Melbourne Test: Australia defeat Pakistan by innings and 18 runs, seal series 2-0

Mitchell Starc tore through the tail and Pakistan crumbled for 163 as Australia won the second test in Melbourne by an innings and 18 runs after tea on day five to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series

Australian players embrace after Australia defeated Pakistan on the final day. Pic/ AFP

Mitchell Starc tore through the tail and Pakistan crumbled for 163 as Australia won the second test in Melbourne by an innings and 18 runs after tea on day five to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series.

Australia captain Steve Smith smashed an unbeaten 165 and gave his bowlers 68 overs to bowl out Pakistan after declaring his side's first innings at 624 for eight before lunch at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Pakistan stumbled to 91 for five at tea and surrendered after 53.2 overs, with Starc finishing with 4-36 in the second innings and 84 with the bat.

The loss was Pakistan's fourth match in succession and their 52-year wait for a series win in Australia continues.

The third test starts in Sydney on Jan. 3.

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