AUS vs PAK: 1st Test – Key talking points as hosts take series lead
Australia continued their momentum from a historic Ashes win by maintaining their hot streak at the Gabba against Pakistan. Though the visitors had a solid foundation at the start, they simply could not match Australia’s intensity throughout the contest. Despite some positive performances from certain individuals, Pakistan were completely blown away by the Aussies. In the end, the contest ended in 4 days with the visitors enduring a defeat by an innings and 5 runs.
That'll do it!
Australia take the victory by an innings and five runs!
Full #AUSvPAK scorecard: https://t.co/oHjjQibN4b pic.twitter.com/kFEXlfAZZb
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) November 24, 2019
Here we take a look at a few of the talking points from the match:
The same old tale for Pakistan
Pakistan couldn’t have asked for a better start. Batting on Day 1, the openers Azhar Ali and Shan Masood laid a solid foundation. They saw off the new ball in a 75-run stand, but the middle-order simply could not match their levels of application. There were some poor shots played, as they undid all the good work did by the openers. It was then left to Asad Shafiq and Yasir Shah to take the total to a respective score of 240. But had the batters pulled up their socks, the story could have been completely different. It was yet another perfect example of Pakistan doing Pakistan things. And they paid the price for it with a heavy defeat.
Warner, Labuschagne show their might
David Warner and Marnus Labuschagne have endured contrasting fortunes in the past few months playing Test cricket. While Warner could not borrow a run in England, Labuschagne saw his stock rise as he displaced Usman Khawaja as Australia’s No.3. Warner desperately needed a commanding knock to get his confidence back up. Labuschagne, on the other hand, aimed to continue his growing momentum. Both of them delivered in some fashion.
Warner was back to his bullying best, swatting the bowlers away. The dominant streak was back as he made full use of a flat deck in Brisbane. The inexperience of the Pakistani pace attack also helped his case. His knock of 154 completely demoralized the opposition with Labuschagne further compounding matters. The No.3 registered his maiden Test ton, showcasing all the skills which have marked him out for a big future ahead. If Warner sapped the energy out of the visitors, Labuschagne’s knock of 185 completely buried them. There was no turning around for Pakistan now.
Also read: Watling double, England in trouble: Highlights from NZ vs ENG 1st Test
Has Babar Azam finally arrived?
What a way to bring it up! 💯
Bravo, Babar Azam! #AUSvPAK | https://t.co/oHjjQibN4b pic.twitter.com/hreTdxPBOl
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) November 24, 2019
Babar Azam has firmly established himself as one of the best in limited-overs cricket. But question marks still linger over his ability in the longest format of the game. Many have accused him of lacking the temperament and patience required in Test cricket. Others have stated that he plays too many shots too soon. His knock of 104, only his second Test ton had all the flamboyance you generally associate with Babar Azam innings. But he showed great maturity in terms of his judgement, leaving many balls on its merit. He also got assured support from the other end, with Rizwan sticking around with him. Though the century came in a losing cause, this could well turn out to be the coming of Azam in Test cricket.
Australia continue their dominant run at the Gabba
Australia are simply irresistible at the Gabba. The bounce and pace offered by the surface suits them down to a tee. This has resulted in them becoming invincible at the venue. They have not been beaten in Brisbane by a visiting team for 31 long years. They have played 31 Test matches at the Gabba, without suffering a loss. No wonder, Tim Paine wants India to start their summer next year in Australia in Brisbane!
Umpiring standards a serious issue for ICC
In what will be a dark day for the ICC, on-field umpires Richard Kettleborough and Richard Illingworth failed to spot an astonishing 21 no balls in two sessions on Day 2 of the Test match. This reflects badly on the game as the batsmen miss out on free runs and extra deliveries. It is also unfair on the bowlers as they are unaware of their transgressions unless a wicket falls. The ICC would be wise to rectify this mistake as early as possible. The solution could be assigning an extra TV umpire to monitor each and every delivery if keeping an eye on the lines is becoming too much of an effort for the on-field officials.
