Australia v Pakistan: Tourists replying to big first-innings total in Perth

  • Published
  • comments
Australia all-rounder Mitchell MarshImage source, James Worsfold - CA/Getty Images
Image caption,

Mitchell Marsh averages 57 in Test cricket in the calendar year

First Test, Perth Stadium (day two of five):

Australia 487 all out: Warner 164 (211), Jamal 6-111

Pakistan 132-2: Shafique 42 (121), Starc 1-24

Australia lead by 355 runs

Australia boosted their dominant position on day two of the first Test against Pakistan in Perth.

Mitchell Marsh clubbed 90 off 107 balls as Australia added another 141 runs to reach 487 all out, despite Pakistan bowler Aamer Jamal returning figures of 6-111 on debut.

In response, Pakistan ended day two on 132-2, trailing by 355 runs.

It was slow going for the tourists, who were anchored by Imam-ul-Haq's watchful and unbeaten 38 off 136 balls.

Australia resumed on 346-5, and Marsh continued his form from the summer Ashes series by passing 50 but wicketkeeper Carey was bowled on 34 by debutant Jamal, ending a 90-run sixth-wicket partnership.

Carey's departure led to an acceleration from Marsh, whose innings included 15 fours and one six before he was bowled by Khurram Shahzad.

Jamal rounded off his pleasing debut haul by removing bowlers Mitchell Starc (12), Pat Cummins (9) and Nathan Lyon (5).

Pakistan openers Abdullah Shafique and Imam shared a first-wicket stand of 74, with their 50 being brought up after 26 overs.

After David Warner's catch off the bowling of Nathan Lyon, on his return to Test cricket, took the wicket of Shafique on 42, Pakistan captain Shan Masood upped the tempo.

Hitting four off his second delivery, having almost chopped on to his own stumps off the first, Masood played with an intent that was virtually non-existent from Pakistan's openers.

His attack-minded approach did not last though as he was nicked out by Mitchell Starc minutes before the close as Pakistan ended two down.

'I'm proud to be part of this Australia team' - reaction

Australia all-rounder Mitchell Marsh on ABC's Grandstand: "I'm loving it, it's been an incredible six months for the team. Patty's leadership has been amazing, it allows me to play like I do and get dismissed like I do. I'm just proud to be a part of it. "It was pretty special to walk out yesterday to that noise and my family. It's amazing to be playing back at home playing at Western Australia's home in a home Test summer."