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Australia vs Pakistan Second Test Tips - Visitors' struggles likely to continue

By Siddhu Bharadwaj

24 Dec 2023

Siddhu Bharadwaj 24 Dec 2023

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Australia vs Pakistan Second Test predictions to be played at the MCG Stadium in Melbourne in starting on Tuesday, Indian morning time
Australia have won their last 15 home Tests against Pakistan
Pakistan have lost their last 4 Tests at this venue

Can the Australians close out the series with a win in Melbourne (Getty Images)

Australia vs Pakistan Second Test

After a comprehensive win in the first match, which was on expected lines, Australia will look to close out the series with a Boxing Day Test win over Pakistan. This match will start at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground from Tuesday, early morning IST, which will be the last Test for one of Australia’s modern greats David Warner.

Australia vs Pakistan Second Test
Head to Head
Australia Form
Australia Team News
Pakistan Form
Pakistan Team News

There wasn’t much on offer from Pakistan in the first Test who folded out very easily despite starting confidently with the bat in the first innings. The challenge of competing down under still remains a hurdle too big to scale for the visitors. I am backing Australia to win the Test while David Warner could be set for a fairy tale finish to his career.

Australia have won their last 15 home matches against Pakistan (Tests)
Australia have won 9 of their last 11 home matches drawing the other two (Tests)
Pakistan have lost their last 10 matches in New Zealand and Australia (Tests)
Pakistan have lost their last 4 matches at this venue (Tests)
David Warner has scored a hundred in 3 of his last 5 innings at this venue (Tests)

Head to Head

Australia and Pakistan have played each other in 70 Tests with 35 wins for the Oceania team while the Asians have won 15 matches. The remaining 20 games ended in a draw.

The first match of the series saw Australia rout Pakistan for a 360-run win. A 487-run first innings led by David Warner’s 164 led the base for Australia. They then snuffed out Pakistan for 271 in the first innings before setting a target of 450. That proved to be way too much as Pakistan bundled out for just 89 in the second essay.

Australia Form

Australia were on the money in the first match right from ball one, as Warner continued his recent success against Pakistan. Mitchell Marsh also enjoyed a good outing with a 90 as the hosts piled on the runs.

They had to be patient with the ball as Pakistan looked threatening at 181 for 3. The relentless bowling unit did the job though, with Nathan Lyon (three), Pat Cummins (two) and Mitch Starc (two) among the wickets.

Marsh once again chipped in with a fifty in the second innings, but with the ball it was again a collective effort as Starc and Hazlewood ripped through the visitors.

Australia Team News

It’s unlikely that the Australians are going to make any changes to their winning XI, unless there’s a last-minute injury.

Pakistan Form

Pakistan didn’t do justice to their pre-match expectations of being competitive. In line with their poor record in this country, the Green Caps folded out.

They had their moments in the field though, as Australia were 321 for 5 in the first innings. They let the score to swell and even with the bat, they couldn’t maximize their start that saw them score 181 for 3.

With injuries piling up and selections becoming tricky, Pakistan have an uphill battle to come back in the series.

Pakistan Team News

Sarfaraz Ahmed is likely to be replaced by Mohammed Rizwan behind the stumps. Khurram Shahzad is injured and out of the series, likely to be replaced by Mohammed Wasim Jr. for this match. Hasan Ali or Sajid Khan could be the one coming in place of Faheem Ashraf.

Australia vs Pakistan Second Test FAQs

Where can I watch the Australia vs Pakistan Second Test live stream?

Our live streaming calendar shows you where to watch the Australia vs Pakistan Second Test live stream.

What time does Australia vs Pakistan Second Test start?

This Australia vs Pakistan Second Test will be played at the MCG Stadium in Melbourne starting from December 26, Tuesday starting at 5:00am IST.

Verdict

Australia v Pakistan - 2nd Test

I am backing Australia to win this match, as Pakistan have a lot of baggage. In terms of individuals, this could be Warner’s chance of going on a high. Back him to be Australia’s top scorer.