On the fourth day of the Melbourne Test, Australia, after being bowled out for 262 before lunch, set a formidable target of 317 runs for Pakistan.
The Australian team faced a tough start, reduced to 16 for four, but a significant 153-run partnership between Mitchell Marsh and Steve Smith helped them recover. They resumed their innings at 187-6 on a bright morning at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).
Alex Carey contributed a crucial 52 runs, marking his sixth test half-century, which aided in extending Australia’s lead. However, his innings was halted by seamer Mir Hamza, who finished with impressive figures of 4-32, effectively ending the Australian innings.
Pakistan’s Uphill Battle in Chase
Pakistan, who made 264 in their first innings, faces a daunting task in chasing the target. This is especially challenging considering the form of Australian captain Pat Cummins and his formidable pace attack.
The historical context adds to the pressure, as the highest successful fourth-innings run chase at the MCG remains the 332 runs scored by England in 1928-29.
The tourists must overcome their recent struggles, as they were dismissed for just 89 runs in the fourth innings of the first test in Perth, which Australia won by 360 runs. This performance in the ongoing three-match series puts additional strain on Pakistan to stage a robust response.
