October 17th 2018:
Neser takes first test wickets as Australia try to keep series win hopes alive
It took just 1 over to see a jubilant Michael Neser take his maiden test wicket, catching the outside edge of Imam-ul-Haq, a vital wicket as the opening partnership had looked unstoppable the previous evening.
Azhar Ali would bring up another 50 in what has been a strong series for him, before Holland would sneak one passed his outside edge, followed quickly by another wicket of Sohail by Nathan Lyon. Pakistan would then close out the session strongly with Asad Shafiq and youngster Salahuddin increasing the pressure on the Australians, lunch on Day 2 Pakistan 3/157.
Shortly after tea Australia would get the wicket of Salahuddin via Mitch Marsh who bowled well, but Pakistan would see another good partnership from Sarfraz Ahmed and Asad Shafiq, further closing in on Australia’s dismal 1st innings total, but a determined Lyon, Neser and Holland would all take a wicket each to just drag themselves back into it late, Pakistan 7/249 at tea.
The evening session was highlighted by Asad Shafiq bringing up his ton after a magnificent knock, able to mix aggression and concentration to deadly effect, no bowler looked like touching him all day as he brought up the century with a beautiful cover drive.
Shadab Khan would once again find himself out for a poultry 12 runs, a horror series with the bat for the number 7.
The tail would hold their own well with Shafiq, helping Pakistan build what felt like a massive lead of 84 runs, in the end 328 all out as Day 2 concluded.