Azhar glimmers in gloom

Opening batsman Azhar Ali led the way as Pakistan consolidated their first innings on a rain-hit second day of the second Test against Australia in Melbourne on Tuesday.

Only 50.3 overs were possible after 50.5 overs were bowled on Monday's opening day as rain again curtailed play.

At the close after rain forced an early finish, the tourists resuming at 142 for four were 310 for six with Azhar providing the foundations.

Azhar was unbeaten on 139 with Mohammad Amir hitting a breezy 28 off 23 balls with six fours trying to lift the scoring rate after the dismissals of Asad Shafiq and Sarfraz Ahmed.

Australia still believe the weather won't prevent a result in the match.

"Knowing the MCG quite well, it's usually good to bat day three and four so we're still well and truly in the game," Australia bowling coach David Saker said.

"We can't control the weather. There's still a lot of time left in the game."

Azhar, playing in his 56th Test, raised his 12th Test century and third against Australia with two runs behind the wicket to fine leg.

Azhar's hundred came off 218 balls in 338 minutes and consolidated his position as Pakistan's leading runscorer this calendar year.

At the close Azhar had scored 1089 runs for the fifth highest aggregate for the year.

Pakistan will look to push their first innings total on beyond 350.

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

SCORES IN BRIEF

PAKISTAN: First innings 310 for 6 (Azhar 139 not out, Azam 23, Younis 21, Shafiq 50, Amir 28 not out; Hazlewood 2-33, Bird 3-91)