MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Marnus Labuschagne played a patient 63 as Australia were bowled out for 318 at lunch on the second day of the second Test against Pakistan.
On the pitch at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, the seam continued to move the bowlers sideways as Australia lost seven wickets for 131 in an entertaining session that lasted over 2 1-2 hours due to a rain delay on opening day Tuesday.
In contrast to Labuschagne's 155-ball knock, Mitchell Marsh smashed 41 off 60 balls.
Called to bat first in overcast conditions, Australia reached 187-3 at the close of play on Tuesday. David Warner, who fell at slip for 2 runs, put on 38 runs in the opening stand of 90 runs with Usman Khawaja (42).
Steve Smith added 26 runs in a 46-run partnership with Labuschagne for the third wicket as Australia battled through a torrid afternoon on a rain-interrupted first day, scoring only 66 in the scheduled 90 overs.
Travis Head (17) fell in the fifth over on Wednesday, caught at second slip by Shaheen Shah Afridi (2-85). Amir Jamal (3-64) was caught at slip at 250-5 after a 46-run stand with Marsh, dismissing Labuschagne on a crucial strike.
Marsh lbw for seven runs. Out, but the right-hander successfully reviewed the decision.
In an action-packed over from Hasan Ali (2-61), Marsh was out again on the next delivery, but the brave batsman got a second reprieve when he appealed the decision.
But Pakistan kept nagging and were further rewarded when Labuschagne was caught at first slip on 250-5. Taking the second new ball after 80 overs, Pakistan quickly dismissed Alex Carey (4) and Mitchell Starc (9).
Marsh, who hit six fours and a six, was out to deep third man at 286-8.
The third Test of the three-match series is set to begin on January 3 at the Sydney Cricket Ground, where Pakistan won its last Test in Australia almost 30 years ago.
Australia won the first Test in Perth last week 360 runs.
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