Aussies victorious on Day 4 at the Gabba

Australia have taken victory in their first Test of the summer, defeating Pakistan by an innings and five runs on Day 4 at the Gabba.

Pakistan won the toss and elected to bat first on Day 1 of the first Test in this series between Australia and Pakistan.

The Gabba deck was okay early for the Pakistan openers, who put on 75 runs before the first wicket fell after lunch on Day 1.

What happened next though, was one of two mini-collapses Pakistan suffered in the first innings.

Pakistan fell to 5/94, before a solid partnership between Asad Shafiq and Mohammad Rizwan helped grow the total. Another collapse meant Pakistan put just a slim 240 run total on the board.

As the last wicket fell late in the day, Australia’s openers were given a night to rest before coming out to bat on Day 2.

David Warner and Joe Burns put together a 222-run partnership, almost eclipsing Pakistan’s total before the first wicket.

Burns fell for 97, then Marnus Labuschagne continued his incredible form posting another half-century before stumps on Day 2.

Warner fell for 154, while Labuschagne went on to make 185 runs.

Australia’s lead was 340 when they were bowled out in the third session on Day 3.

Steve Smith held an unusual title for him: lowest run-scorer for Australia.

In the final hour of Day 3, Australia’s pace attack was on target and took three wickets to put Pakistan well and truly on the backfoot.

Mitchell Starc took two wickets before stumps, including Pakistan captain Azhar Ali for five runs lbw.

Day 4 loomed as the final day in this Test match, given Australia’s dominance to this point; however, the way Pakistan began it would require work from Australia’s bowling attack.

Two wickets fell before lunch, however the six-wicket proved difficult to take.

Babar Azam made his second Test ton, amidst a 132-run partnership with wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan.

Only the wicket of Babar fell in the middle session, while Pakistan were closing in on the Australian lead.

Mohammad fell just short of a Test hundred, caught by Nathan Lyon on Josh Hazlewood’s bowling for 95.

Just when it looked Australia might have to head back in to bat and chase a small target, the tail was swiftly cleaned up with the second new ball.

Mitchell Starc finished with seven wickets for the match, including four in the first innings and three in the second.

Josh Hazlewood took two wickets in the first innings and four in the second.

Marnus Labuschagne was named man of the match for his 185 runs – including a maiden Test ton – in the first innings of the Gabba Test match.

Australia and Pakistan meet again on Friday, at the Adelaide Oval, for a day-night Test match to complete this series.

Pakistan 240 & 335
Australia 580