Azhar Ali scores 139 not out as Pakistan boss rain-hit second day at MCG

Opening batsman Azhar Ali scored 139 not out as Pakistan reached 310-6 on another rain hit day of the second Test at the MCG.

The third session on day one was washed out, and only 50.5 overs were possible on the second day.

But Ali has flourished on both days, notching his 12th Test century, and he remains unbeaten.

He could become the first Pakistan opener to carry his bat through a Test innings against Australia if he outlasts the tail.

Pakistan began the day on 142-4, and Asad Shafiq and Sarfraz Ahmed were the men to fall.

Shafiq reached 50 before he gave skipper Steve Smith his third catch of the innings, ending an 115-run partnership with Azhar.

Jackson Bird got one ball to seam away and Shafiq was forced to play a shot and edged to Smith at second slip for his third wicket.

Josh Hazlewood got his reward for his nagging accuracy with the wicket of Sarfraz Ahmed for 10, snapped up by Matt Renshaw at first slip.

Hazlewood sent down 26 overs for the miserly figures of 2-33 with 11 maidens.

There were two delays because of rain in the first session, and once again the evening session was washed out.

More showers and storms are forecast over the remaining three days.