AUS vs PAK [Twitter reactions]: Mitchell Marsh’s sublime knock gives Australia upper hand on Day 3 of MCG Test

Australia have asserted a subtle but firm control at the conclusion of Day 3 on the ongoing second Test against Pakistan at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Facing a challenging situation after a faltering start in their second innings, Mitchell Marsh emerged as the hero of the day, showcasing resilience and skill in a remarkable performance. His heroic knock not only steadied the ship for the hosts but also propelled them into a commendable position in the game.

Pakistan’s dismal batting display

Commencing the day at a challenging score of 194/6, Mohammad Rizwan, in partnership with Aamir Jamal, resiliently anchored the innings for the visiting team. Despite Rizwan’s promising contribution of 42, Aussie skipper Pat Cummins‘ strategic prowess led to the right-handed batter’s dismissal. On the other hand, Jamal played a valuable innings, accumulating an unbeaten 33 runs. However, the lack of substantial support from the other batters resulted in Pakistan being bundled out for 264 in 73.5 overs.

Mitchell Marsh and Steve Smith take charge of the Aussies

Embarking on their second innings with a 54-run advantage, Australia faced a swift setback as their top four batters succumbed to early dismissals. Despite the early setbacks, stability dawned on the innings with the accomplished partnership of Steve Smith and Marsh. Demonstrating resilience, the duo crafted an impressive 153-run stand for fifth wicket, placing the hosts in a solid position.

Marsh fell short of a well-deserved century, departing at 96, courtesy of a spectacular one-handed catch by Agha Salman in the slips. Smith, after a noteworthy 50 runs, also faced dismissal. Australia concluded Day 3 with a score of 187/6 on the board, holding a substantial 241-run lead in the ongoing red-ball duel.

Also WATCH: David Warner bids farewell to MCG; gifts his batting gloves to a young fan – AUS vs PAK, 2nd Test

Here’s how Twitter reacted:

An exciting third day of Boxing-Day Test comes to an end.#AUSvPAK #cricket
Scorecard: https://t.co/gWdMeAyuBX #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/M8FrEgS8GW

— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) December 28, 2023

The crowd atmosphere in Australia is simply outstanding.pic.twitter.com/W3glzHEb5q

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) December 27, 2023

Mitchell Marsh, the best player of the series so far, played his first 20 Tests with a batting average of just 22.79 and a bowling average of 37.27. Australia invested in him, were patient and now it’s paying off. A lesson for Pakistan fans and cricket experts. #AusvPak

— Mazher Arshad (@MazherArshad) December 28, 2023

He’s such a lively character of our team ❤️🤩#PAKvsAUS #HassanAli #AUSvPAK pic.twitter.com/ArL9tcamF2

— Iqra. (@weird_mystery_) December 28, 2023

A resilient 153-run stand between Steve Smith and Mitchell Marsh helped Australia extend their lead over Pakistan 👊#WTC25 | #AUSvPAK 📝: https://t.co/6NQyzjh3gt pic.twitter.com/cyyU79ENTW

— ICC (@ICC) December 28, 2023

.@mirhamza_k IS ON 🔥

Warner and Head removed on consecutive deliveries 🎯🎯#AUSvPAK pic.twitter.com/A5DCqZHFyx

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) December 28, 2023

Mitchell Marsh’s wife reactions when he got out on 96 runs.#passedaway #storm5gsalelive pic.twitter.com/xfYfmgLiqf

— Cricketwala.in (@Cricketwala22) December 28, 2023

“Heartbreak for Mitch Marsh, falling just short of a century with a stunning catch at first slip by Agha Salman! 😱 #AUSvPAK #CricketDrama” pic.twitter.com/bgczL1zdPD

— Hemant ( Sports Active ) (@hemantbhavsar86) December 28, 2023

Wait a minute what did we all just see? Yet you are complaining about missed catches? 🤷🏻‍♀️🤡#PAKvsAUS pic.twitter.com/8yA6pCagXv

— Kinza Tariq (@Kinnzayyy) December 28, 2023

Come back stronger Bobby 💔#PAKvsAUS #PakistanCricket #BabarAzam #AUSvPAK #Abdullah #ViratKohli #Sami pic.twitter.com/f7ICGkTTV8

— (っ◔◡◔)っᗰOᗰIᑎ (@bhatt_mominn) December 28, 2023

Marnus Labuschagne vs Shaheen Shah Afridi 🐰

In Tests:
10 innings, 121 runs, 6 dismissals 20 average

In County cricket:
2 innings, 11 runs, 2 dismissals 5.5 average#AUSvPAK | #AUSvsPAK | #BoxingDayTest | #BabarAzam| #CricketTwitter |#PAKvsAUS | #ٹویٹر_گیلا_ہو_گیا #PAKvAUS pic.twitter.com/4wt8woSImN

— Leo 2.0 (@iamleo225) December 28, 2023

Also WATCH – AUS vs PAK : Mir Hamza delivers inch-perfect inswinger to outfox Travis Head on Day 3 of MCG Test