the first innings.
Score at stumps on day 2 of the 2nd test:
Australia– 505/8 (180 overs)