The second Test between Australia and Pakistan at the Melbourne Cricket Ground got off to a captivating start, with Pakistan’s bowlers putting up a spirited performance to restrict the hosts to 187-3 on a rain-disrupted opening day.

Opting to bowl first on a pitch tailored for seam movement, Pakistan captain Shan Masood saw his decision pay off as his bowlers, spearheaded by Shaheen Shah Afridi, made early inroads into the Australian batting lineup.

Pakistan bowlers found success against key Australian batsmen, dismissing David Warner for 38, Usman Khawaja for 42, and Steve Smith, breaking a resilient 147-ball partnership. 

Warner’s luck ran out with a rash shot off part-time spinner Agha Salman, while Hasan Ali, making a comeback to the team, drew an edge from Khawaja that was safely taken in the slips.

In the post-match presser, Pakistan bowler Hasan Ali emphasized the team’s focus on the game rather than external rumors about bowlers’ pace dropping.

“I don’t know whose pace has dropped – my focus has never been on pace, and I’ve never bowled at 150kph. I think it’s better to stick to the area around the top of off stump. I haven’t heard these rumors (about bowlers’ pace dropping), and we don’t care about them. Our focus is on the game, and that’s where it should be,” Hassan said.

The right-arm bowler also expressed his confidence in team’s position.

“As a unit, we bowled well today. We have the upper hand as we didn’t leak runs. But we’re not complacent that the job is done – a long way to go. If we get them out for under 250, we’ll have a great chance to win,” he further added.

The day’s play witnessed rain interruptions, and with nearly three hours lost, only 66 overs could be bowled. Despite the disruptions, the contest remains finely poised, and both teams will be looking to make an impact as the series-defining match progresses.