Marsh 96 gives Australia the lead against Pakistan Deba, December 28, 2023 After a top-order collapse, Australia seized control of the Boxing Day Test, with Mitchell Marsh and Steven Smith combining for the best fifth-wicket stand in Test history. However, they were defeated in the final session, with Smith being expelled for 50 minutes. Pakistan should have been in a better position, but Marsh was dropped in the second session by Abdullah Shafique, and captain Shan Masood misfielded. Marsh made a deflated Pakistan pay with 96 off 130 balls, but he edged a stunning delivery from Mir Hamza to miss his fourth Test century. Steven Smith batted with caution, scoring only one run in the final hour before his 176-ball knock came to an end in the final over. Read More… Watch Post 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 Also Read: Rabada and Rahul share the 59-over opening day lead. Sports Top Stories AustraliaMitchell MarshPakistanSteven SmithTest Series