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[Watch] Shaheen Afridi's Day Gets Tougher As Abdullah Shafique Drops A Sitter; David Warner Survives

image-lqlxpeqjAUS VS PAK Boxing Day Test (AP Photo)

Cricketing action resumed after the Christmas holidays as Australia clashed with Pakistan for the pivotal Boxing Day test match earlier today. 

An injury-riddled men in green made as many as three forced changes while the host's playing XI remained unchanged. That being said, Shan Masood won the toss and elected to field first under the overcast conditions of MCG. 

Masood's gamble worked as Pakistan's ace speedster Shaheen Shah Afridi produced bounce and swing off the pitch. He troubled the openers with his aggressive line and lengths as he sensed an opening. 


Shafique Awards Warner A Lifeline With Fielding Miscue

On the final delivery of his second over of the spell, Afridi deceived David Warner with his inswinger. The ball angled in, and Warner tried to defend it but ended up getting a thick outside edge.

The ball travelled straight to Abdullah Shafique at the first slip. It was one of the simplest catches that a fielder could ever come across in a cricket field, as Shafique didn't even have to move an inch.

Yet, the Pakistani fielder dropped the catch. He grabbed it in one go but couldn't hold it as David Warner earned a massive lifeline.

Subsequently, Warner made the visitor's pay as he unleashed carnage with his aggressive intent. He took on the pacers head-on, which forced Shan Masood to turn to his spinners for a breakthrough. 

Luckily, Agha Salman dismissed a dangerous Warner against the run of play as he walked back to the dressing room after scoring 38 runs off 83 deliveries.

Nonetheless, Australia remains in a comfortable position despite losing its openers in quick succession. Marnus Labuchagne and Steve Smith batted cautiously under the lights to rebuild the innings before rain played spoilsport. 

Rain came running down at the final hour of the second session as umpires declared early tea. Currently, the rain is playing hide and seek, and the chances of any more play for the day are slime.