Pakistan’s resilient stance during Day 2 of the opening Test against Australia crumbled swiftly against an aggressive onslaught, resulting in a collapse to 271 all-out and a significant 216-run deficit in the first innings.
Nathan Lyon once again emerged as a pivotal figure, initiating the downfall by dismissing Imam-ul-Haq, who had faced 199 balls, and earlier breaking through by removing Abdullah Shafique. Lyon’s two crucial wickets left him on the brink of the illustrious milestone of 500 Test wickets.
When Aamer Jamal fell as Lyon’s third victim, achieving the milestone seemed imminent. However, the Perth crowd was deprived of witnessing the legendary moment, expressing their disappointment vividly.
Lyon persistently challenged the final surviving pair of Shaheen Afridi and Salman Agha Ali, with Pat Cummins introducing part-timer Travis Head to bowl alongside the experienced 36-year-old.
Afridi’s gamble against Lyon in the 101st over paid off momentarily with two boundaries, but his luck turned in the subsequent over when a hasty pull shot resulted in a mistimed top edge soaring high into the morning sky. Positioned perfectly under the sun, Usman Khawaja made a flawless catch at mid-on to dismiss Afridi.
— Virat Sharma (@ViratSharm39743) December 16, 2023
Although one might anticipate a resounding cheer at the confirmation of a substantial first-innings advantage, Optus Stadium resounded with jeers. This reaction stemmed from the realization that Lyon’s potential milestone moment might be postponed for another day or two, causing disappointment among the spectators.