Pakistan fast bowler Shaheen Afridi and Australia's Marnus Labuschagne found themselves in a tense confrontation during day 1 of the ongoing Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Tuesday.
Shaheen engaged in verbal exchanges with Labuschagne early in the second session while the Australian batsman faced a challenging spell from Pakistan's pace spearhead. Shaheen exhibited some aggression, attempting to unsettle Labuschagne, who displayed remarkable composure at the start of his innings.
Numerous images and videos capturing their intense battle have circulated widely on social media.
WATCH THE HEATED BATTLE HERE:
On the first day of the second Test in Melbourne, Pakistan dismissed openers David Warner and Usman Khawaja, leaving the match finely balanced before rain intervened, leading to an early tea on Tuesday.
At the interval, the home team stood at 114-2 with Marnus Labuschagne at 14 and Steve Smith not out at two.
Pakistan's bowlers reaped some rewards, removing Warner for 38 just before lunch, breaking a threatening 90-run partnership with Khawaja.
The hosts aim to secure the three-Test series after a dominant 360-run victory over the visitors in Perth, and their start in Melbourne was promising.
Pakistan captain Shan Masood won the toss and elected to bowl, judging the pitch as favourable for seamers on an overcast day.
Led by Shaheen, the bowlers found significant movement but missed early opportunities, notably dropping Warner on two by Abdullah Shafique, who couldn't hold onto a straightforward catch at second slip.
Warner, who scored 164 in the first innings in Perth in his farewell Test series, was also fortunate to survive an edge that flew over the slips for a boundary at 17.
Australia finished the opening day of the second Test against Pakistan at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Tuesday at 187-3 by stumps.
The Boxing Day Test encountered rain, resulting in only 66 overs being bowled throughout the day.
When play resumes on the second day, Labuschagne (44) and Travis Head (9) will continue batting for the home team.
Aamer Jamal secured the significant wicket of Steve Smith, who scored 26 runs, following the rain delay. Agha Salman and Hasan Ali also each claimed a wicket.
