Aussies under the microscope to deliver in Karachi – by Trevine Rodrigo (Melbourne – eLanka Sports editor)
Photo source:youngwitness.com.au
Australia have lived up to my predictions that they will not roll over and get done by the Pakistanis so far.
But the controversial tactics adopted in the second Test throws up questions about decision making after Justin Langer walked away from the team.
Yes, batting again seemed like a good plan at the time. But it did also open up a vulnerable situation as the home team chanced their arm and attempted to run down what seemed an improbable target.
The game in the end could have gone either way. But hindsight suggests enforcing the follow on would have been the safer option giving the Aussies control and a win would have been there for the taking, rather than the twists and turns.
The last Test in Karachi sees the Australians in better shape mentally as they quickly adapt to the conditions and this gives them confidence to know they can break the home team’s back.
Ideally, the tracks in Pakistan strongly suggests a three pronged pace attack with two spinners will be the best option to unsettle the talented Pakistan batting.
Hopefully the locals will not repeat the dead track produced in the first Test which would kill off the series and make it forgettable.
On paper, the teams are well matched and possess match winners in both batting and bowling. They are in fact at the top of winning the Test Championship with India, New Zealand, England and perhaps South Africa.
Pat Cummins and Andrew McDonald will be under the microscope as their decision making faces heavy scrutiny from the cricketing hierarchy in the third Test.
