Pakistan show defiance as Aussie bowlers toil. – BY TREVINE RODRIGO IN MELBOURNE. (eLanka Sports editor)
Pakistan bounced back defiantly chasing a colossal Australian target, but the game still leans in Australia’s favour as it goes into day thre and a tense battle to decide which way the cards fall.
Much against all expectations, the Pakistanis fought back to keep Australia under 500, then they implemented an unexpected strategy of restraint and controlled approach to chase a mountainous task ahead, and right now seem intent on taking it up to the Aussies.
Pakistan debutante Aaner Jamal marked his entry to the big time with a memorable performance with the ball. The new fast man in the squad bowled brilliantly to grab 6 for 111 and was primarily responsible for restricting Australia from a mammoth total.
The bouncy Perth wicket appeared to suggest Australian dominance against a team that has had no success against them since 1995.
But this Pakistan team have made it clear that they have done their homework and are prepared to make it different from the earlier challengers who have capitulated in Australian conditions.
Australia still sit in the box seat to wrap up this game. But Pakistan have clearly indicated they are here to spoil that party.
Pakistan skipper Shan Masood said in an interview that they are prepared to deliver the unexpected. There is an air of confidence in this squad that has not been seen for awhile.
“We came here to test ourselves against the best Test team in the world. We are determined to challenge them and show them we belong,”said the Pakistan skipper.
Australia were frustrated for 53 overs as the Pakistanis adopted a dogged defensive game aimed at wearing them down.
Pakistan laboured to 132 for two at stumps and their game plan aimed at blunting the Aussie pace and spin attack before launching a fightback appears well on course.
The wicket continued to offer pace and swing making it hard for the Pakistani batsmen to play with any freedom. Nathan Lyon also frustrated them with his fine variation aided by the extra bounce that will be a telling factor as the game progresses.
Australia’s pace quartet were menacing and miserly in the 53 overs, but were unable to penetrate the solid defence of imam UL Haq 38 off 136 deliveries and Abdullah Shafique 42 off 121 deliveries as they crawled to a 73 run opening stand.
Pakistan skipper Shan Masood showed some intent with a quick fire 30 off 42 balls before edging Mitchell Stark to Alex Carey, given out after a review.
If Pakistan can hold out until lunch on day three and post a reasonable reply to Australia’s 487, the game could then be heading for a commendable draw.
But the unpredictability of the Perth pitch holds the answer to how this game pans out.
