Steve Smith and Mitchell Starc hammered Pakistan's bowlers before the Australian captain declared Australia's first innings closed at 624 for eight before lunch, with a lead of 181 runs on the fifth day of the second test in Melbourne.
Mitchell Starc hits a boundary during day 2 of the 3rd cricket test match between New Zealand Black Caps and Australia. Saturday 28 November 2015. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Australia's bowlers will have 68 overs to try to dismiss Pakistan in their second innings and wrap up the three-match series with a game to spare.
Tail-ender Starc blasted seven sixes, a record at the MCG, before he was caught by Asad Shafiq for 84 from 91 balls, pulling Sohail Khan to square leg.
Nathan Lyon was out for 12, skying a return catch to bowler Yasir Shah and skipper Smith promptly declared, leaving the ground unbeaten on 165.
- Reuters
