‘This game has a funny way of even-ing things up’ - Mitchell Marsh opens up on Pakistan's fielding effort

Australia all-rounder Mitchell Marsh missed his century by just four runs at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) during the Boxing Day Test against Pakistan. Notably, the hosts were 16/4 and needed something special to come out of a tricky situation. Marsh then took control and built a crucial 153-run partnership with Steve Smith to bring back Australia in the driver’s seat.

Meanwhile, Abdullah Shafique dropped a regulation catch of Marsh, when he was batting on 20. The 32-year-old took advantage and played an aggressive brand of cricket but unfortunately missed a well-deserved century following a stunner of a catch from Agha Salman. Speaking about the easy dropped attempt at first and then the brilliant catch for his dismissal, Marsh revealed that the game has a funny way of even-ing things up.

“I think in this game, a lot of people say, you need a bit of luck sometimes. Today I had a bit of luck being dropped and I think a bit of Karma with a one-handed screamer to get me out. This game has a funny way of even-ing things up,” Marsh said in the press conference.

Australia won by 79 runs and took a 2-0 lead

Shan Masood and Babar Azam’s 61-run partnership gave Pakistan the much-needed momentum to script a terrific victory. Masood hit 60 runs while Babar made 41 runs as the duo looked in solid touch before walking back to the pavilion.

After their dismissals, Mohammad Rizwan and Agha Salman played some excellent cricket but was difficult for them to tackle the wrath of Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc. The Australian skipper picked up a five-for while Starc picked up four as Australia won the match by 70 runs and took a 2-0 lead in the three-match series. Notably, the third Test will begin on January 3 in Sydney.