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In the midst of a crucial third and final Test match against Pakistan, Australia found themselves grappling with a challenging situation on Day 2 at the Sydney Cricket G♑round (SCG). ꦫRain played spoilsport, interrupting play as Australia trailed by 197 runs in their first innings.
David Warner’s early escape and subsequent dismissal
The day began with all eyes on David Warner, playing his final red-ball fixture for the Aussies. Upon reaching 20 runs, the New South Wales cricketer survived a close call when Aamer Jamal‘s delivery found his outside edge, only for Saim Ayub to drop a straightforward catch at first slip. Warner went on to score 34 runs off 68 balls before falling victim to Agha Salman, caught by Babar Azam in the slip cordon during the pre-lunch session.
Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne’s steady partnership
Warner’s departure brought Marnus Labuschagne to the crease, who, along with , Usman Khawaja steadied the ship for Australia🏅. The duo put on a resilient 70-run partnership for the second wicket bꦫefore Salman struck again, dismissing Khawaja for a patient 47 runs off 143 balls.
Labuschagne, showing composure, remained unbeaten at 23 off 66 balls at the close of play, partnering with Steve Smith, who managed 6 runs before bad light halted proceedings. Jamal’s consistent form troubled the Australian batters, but Sajid Khan, Mir Hamza, and Hasan Ali toiled hard for 31 overs without any rewards.
Also WATCH: Saim Ayub drops a sitter of David Warner at firs🎐t slip in SCG Test – AUS vs PAK 2023-24
Rain and bad light halt play
As the clock approached 4:52 local time, play was eventually called off due to rain, adding to the challenges faced by both teams. Australia concluded Day 2 at 116/2 in 47 overs, leaving them with considerable work to do on the upcoming third day of the match. The unཧcertain weather conditions have added an extra layer of complexity to the outcome of the game, setting the stage for an intriguing continuation of the Test match.
Here is how Twitter reacted:
☹️
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau)
Rain forces early stumps on Day 2 of SCG Test.
— betvisa69.com (@CricketTimesHQ)
Rain and bad light prevents♋ afternoon action in Sydney 🌧 scorecarಌd:
— ICC (@ICC)
No play is possible in the f⛎inal session due to rain 🌧️
Aamir Jamal and Salman Ali A🧸gha among the wickets as Australia trail by 197 runs 🏏
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB)
//twitter.com/PAKCricFC/status/174278ꦍ3804098400631
I thought watching smith and labuschagne bat together is the most mentally exhausting thing but khawaja and labuscha🐽gne takes the cake
— 🇵🇸🌙محمد سعد🌙🇵🇸 (@Saad_068)
Marnus🧜 Labuschagne & Usman Khawaja batting together might put a man in a coma
— stickman thoughts 💭 (@NickStoeckel)
Australia's Top 4 Batters LIVE average
UT KHAWAJA- 130.83 (top of the list)
DA WARNER – 49.56
M LABUSCHAGNE – 76.50
SPD SMITH – 72.64— Jono Baruch (@JonoBaruch)
Stumps on Day 2 🏏
Rain took the majority of today's play as Australia trail by 197 runs in the first innings.
— Official_Arun🇮🇳 (@arun_bokan)
And the Rain has had the final say and early stumps has been called on Day 2.
– Australia are 116/2 after 47 overs— Naeem 🇵🇰 (@Chaudar95003878)
3rd Test, Day 2 Cಞalled off due to Rain and Bad light 🙆🏻♂️
— sohail ahmed (@sohailahmed7337)
Steve Smith Sleeping during Labuchagne and Usman Khawaja batting earlie൲r today.��
— Irfan Shakir 🇵🇰 (@iamirfanshakir)
Australia 116/2 Stumps on Day 2 in First innings. Well played U Khwaja 47. Austr💛alia trail b﷽y 197 Runs.
— JaayShaan (VaidhyaJayaShank🍬ar) (@Ja🧔ayShaan)
