Twitter reactions: Australian fast bowling brigade destroys Pakistan

The fast bowling trio of Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Jackson Bird ransacked Pakistan batting order and reduced them for 97/8 runs and put Australia in firm command at stumps on Day two of the opening Day-Night Test at the Gabba, Brisbane. The match now seems would meet its conclusion by the end of day three. Also, with this performance, Australia has virtually given Pakistan a big picture of the expectation the tourists should have in the upcoming matches.

Apart from opener Sami Islam (22), Babar Azam (19) and Sarfraz Ahmed (31*) none of the Pakistan batsmen could manage a double-figure. Younis Khan was perhaps the biggest disappointment after he was dismissed for a golden duck. Mitchell Starc (3/45) and Josh Hazlewood (3/19) shared the spoils equally while Jackson Bird snapped (2/7) and contributed to Pakistan’s misery.

Earlier at the start of the day, Australia weathered the hostile spells from Wahab Riaz and Mohammad Amir, to add 141 runs to their overnight score of 288 and finish on a formidable 429. The first session went in Pakistan’s favour as Riaz snapped Steve Smith and Nic Maddinson – to raise the hopes of bundling out Australia inside the 400 runs mark. Smith and Peter Handscomb started off in a comfortable manner and stretched their 4th wicket stand to 172 runs before Riaz struck in back to back with the wickets of Smith in the 100th over and Nic Maddinson in his following over.

A few over later, Wade also lost his wicket to Riaz after looking promising initially with his approach. Mohammad Amir then bowled a testing spell and grabbed perfectly planned wickets of Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazelwood. While Riaz was all about showing muscle power, Amir’s bowling was a delight to watch. Both his wicket came due to his cleverness more than anything else.

Hazlewood was foxed by an away swinger and nicked one to the slips after playing two perfect in-swingers. Starc, on the other hand, was dealt with more roughness and was tested with bouncers before making him fall for false aggression and give a catch to the first slips. These quick wickets brought Australi’s end near and gave Pakistan a highly productive opening session on day two. However, Nathan Lyon and Jackson Bird played wonderful cameos, adding 49 for the 10th wicket, to push Australia’s total past 400 runs mark.

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