Former Hampshire captain and cricket commentator Mark Nicholas has been taken to hospital for a second time in three days after falling ill during the second Test between Australia and Pakistan on Wednesday.

Azhar Ali hit the highest score by a Pakistan batsman in Australia on Wednesday on the third day of the second Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Opening batsman Azhar Ali completed a rousing century and combined with Asad Shafiq to defy Australia's bowlers for an entire session as Pakistan moved to 232 for four at lunch on day two of the second Test on Tuesday.

Australian seamer Jackson Bird claimed two crucial wickets just before rain stopped play on the opening day of the second Test against Pakistan at the MCG on Monday.

Out-of-form Australia batsman Nic Maddinson has been granted a reprieve with his captain Steve Smith confirming his side would be unchanged for the Boxing Day Test against Pakistan.

Cricket Australia has assured fans over security arrangements for the Boxing Day (Dec. 26) Test against Pakistan on Friday after police foiled a plot to attack prominent sites in Melbourne with a series of bombs on Christmas Day.

Pakistan say they have the momentum heading into the Boxing Day Melbourne Test after giving Australia a mighty fright during an epic run-chase in the opening clash of the series.

Pakistan spearhead Mohammad Amir is expected to play the Boxing Day Test against Australia despite stiffness and a bruised thigh, officials said Thursday.

Pakistan spearhead Mohammad Amir is expected to play the Boxing Day Test against Australia despite stiffness and a bruised thigh, officials said Thursday.

The prolific Virat Kohli, Joe Root, Steve Smith and Kane Williamson all enhanced their burgeoning reputations in 2016 but, aided by the screams of commentator Ian Bishop to "remember the name", the year will forever belong to Carlos Brathwaite.

Australia head to Melbourne for the Boxing Day Test against Pakistan with some festive cheer after winning the series opener in Brisbane but Steve Smith's side will not find many Christmas presents under the tree from local media.

Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq hailed Asad Shafiq's defiant century as among the "classiest" he had ever seen after the knock of 137 all but drove Pakistan to a famous victory over Australia in the first Test in Brisbane on Monday.

Australia prevented a world-record, 490-run chase by Pakistan on Friday to win a gripping first Test by just 39 runs and preserve their 28-year unbeaten streak at Brisbane's Gabba ground.

Afif Hossain and Mohammad Rakib took Bangladesh to 230 after 50 overs against Pakistan during the Asian Cricket Council Under-19s Asia Cup, Group B match at Galle International Stadium today.

Younis Khan and Azhar Ali batted through the first session as Pakistan stonewalled Australia's push for victory on the fourth day of the day-night first Test at the Gabba on Sunday.

Things got heated between Pakistan bowlers Yasir Shah and Wahab Riaz on the eve of the first Test against Australia but the pair have put to bed any ideas of a rift.

The Pakistan team, six years in the making and armed with insider knowledge from coach Mickey Arthur, are poised to make history in Australia, veteran skipper Misbah-ul-Haq said Wednesday.

Pakistan's promising left handed batsman Haris Sohail could face a tragic end to his international career due to a failed knee operation in Dubai.

Pakistan coach Mickey Arthur is confident leg spinner Yasir Shah will be fit to face Australia in this week's day-night opening Test of a three-match series at the Gabba in Brisbane.

Australia have been a "closer" team since former head coach Mickey Arthur made way for Darren Lehmann, according to pace spearhead Mitchell Starc.