Marnus Labuschagne faced a challenging period to guide Australia to 187-3 on the rain-interrupted opening day of the second Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in Melbourne against a persistent and skillful Pakistan attack.
By the close of play, Labuschagne stood undefeated at a measured 44 off 120 deliveries, while Travis Head remained not out on nine, with nearly three hours of play lost to rain.
Pakistan's bowlers capitalised on the overcast conditions, securing the dismissals of David Warner (38), Usman Khawaja (42), and Steve Smith (26).
Despite the setbacks, Labuschagne's patient innings stood firm as the hosts aimed to clinch the three-test series following a resounding 360-run victory in Perth.
Pakistan captain Shan Masood won the toss, electing to bowl first on a pitch favourable to seamers.
Led by Shaheen Shah Afridi, the Pakistan bowlers found movement and swing early on, with Warner surviving a dropped catch on two by Abdullah Shafique at second slip.
Warner's fortune faded with a hasty shot off part-time spinner Agha Salman just before lunch, resulting in a catch-and-slip by Babar Azam.
Khawaja, embroiled in a dispute with the International Cricket Council, fell to Hasan Ali, leaving Australia at 108-2.
As dark clouds loomed, Labuschagne and Smith adopted a defensive approach before rain interrupted play. Once conditions cleared, the duo continued cautiously, with Labuschagne breaking the tension with a boundary off Aamer Jamal.
The pace remained slow for Smith, surviving an LBW shout and a review before eventually succumbing to a faint edge, ending a resilient 147-ball partnership.
