Warner and Khawaja lead strong Australia reply
Australia 2 for 278 (Warner 144, Khawaja 95*) trail Pakistan 9 for 443 dec (Azhar 205*, Sohail 65, Shafiq 50, Hazlewood 3-50, Bird 3-113) by 165 runs
Scorecard and ball-by-ball details
Bat dominated ball on day three of the Boxing Day Test at the MCG. The imbalance frustrated Australia at first as Azhar Ali and Sohail Khan made hay, but David Warner and Usman Khawaja replied with aplomb to alleviate any anxieties in the home viewing area and leave a draw the most likely outcome on an increasingly friendly pitch.
Four hundred and eleven runs were harvested by the two sides for a mere five wickets. Azhar contributed 205, becoming the first Pakistani batsman to pass 200 twice in a single calendar year. He was just three short of Viv Richards' 32-year-old record for the highest Test score by a visiting Test batsman in Melbourne when his team declared on 9 for 443.
Sohail targeted Nathan Lyon in particular, sending four mighty sixes into the crowd at the northern end of the ground. Josh Hazlewood bowled manfully for 3 for 50 from 32.3 precise and persistent overs, but Lyon's expense was a source of discomfort for the Australians given the lack of an allrounder in the side.
Having spent six consecutive days in the field, across two Tests, Warner's response was belligerent if fortunate. Edges were frequent, and he was also bowled by a reverse swinging Wahab Riaz no-ball when on 81. An inside edge for four brought him his first century in almost a year, which he celebrated with his customary, sponsor-friendly leap that belied his poor form in the lead up to this Test.
Khawaja's innings of 95 was calmer, barely making a false move after he replaced Matt Renshaw at the crease. Renshaw, an impressively patient figure at the crease in his three Tests so far, swung presumptuously at Yasir Shah's well-flighted delivery and heard his off stump tilt back. But the legspinner was unable to follow up with bowling of sufficient discipline, and some of Misbah-ul-Haq's fields also caused observers to wonder.
The flow of runs continued more or less unabated in an extended final session, Warner motoring along at around a run a ball to eat into Pakistan's advantage. He scored plenty of his runs through the point and gully regions, and, after recording his 17th Test ton, sent a towering six down the ground off Yasir.
Wahab's spell of reverse swing should have resulted in Warner's dismissal short of a century, but his repeated no-balls for overstepping always seemed likely to end in tears at some stage. It was not the first time he had reprieved a batsman this year - doing likewise for Johnny Bairstow during Pakistan's drawn series in England.
The wicketkeeper Sarfraz Ahmed had earlier caused widespread mirth when wasting a referral on a ball that beat Warner's bat by almost a foot, but he redeemed himself close to stumps by successfully reviewing Ian Gould's not out verdict on a tickle down the leg side by the opener. Warner partly gave himself away by walking halfway off before the decision was reached, ending an entertaining 144 and bringing his captain Steven Smith to the crease.
The start of play was delayed by more than half an hour on an overcast and sultry day due to the lightest of showers that hovered over the MCG. When it did eventually resume, Azhar and Amir commenced with intent to build Pakistan's tally before getting the Australians in to bat. Amir made it as far as 29 before feathering Mitchell Starc down the leg side to wicketkeeper Matthew Wade.
Light rain returned after an hour's play, but when the covers were removed Sohail launched into the bowling with rare venom swinging for the fences repeatedly, regardless of the fielders placed in the deep. No fewer than 88 runs were taken off the 10 overs leading to the lunch, including 15 from Starc's final over of the session.
On resumption, Sohail was narrowly run out, before Azhar completed his double-hundred with a nudge behind square leg. Wahab's dismissal, also Hazlewood's 100th's Test wicket, brought Misbah-ul-Haq's closure of the innings. Australia replied with verve, but another bleak forecast for day four would not fill either side with optimism.
Daniel Brettig is an assistant editor at ESPNcricinfo. @danbrettig
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Funny that some SL-aus fan agreed its a 'flat' pitch. Earlier they said it was 'green'. And a new definition for 'sporting' is Aus+Pak+flat pitches. bravo!
@CRICFAN87056909: Whatever you talk makes no sense. It is ICC that schedules the series. Where were you when IND played away from home for almost 2 years in 2013 & 14? Actually, it is PAK that is getting hammered out of their comfort zone, the so-called "home" of UAE. In fact PAK lost to WI in the UAE. So what are you talking about?
just saw someone say they want to drop sarfraz NO NO NO dropping him js the end of pak cricket. seriously one of the best keeper for pak right beside rashid latif. and a good captain. BUT really this is the worst pitch I've seen since 2004 pak vs ind at karachi or whatever where everyone made 100s
@CRICFAN87056909 ON DECEMBER 29, 2016, 1:12 GMT Please see official rankings as to who is ordinary and who is among the best
Nic Maddinson has reached the dizzying heights of 7* at lunch. If he can't go on to at least 50 on this road, then he should be dropped in the Yarra.
This pitch is worse than the roads in UAE. Below average batsmen are scoring hundreds and fifties half asleep.
Ashwin is an ordinary bowler, he took 73% of his wickets in india. And played only 27 matches in india, that shows how unsuccessful he was in other countries. Plus ashwin out of 24 5wickets he got 19 of them in india. That guy ashwin is only a number 1 bowler of india while he can do nothing in other countries
CRICK_SURGEON....go and check ashwin has took 73 % of his wickets in india. And his record in australia is bad. He can only perform well in india. And that also may be the reason why india plays so often in their home. We played against england in england, we played against newzeland in their home ground and now we are playing against australia in their comfort zone. You indians never comes out of your comfort zone because you guys fear that you guys may lose your number 1 ranking & ashwin will be spanked in abroad
Yasir Shah getting creamed. Don't think he will return to Australia.
Even the sports-loving Melbourne crowd have lost interest in this Test. They must have gone to a Bill Lawry pigeon-tending master class and then will move on to the Renegades v Scorchers game tonight.
Funny that some SL-aus fan agreed its a 'flat' pitch. Earlier they said it was 'green'. And a new definition for 'sporting' is Aus+Pak+flat pitches. bravo!
@CRICFAN87056909: Whatever you talk makes no sense. It is ICC that schedules the series. Where were you when IND played away from home for almost 2 years in 2013 & 14? Actually, it is PAK that is getting hammered out of their comfort zone, the so-called "home" of UAE. In fact PAK lost to WI in the UAE. So what are you talking about?
just saw someone say they want to drop sarfraz NO NO NO dropping him js the end of pak cricket. seriously one of the best keeper for pak right beside rashid latif. and a good captain. BUT really this is the worst pitch I've seen since 2004 pak vs ind at karachi or whatever where everyone made 100s
@CRICFAN87056909 ON DECEMBER 29, 2016, 1:12 GMT Please see official rankings as to who is ordinary and who is among the best
Nic Maddinson has reached the dizzying heights of 7* at lunch. If he can't go on to at least 50 on this road, then he should be dropped in the Yarra.
This pitch is worse than the roads in UAE. Below average batsmen are scoring hundreds and fifties half asleep.
Ashwin is an ordinary bowler, he took 73% of his wickets in india. And played only 27 matches in india, that shows how unsuccessful he was in other countries. Plus ashwin out of 24 5wickets he got 19 of them in india. That guy ashwin is only a number 1 bowler of india while he can do nothing in other countries
CRICK_SURGEON....go and check ashwin has took 73 % of his wickets in india. And his record in australia is bad. He can only perform well in india. And that also may be the reason why india plays so often in their home. We played against england in england, we played against newzeland in their home ground and now we are playing against australia in their comfort zone. You indians never comes out of your comfort zone because you guys fear that you guys may lose your number 1 ranking & ashwin will be spanked in abroad
Yasir Shah getting creamed. Don't think he will return to Australia.
Even the sports-loving Melbourne crowd have lost interest in this Test. They must have gone to a Bill Lawry pigeon-tending master class and then will move on to the Renegades v Scorchers game tonight.
@CRICFAN65885925:: Since Yasir is "supposedly" the best spinner on any surface home or away in the world, then why not have a proper field and Yasir could plough through the opponents with a bulk load of wickets? It is only because he was ineffective that the captain sets 6-3 field and uses negative tactics. If he was really effective, it would be an aggressive field setting surrounding the bat. This series is enough proof that he is not an all surface/weather bowler. Neither is Ashwin, they all need some assistance. But ridiculing one in support of the other is not right. At least in the current form, Ashwin has an upper hand. On top of the bowling skills, he gets very useful runs too.
Club level bowler Shah gets smashed for 7 runs in the first over.
@likeintcricket It's your narrow thinking. No one likes to see Pakistan losing every match. We are talking about team selection where lots potential Pakistan have. Where's they're continued selecting two over aged players.
@PADDLESWEEP4SIX: "For all those who are saying Yasir is average have clearly forgotten how consistently Ashwin scored centuries in Australia... in bowling that is" -- That is exactly the point. Ashwin was ridiculed when he failed to take wickets in AUS and was dropped for a test. Well, at that time you guys said Yasir was all weather and best bowler on any surface even away from home. He is being hammered and was also dropped in NZ. So why double standards? Now walk the talk. Why is the all-weather all surface bowler not having success? At least Ashwin scores runs when he doesn't bowl well. Sometimes he does both well and wins MOM awards.
Anyways, I think both are good bowlers, but like any fast bowler that needs bounce or a green top, both of them need reasonably turning tracks to have success.
@DUSTBULLIES-FLATBULLIES: Pakistan has not beaten India in India since 1986! Pakistan has not beaten England in England since 1996! Pakistan has never beaten West Indies in the Caribbean, Pakistan has never beaten Australia in OZ Pakistan has never beaten South Africa in Africa, Pakistan managed a draw in Zimbabwe Pakistan were whitewashed in NZ Currently down 1-0 In Aust " Pak are the best sub cont team in away conditions. " ??? Please explain! Which team did you beat away from UAE?
certainly a draw now but you never know the unpredictability of the Pakistani team. They might play like a champion one day and lose to a associate nation the next day. Pakistan needs to play rizwan in the next test as sarfraz isn't scoring for pak. Amir needs to bowl within the wickets rather than bowling outside the off stump. As far as the question about Babar azam is concerned, pak needs to play him whether he scores or not , because he is a youngster and playing against the best pace attack would certainly improve his skills .
@Brucelamberton. Pretty harsh on Dave Warners innings mate. It is exactly that kind of knock that turns a game and very few run a ball tons are chanceless. The beauty of Warner is he is a match winner and luck or not it is his type of batting that keeps test cricket alive. As for the supposed luck of the Aussie batsmen there must be tons of it around if Steve Smith has been "lucky" 16 times in 48 matches, which is outstanding, and Dave Warner has been "lucky" 17 times in 58 matches as an opener. Most people would rather watch 144 in quick time as opposed to say 205 in 364 balls as fine as Azhar's achievement was. It still frustrates that some can bag Warner yet he plays a very similar role to Brendan McCullum who was much hyped and lauded yet was really not in the same class as Warner by stats alone. Now that we have Khawaja and Hanscomb getting "luck" as well we have little to worry about with our batting apart from number 6 and a keeper. Just enjoy.
Misbah's negativity has opened the doors for an outright Australian victory!
@BRUCELAMBERTON: Let me see-you lost the last Ashes 2-3 in large part due to a horrible decision by Clarke and epically bad selection. When the poms show up in Oz you will likely crush them. You slapped WI and NZ around senseless home and away and have split the last six tests home and away with SA. You brutalize SC teams that show up in Oz but got smoked in SL/UAE and will get beaten like a drum in India (although I think you will do better than the last three teams from the west did there, as in you may only lose 0-2). Does that sum it up? So basically even at kind of a low ebb you Aussies are sort of a number 3 side and will have to wait and see if (big IF) India flops on the road beginning in a year or so to get back to #1 again? As a fan of a perennial #5-#7 team all I can say is CRY ME A FREAKING RIVER!!
If Australia can bat well today, they have every chance of winning this match. Once Azar Ali gets out in the second innings early, Pakistan would be bundled out for a very low score. Their quick bowlers are too wayward and slip catching is atrocious. Only hope Pakistan have of winning in Sydney is to play two spinners.
Cricket fans, TV commentators, Aus/Pak newspapers all of them comparing their batsman/bowlers w/ Kohli and Ashwin all the time these days. Just search this thread and you will find them all over the place :-) Both of these players are taking well deserved break after productive year, let them enjoy it. Agreed they are number one and master of their skills but why is there so much urge to compare w/ them based on once in a blue moon inning?
@ BRUCELAMBERTON: I'm not sure where you get the idea anyone thinks this is a great Aussie team. Certainly none of the regular true blue posters on here are saying that. Not even our most deluded fans are going that far as far as I can see. Beats me why you said that.
Weather forecast is not good today. After 10 consecutive defeat in Australia, Rain gods will avoid a 11th defeat for Pakistan.
In cricket spinners are the target for batters and fans as well. They either destroy batting or get hammered themselves. It is a well known fact Whites never offer spin-help pitches and the SC teams never give them green/bouncy pitches. Score even. If by any chance any one spinner happen to take more wickets and win a match or two overseas we all immediately start to brand them super-duper. We conveniently overlook other matches where this hammering takes place. Thus we are not being fair to either the game or bowlers. Both Aswin and Yasir have flaws. The contest here is who gets what. Aswin is senior to Yasir. He has ups and downs like Yasir who is coming up now. Both may go down as this game is merciless. One or two bad seasons it is over for them. Indians should remember Harbajan. Pakis must remember Ajmal. Yasir will need more years to reach where Aswin stands now. Tour games are nightmares for all spinners Yasir included. Aswin is a notch up for now at least. Future holds all aces
The curators have prepared a very good expressway for us all to be thoroughly bored by.
Bring on India. They prepare interesting wickets that test batsmen and keep the supporters interested. You can bet your house the wickets will be particularly spinner friendly when we visit India shortly as they are well aware of our achilles heal, namely our lack of a quality spinner
@ginde.dnyanesh - Of all the people in the world you as an Indian should not talk to Pakistanis about bowlers, fast or spin. Kumble was next to useless outside India. Your own player Bhajji has spoken about the doctored wickets India is putting up. Ashwin is mediocre outside SC. Dont forget Lords where he took 3, Yasir took 10. Yasir is also fastest to 100 wickets, unlike Ashwin who is making records playing at home. Please have some shame before posting. Cricinfo please publish
Manav_Baraka 42 yup let's not forget ashwins avg of 50 either. I'm sure you forgot about that accidentally of course....
Great knock by Davey Warner, rode his luck at times, but a bowler that oversteps has no one else to blame (just ask Brett Lee). AUS run rate will taper off with Warner in the sheds - can't see a result from here - AUS either have to score 350+ runs today or they collapse quickly this morning - either way, still no guarantee of a decision. Nothing wrong with the pitch - give batsmen from both sides due credit - losing 80 overs in 3 days doesn't help - the extra wear & tear should have made batting more difficult. Cheers
I think first hour of Australia's batting was critical where Pak bowlers could easily had 3-4 wickets which will ultimately given Yasir a very attacking option. However once Warner got set on this wicket its always a difficult task. I think its a contest between two good sides and Pakistan should not be disheartened by the bowling performance. Infect Australia's bowlers who are better adapted to these wickets got the same treatment from #8 batsman. Some indifferent comments from some fans are because they didn't expect Pak to perform so good. This test still open and can go either way still.
Ouch! I have to make a correction in my message. It is not Sydney but Melbourne where Yasir is bowling now with an E/R of more than 6. I am truly sorry about that. Overall I sent that post not to defend Aswin and not to negate Yasir. Both are of their own classes and if anyone want to compare, which I would not encourage, they should wait until the Pak tour is over. Cricinfo please publish.
Lol Yasir just bowled full outside off stump, also bowled fulltosses, couldnt spin bowl much. Tough for Pakistan fans to agree that so called best spinner is just run-of-the-mill mediocre legspinner. its not fielding set by Misbah, its just lacklusture bowling by Yasir
Strong reply?-- Aus are toying with Pakistani bowlers. Strong is an understatement.
I think Australia declare 560-80 scores and try to bundle out Pakistan within 100 runs.
CRICFAN65885925: So you accept he was mediocre. Point settled. And he is going to be mediocre forever going forward. Club level bowler.
Yasir Shah need not take wickets...he can atleast contain the run flow...this is poor stuff from the Pakistanis..
There have been a lot of talk surrounding Sadaf Hussain on why he isn't being considered for selection at the international circuit. The stats looks pretty good and there is no doubt about his consistency at the domestic level. He's got talent, but the major problem with him is that he isn't fit enough to play at the highest level, and doesn't have the stamina to maintain his ability to stay on the field for long periods.
As far as selection is concerned, I think that he should understand his focal point, and try to improve on that, and he should focus more on his robustness, and that is where he's flawing at the moment. If he starts contemplating more on that area, he is going to be a big asset for Pakistan in the upcoming years.
Otherwise he has an absolutely amazing record, but fitness is first priority when it comes to professional cricket, no doubt about that, but I wish him good luck, and I am looking forward to see him command when he's selected.
The prevailing standards in now a days cricket suggests that any bowler who performs good in his favourable conditions and take good amount of wickets should be considered good . Yasir was super good at U.A.E , partially decent in England and going flop in nz/aus. And it has become so predictable that which bowler gonna perform when and where as many Indians fans are happy that Australian bowlers if leaking so many runs against mediciore batting line such as Pakistan then they surely gonna be a flop show on Indian pitches and unless something exceptional would have happened , there is no way oz could avoid eminent losses. Similarly , Indian despite of all its batting fire power , magical spinners are quite susceptible to be hammered ion Australian now a days flat tracks but one can't discount exceptions but exceptions can't be read as trend.
@CRICKET_FIELD: No, a good captain sets a good field and a good spinner bowls to it. No bowler 2 years into a career is going to override a captain who's asked him to bowl specifically with a 6-3 leg side field. It's not about knowing what the bowler will do every ball, it's about setting the wrong field which renders your bowler ineffective.
CRICFAN65885925: Also according to you Yasir got smashed because he bowled on the pads. What about the million cover drive boundaries that Warner and Khwaja scored? He got smashed whether he bowled on the pads or outside off. And he is going to get smashed going forward wherever he plays. Why do you think he hasn't been picked for the ODI's?
GINDE.DNYANESH: '"Duh". You can give as many reasons as you want but going at 6 an over when you are defending 450 is just mediocre. Club level bowler. "Duh".'
Oh, please put in more effort at least if you're going to troll. What I wrote about the poor fields Misbah set for Yasir has already been seconded by Jarrod Kimber in his piece for cricinfo today. It doesn't take a brain surgeon to figure out that a leg spinner bowling to a 6-3 leg side field on a day 2 MCG pitch with the early moisture dried out, will not turn the ball much nor stop runs or get wkts. So yes, duh. Going at 6 rpo was no surprise in this situation. I never said it was anything other than mediocre, only that it's down to the captain more than the bowler. Bowling outside off, setting a field for it and making the batsmen drive against what little turn there was, with a little natural variation was what was needed. If Yasir is a club level bowler, then every spinner should retire because he's still better than them.
CRICFAN65885925: Kumble didn't turn the ball but he still took wickets because of his accuracy and the bounce he got because of his height. Neither is Yasir as accurate as Kumble nor does he get bounce like Kumble because Yasir is a midget. I don't remember Kumble being smashed the way Yasir was smashed yesterday that too in a test. BTW why hasn't Yasir got wickets in Australia and NZ? According to you he doesn't need the ball to turn so why hasn't he got wickets in Aus and NZ? He has been sorted out thats the truth. Club level bowler.
Really disheartening to see 2 teams with history of top class bowlers, bowling so terribly. Its been 30 years watching cricket. Never ever have I seen such poor display of bowling in Aus.
GINDE.DNYANESH: "He was listless in the first test in Brisbane and here again at MCG. In fact he has been hammered here at MCG. Regarding him not getting turn at MCG, like I said he is not a big turner of the ball. Even Lyon was getting the ball to turn on the so called day 2 pitch being a finger spinner."
So Yasir was listless at Brisbane where he got both Smith and Khawaja out and had a catch dropped off Smith in the 1st innings? It seems you have no clue about how poor the Brisbane wkt was for spinners with the pink ball and under lights. Even Lyon, who averages around 25 in Brisbane, took 2 wkts for 139 at 3.48 RPO despite bowling 29 overs in the 4th innings. Yasir did better and provided more control despite having the worst of the conditions and dropped catches: 3 wkts for 174 at 3.27 RPO. So much for being listless.
Lyon getting more turn on the 1st day, when the pitch had moisture, is again news for nobody. He flights and turns the ball, Yasir bowls flatter. Duh.
@cricfan65885925 A good bowler need to set a strategy to get out a batsman. He need to urge the captain to set field for his requirements. A captain cannot think what bowler going to do each and every delivery.
@ Mohammad Zamin Yasir itself admitted the Lord's pitch supports spin that's why he got 10 wickets haul. Then England didn't prepare that kind of pitch in rest of the matches. After that he didn't get a single fifer so far.
Test headed to certain draw given how ineffective Pak bowlers have been after they posted a more than decent 1st innings score. If Pak batsmen could post 400+ score, it's got to be a good pitch. Expecting Aussies to get some batting practice for the next test and post 600+ total.
GINDE.DNYANESH: "As you said he got wickets in England without turning the ball. My point is it will not happen anymore. He has been sorted out by batsmen." Oh, so it took batsmen THAT long to realise he doesn't turn his legspinner much unless the pitch is assisting him? Batsmen must be really stupid and have no video footage of Yasir from his matches even in UAE where he again gets wkts mostly with balls that hardly turn. The sharp turning leg break is more an occasional delivery, his strength is accuracy. The whole world has known it for a long time. Eng comms were on about how he doesn't spin the ball during the Eng tour, yet he took another fifer at the Oval. Your reasoning implies it is necessary to have a big spinning leg break. I guess no one ever told Kumble. Nor Yasir who's 2nd quickest to 100 wkts. Smh.
@CRICKET_FIELD: So that's what you got out of what I said? Smh. Misbah is the captain, he decides the strategy and the role every bowler has to play. He gave Yasir the job of bowling to a leg-side field. Yasir made his debut 2 years ago, he's hardly going to override Misbah, a 42 year old veteran, regardless of how smart he thinks he is. It's a matter of the buck stopping at the top. If the field was wrong, Misbah takes the blame. Yasir can take the blame for not bowling to it but he mostly did bowl on the pads and got hammered as a result.
Pakistan have no chance after stunning knocks from khawaja and warner.
Australia will try to score quickly tomorrow, to set up the possibility of a win. Madison is the ideal guy for this scenario. And Smith is a team player who will sacrifice his wicket for the good of the team.
That will only change if they lose a heap of wickets quickly. And PAK have to go for the win, too. So it should be entertaining, rain notwithstanding.
@JAYZUZ you want a great Test century that came at better than a run a ball where the batsman was lucky not to have been out at least a dozen times? Well the first one that springs to mind was Nathan Astle's incredible 200 off just 155 balls for New Zealand against England in 2002. Want something more recent? How about Ben Stokes' 258 off just 198 balls for England against South Africa earlier this year. I can name at least another dozen similar innings, including ones by Warner, if you really want me to. Is so hard for you to admit this time he was very, very lucky? I bet even Warner will admit that was far from his best innings!
Very bad management. Is it necessary that for every test you select same players? Hafeez should have been their.
@JAYZUZ nine times out of ten an innings like that the batsman - not just Warner, any batsman - would have been out for under 20. Did you even witness his innings? Yes, he tried to be positive but it was sheer luck he made as many as he did - FACT. As I said, the "success" this series is delusional, as in Test cricket this team is NOT playing well (ODI is a different story). Yes, we may have currently climbed back to second in the ICC rankings but after the disasters of SL and SA they had slipped down to fourth, and if this series went badly and if England managed to at least draw their series against India they would have been fifth. The fact of the matter is they now struggle in nearly every country away from home, selection is often poor, strategy is lacking, and aggression is too often confused with unnecessary risks. Do I regret what I said? Not at all, in fact I stand by my words, as in a few months time I expect another disaster to occur for the very same reasons in India.
MOHAMMAD ZAMIN: MCG is also considered good for spinners. Shane Warne also did well at MCG. Yasir Shah is getting smashed at 6 an over. Yasir is averaging 67 at a SR of 103 in Aus.
Pak feel they hav a time machine playin sohal khan jus because he can bat doesn't make much senses.
Current Aus. team is not the best , and is comparable to Pak but there is massive wide in their attitude, they never let the pressure off whether it is batting, bowling or field placing, always looking for wickets and Pak. with their very defensive strategy let them dominate even with their current weaker bowling attack. To make it worse the captain too chose a defensive field despite a decent score to defend and rain forecast and draw the most likely outcome. Sharjeel has a potential of doing what Warner did for Aus but our stratigists still like outdated strategy of last century with a pair of tuk tuks to open .Our best batting is coming from tail enders .Aamir lost his wicket becoz of Ali who faced bulk of bowling scoring 6 runs in first 25 minutes depriving Aamir of strike, Amir added just one run and finally got out ,out of frustration trying to score runs he loves. Whab is surviving on one over reputation from the past, he is no alrounder with an average of 8 while Yasir
REDDIRT, you are delusional if you think Hazelwood is anywhere near losing his place in the team. He has been the best bowler for us this summer. He had started his career playing through some of the flattest wickets ever seen in Australia and the era of super-doctored dry turners in Asia, yet is the fourth fastest Aussie ever to 100 test wickets. Bowlers like this come along once a generation. He's here to stay.
BRUCELAMBERTON, and yet the Aussie team remains ranked first and second in the game's most played formats. How bad must the other teams be if your miserable assessment of Australian cricket is true? And to think all these Aussie players averaging around 50 are doing so by luck alone. Who would have think it? A man scores 140 at a 100 strike rate in test cricket and all you have is contempt for him. Who else has done this? Name them.
Can someone explain why this bloke is not in the Pakistan team yet?
http://www.espncricinfo.com/India/content/player/392294.html
Are those stats an eyewash?
Pak did a great job scoring those runs, but the pace at which warnie and khawaja scored makes me think they are going for victory.You never know with pakistan
I have a solution for wahab's no ball problem. Just put him behind bars for an year or so. Trust me guys. If it has fixed Amir's no balls, it will surely fix wahab's" not so big" no balls and then Pak will become the best team in the universe.
I can see lot of comparison between Yasir's and Ashwin's away records, here it is, Ashwin MTS:17 WKS:67 B.Avg:33.23 Yasir MTS:12 WKS:57 B.Avg: 33.50
Australia should win this match as well.
Everyone look! The best all weather spin bowler in the universe from the best travelling team is bowling negative lines even with 450 on board. Lol...
This has been the trend with subcontinent teams. If they bat well they bowl poor & vice versa .
@hadeslogic and Pitch Curator: Yes, probably the "scarcely believable domestic record" is most likely Sadaf. Lol. Junaid wasn't the same since his leg injury, and is often out of form. They tried him in UAE awhile ago, but he wasn't the same and had lost some pace, too. Loco pretends to be a PK and an Indian fan, depending on what he wants to say. In most cases, derogatory thing about the country his supposed to be supporting. "Lambu" couldn't bowl 10 overs in Eng 4th ODI, never mind a test workload. Not capable of long spells. Should be T20 only for him, I think. Playing a test with the "tigers", huh? Should be interesting in the comments. Lol.
Now the one result possible is Australia's win and Pakistan is only team which can lose from this position.
CRICFAN83819392- mate, that electro_loco guy is from srilanka but always pretends to be a pseudo Indian. I Donno what. But there is something that makes him feel ashamed about his own nation that he won't admit his nationality.
@SALMAN S SHEIKH..Yup u got a point there..The most successful opening bowlers have always hunted in pairs..complements each other..Keeping d pressure at both ends...From d Windies of 80s to Walsh -Ambrose, Mcgrath-Gillespie/Lee,Wasim - Waqar, Donald - Pollock, Steyn-Morkel..If one has an off day,d other wil get u.Else like Aamir, teams just see him off & pounce on d others.Or u shud have a pack of bloodhounds like SA in 90s and Aus in 00s, where if none got u,Rhodes or Symonds wud run u out.
Anyone who thinks that was a good/great innings by Warner is fooling themselves as it was luck, nothing else. I lost track of how many times he could/should have been out and quite frankly was lucky just to reach double figures. Even Khawaja was lucky not to be out a couple of times. This is just another sign of the malaise and denial that exists in Australian cricket, where everyone ignores the facts (i.e. poor captaincy, bowlers who can't consistently take wickets, wicketkeepers who can't keep and batsmen who can't score runs off a moving ball or on non-batsmen friendly pitches) and applauds the glossy and superficial. Sorry, but this is not a great team, and as an Aussie (yes, I am an Aussie) it makes me very worried.
@ cricfan65885925 So your conclusion was Yasir doesn't have any brain to take wickets by setting field arrangement and it was misbah's job to set field for him. So you are telling him he is just a leg spinning machine. Laughing out Loud.
Why is "the best spin bowler in the universe" bowling negative lines with 6-3 leg side field? ICC must name yasir shah as "the best club level bowler in the universe". Lol...
Pakistan should try Saeed Ajmal or another spinner. Wahab is erratic and good in rare occasions. Yasir should try to bring some variations and that 6-3 field is ridiculous. Sohail Khan looks more of a batsman than a bowler in this lineup. To win test matches you need consistent wicket takers. Of course the fielders need to take catches too but in this match even that hasn't happened much.
@hadeslogic and Pitch Curator: Yes, probably the "scarcely believable domestic record" is most likely Sadaf. Lol. Junaid wasn't the same since his leg injury, and is often out of form. They tried him in UAE awhile ago, but he wasn't the same and had lost some pace, too. Loco pretends to be a PK and an Indian fan, depending on what he wants to say. In most cases, derogatory thing about the country his supposed to be supporting. "Lambu" couldn't bowl 10 overs in Eng 4th ODI, never mind a test workload. Not capable of long spells. Should be T20 only for him, I think. Playing a test with the "tigers", huh? Should be interesting in the comments. Lol.
Trust me Pakistan can still lose this test match convinvingly. That's why i love this team..
@CRICK_JUNKY: I'm afraid you didn't follow the match very closely. The 60-2 was in 26 overs (RR 2.30) and Pak saw off the entire session for the loss of 1 wkt before losing the 2nd to the last ball before lunch. 2 wkts down in 1st session in Aus when pitch has some grass is pretty even. The run-rate improved soon after Sami Aslam got out. He has a very specific role, to see off the new ball for the others. He did that but then got out. Both the Azam-Azhar partnership and then the YK-Azhar partnership came at 3+ runs an over. Shafiq also played steadily early on but by then, Azhar was well set so he scored quicker. Overall, and this is what matters, Pak had their run-rate where they wanted it to be. 3.5 in Aus after 126.3 is very good. Bowlers not bowling well or rain wiping time out is beyond the batsmen's control.
The reason why Amir's wicket column is not healthy ever since his return is because we do not have a bowler like Asif who too alonfg with Amir keeps bowling well and building pressure. After Amir's return he has bowled very very well but hasn't got any support from other end as bowlers at other end keep bowling loosners and so the pressure of score board is not there at all. At times when Amir creates chances to his luck there is no support from fielders. we'll get to see the best of Amir only when we have a good bowler at the other end as well. Let me know if you guys agree
For all those who are saying Yasir is average have clearly forgetton how consistently Ashwin scored centuries in Australia... in bowling that is. Was thrashed all over the ground when he last toured. He was even dropped for a test. He can only get wickets at home to improve his average. In two Australia tours he has a healthy average of 55.
The people who are assuming automatically that pak gonna be folded up cheaply if have to bat in for their second inning shouldn't forget that have scored heavily in 2 out of three innings already and keep defying all the odds against them . So finger crossed . Haters are happy today bcz of brilliant knock of warner and khawaja but cricket fans are happy for good cricket overall
These current Aus pitches are the best ever in test cricket.They make for incredible,great games of cricket-last Gabba classic,the 'test match of the year'-and this one was shaping up to be 1,but sadly rain might have final say.More of the same-pitches!
USMAN AMJAD: I really congo you for your English. This history perform.
Why Misbah using Yasir Saha to do Negative Bowling or leg side bowling against Warner, I really don't understand as well Wahab doing No ball after No ball which cost them a lot. They hv to do discipline in bowling otherwise PAkistan will face another defeat if Rain doesn't interfere. One session Hood bowling can change a lot. Also they shouldn't declare until last wicket fall. Azhar can get more run for his team say another 50 odd run
Boy,this pitch is 'flat '. Because a batsman scored a double 100 and another a 100. By that logic,almost 70 % of all test piches-in over 2000 tests played-must have been 'flat' because a batsman-or 2-crossed '3 figs'...?
CRICFAN65885925: As you said he got wickets in England without turning the ball. My point is it will not happen anymore. He has been sorted out by batsmen. He was listless in the first test in Brisbane and here again at MCG. In fact he has been hammered here at MCG. Regarding him not getting turn at MCG, like I said he is not a big turner of the ball. Even Lyon was getting the ball to turn on the so called day 2 pitch being a finger spinner. "Duh". You can give as many reasons as you want but going at 6 an over when you are defending 450 is just mediocre. Club level bowler. "Duh".
If I am the number one leg spinner I am telling the captain what field I want.
Amir has taken 31 wickets in 12 test matches at an average of 38.5 since returning. Needs to go back to drawing board.
@ELECTRIC_LOCO_WAP4: Mate, you call yourself an Indian, but all your comments are against Indian team and pro-Pakistan and anti-Indian. Come out of the closet my friend. Declare that you are from PAK. By the way, you have redefined the term "sporting pitch". Good entertainment. Keep your jokes coming, as this match is a boring draw anyways.
I really congo for all pakistani fans first ever double ton in MCG no big name can do just pakistan hero and world class player do Azhar :) am sure this test pakistan can not lose pakistan have big batting lineup 9 so draw or win just 2 option pakistan have Aus have Draw or lose congo for all pakistan this history perform :)
@GINDE.DNYANESH: You seem to make big statements that simply aren't backed by facts. Yes, Yasir got very little turn on what was effectively a day 2 pitch. Duh. Doesn't make him a club level spinner. The field Misbah set for him was poor and there was no way he would be containing runs against two LHB bowling on their pads with a leg side field. No cover on off side meant runs off good deliveries. Yasir has proven himself the little he's played outside UAE too. He gets some balls to spin and others to skid on. That's why he gets lbw and bowled dismissals. Even in Eng, at Lord's, he took a fifer in the first inn without turning the ball much. Took 10 in the match. Took another fifer at the Oval helping Pak win when the pitch offered something. He's a match winner in UAE and sub-continent but even outside, he's put in some great performances already. There's no one better than him in all conditions. That makes him the best.
This type of pitches will kill test cricket. Forget about everything else. One should give best conditions to their best weapon i.e. fast bowling for Australia .
@DUSTBULLIES-FLATBULLIES: "Best team from Asia. Pak are the best sub cont team in away conditions. Drew in Eng 2-2. Now against mighty Aussies they are giving a tough fight. Much better than Ind, & SL". How come you didn't include the 2-0 drubbing at NZ? PAK has lost 3 tests in a row (if you include the last test against WI it'd be 4 in a row). This highway road might have saved you from embarrassment. Next test will get you the 2-0 thrashing.
Well I think Australia would take about 100 - 200 lead by tomorrow and see Pakistan Famous collapse on Final Day, that will be it
Still i reckon we'll score quick 600 then declare - but rain god should help for that to happen!! We never play for draw - Australian way is to never give in, always fight, be strong, work hard!!! Our appetite for winning, our never say die attitude, our attacking flair, our athleticism on the paddock and our winners mentality. Davey epitomises the Aussie spirit. He is up there with the greats of the game now!! Opposition fans hate our success and opposition players hate our talent pool - bloody oath. 3-0
It is clear Cummins will come into this side sometime soon. It is also clear he will share the new ball with Starc. The gun pace attack. Now, given Bird has out-bowled Hazelwood, Lyon and Starc himself with the old ball on a batting paradise, there is no longer any argument it is Hazelwood who relinquishes his spot in the team for Cummins. We know Hazelwood's ability to take wickets is reduced considerably once the shine is off the ball. So at 30 years old it makes far more sense to utilise Bird while we have him, holding Hazelwood in reserve for the next few years. Post this next tour of India, I sincerely hope the selectors see Renshaw, Bancroft opening the batting with Warner at 3, and O'Keefe, Pattinson, Starc, Bird, Cummins as long term, mainstay Test players for Australia. We can't be playing the amount of cricket we play these days selecting only 4 bowlers in Test matches. Evidence demands it. Now, more than ever, we need a keeper who can bat long, at number 6.
@CRICFAN86337512 : Mate you have to perform on the field rather than just mouth your wish. You sound more like your commentator Iftikhar who would always mouth his wish rather than reality. Only in your dreams will AUS lose by an innings. Too bad lots of overs were lost, otherwise, it would be 2-0 drubbing here for PAK.
CRICFAN78009529: Sadly moral victories don't count in cricket and no one remembers them.
@ SCOOBY_007 - How is Junaid Khan doing in domestic cricket? And what happened to Lambu Irfan? His fitness isn't great but the bounce he would get from these pitches would be deadly. This match is heading for a draw. Bad weather expected today and Australia still 170 behind. It will take them 2 sessions to match Pak score and another session to take a 100 run lead. And then if Pak last 2 sessions in a worst case scenario, Australia still need to bat for a bit to chase down the target. Looks highly unlikely. BTW India play a one off test against BD next I think.
@CRICINFOUSER: Unfortunately matches are won playing and performing on the field rather than just by mouth. Have a look at the state of the pitch. It's an absolute flat road. It is high optimism to think that PAK would score 500+ and bowl out AUS twice. If PAK could score 500+ AUS would score 700+.
@SCOOBY_007, is Sadaf the guy with a scarcely believable domestic record? I remember reading one Pk bowler's stats a few years ago, the figures, (covering all bases) were so much better than Vernon's first 25 test record. But why is Junaid Khan not playing anymore? I thought he was really good even on the UAE pitches with his swing. Good luck for this series. Loco is as usual cribbing about Ind being 'so bad' again. I wonder who even came up with this incessant SL bot that keeps writing on every possible board and somehow links it to Ind, SL, Pk and Aus.
Yasir Shah's mediocrity was exposed today by David Warner and Khwaja. The all weather leg spinner was taken apart and is currently going at 6 runs an over. Yasir is not a big turner of the ball and teams around the world have worked him out, hence you are seeing the fearless cover drives that Warner and Khwaja played today. They had no fear of the ball beating the inside edge and were hitting him at will. As his career progresses you will find his LBW and bowled dismissals come down because the batsmen will cover for his non turning leg breaks and challenge him to beat the outside(RHB) or inside(LHB) edges. Teams that play spin well will absolutely thrash him going forward. May be Pakistan management also realise this now, hence he has not been included in the ODI squad. But going for 6 runs an over when your team should have been on top because of the first innings score is absolutely embarrassing. Club level spinner.
@GRITY As an aussie i agree with u. This type of pitches will kill test cricket.
people expectations about pak team was that this gonna be an easy whitewash without Australia being bothered at any stage of this series but with all cries and woes of pitch being flat and the runs flowing off from pak batters not only made the score board look fantastic but has proven wrong all the pundits who were not ready to give any slight chance of performance to Pakistanis in Australian conditions . So it's already a moral victory for exceeding their potential to next level though it still needs definite improvement but hats off to what they have done so far
chasing_leather Pakistan is 2nd best team at the moment and you are including it in tier 2? come on man that have hate.
@Usman Amjad your English is good as AB devillier's Hindi.
ICC should now introduce tier system for test cricket. Tier 1- South Africa, Australia, England , India and New zeland Tier 2-Pakistan,srilanka, west indies, Bangladesh Tier 3-Afghanistan, Ireland, ZM, Tier 4- Oman, Kenya, Nepal,UAE
Each team should play other team home and away in their own tier within 2 year frame. And the team which comes last should move to tier below them and top team from tier 2 , 3 and 4 should move upwards. This will keep cricket more competitive and interesting.
@Grifty- So what about the pitches in WI,Eng and here in Ind? Recds show that,in this year alone many more 100s,200s-and a 300!-as well as highest team totals,4s,6s,and avg runs/wks came in those places. More than in Aus.
First and foremost congratulations to Warner for a splendid century and Azhar for a double ton. Much of the criticism regardless of the match result will come down to Misbah's captaincy. When Khawaja and Warner were bullying Yasir on the offside, Misbah should have put a backward point in for him. That was where the bulk of the runs off Yasir were coming from.
Australia will look to obliterate Pakistan as quickly as possible to get a lead and try to win the game.
@Grifty- I'm an Ind and I absolutely love these Aussie pitches-the best sporting pitches in the world.The one at the Gabba which produced the 'el-classico' test match of the year,classic case in point. 'Good pitches+quality teams=great cricket'.
@electric loco second father: Thank you, brother. Appreciate the support. May you guys equally whoop the next side to tour you. And may we win this test with a miracle. But hopefully not lose from this position.
Salam alaikum khawaja good luck with your ton hope you're fellow countrymen Amir and Shah clean up after that though Pakistan can still win
@CRICFAN65885925 - You are not getting my point somehow, First session on day 1, Pak was 60/2. Now this is 2 runs per over and is really very slow. you expect batsmen to score at 3, 3.5 runs per over at least. And not that they were seeing out the first session, then they shouldn't have lost any wicket. Shafiq is someone how showed intent to score runs, and only after than run rate picked up a bit
Every chance that Australia might not bat again with the weather around so tomorrow is the deciding day for Nic Maddinson's Test career at least in the short term. Another failure and presume Head or Cartwright will take his place even before the calls for a number 6 who can bowl a bit.
Starc bird hazelwood are useless now. They should be replaced in next match by steketee valente and ryan lee.
I'm an Aussie and I HATE these pitches... I don't care about player stats and high scores, I want to watch exciting cricket, but this match is as exciting as... well, it's unfair to compare it to something because this match is soooooooo boring... the only positive is that I can go and enjoy some summer fun and not miss anything exciting and that the big bash is on at night to at least provide some interesting games
Scoring 200 in this pitch is equal to beating a dead snake. Even our under 19 Australian cricketers smash that score in this pitch.
@GINDE.DNYANESH: I don't get your point. I was merely responding to people suggesting that the Aus team was in command and only weather can save Pak from 2-0. A bit presumptuous to say that when a team is still 165 runs behind on 1st innings with a middle order having very little experience to follow. If the weather has caused time to be lost (it probably will cause more time to be lost tomorrow; the forecast is grim) and leave us in a situation where a small lead either way won't really make a difference, so be it. The scenario you mentioned is possible but very unlikely. It would require Aus to score 315 more runs which would take around 90-100 overs (a full day). Yet, even there I'd back a team who've scored 400+ in their last two innings to see out the last day against this attack on this pitch, which hardly has shown any signs of wearing. Forecast for the 5th day is quite good but tomorrow's is particularly grim. In all likelihood, we only have around 4 sessions left.
@HadesLogic: Thanks for that data. Strangely enough, I feel somewhat relieved. I was expecting centuries. But that's still bad enough. He relieves the pressure created on the other end. If the other end is bad, he makes it worse. 5 wides in a test is a crime and a gift. And Wahab gives away more gifts than Santa himself. Sadaf Hussain neds to be tried eventually, he has a good record back home. Hope we don't collapse in 2nd innings and throw away an easy draw from here. Fingers crossed. You guys play Aus next. Good luck.
Anybody that knows cricket knows that only because of wet ball that pak did well Best will be a draw
In these flat or green pitch no ever spinner bowl yasir still on top aisa king thats proved fastest every take 100 wicket no one like great yasir no compare even they bowled out eng full fast pace track but yasir both inng take 10 thats prove they are on top and i do not think so more spinner in current just yasir and our allrounders amir and sohail so we are so happy even this test draw is also good for pakistan beczn this pitch totally for bat not pace no spin so both team good carry i like even these pitches far far batter than indian to much flat tracks if u still say u are top play in Aus and Eng prove otherwise top this joke for God shak lol
@cricket_field. Three Australian bowlers had already made centuries go and check.
Azhar ali, Warner and khawaja played really well. Misbah captaincy was really ordinary to say the least. He wants to use the same formula of saving runs with defensive fields and waiting for batsmen to make mistakes, this formula never succeeds in australia. The most defensive and boring captain in the world even ahead of cook
By seeing the crowd cheers and clap when Nathan lyon has the ball in his hands while bowling or fielding, its not a good sign for him. it will be very unlikely that he will play the third test. smith will not like these kind of popularity of lyon. there have been many instances when nathan lyon bowled poorly than this match. but this time? can we hear 'nice gary' once more?
Soahil and Aamir are the allrounders pak has been looking for. If they can diversify their batting and play some straight bat it would be great
@GR8GAUR: Lol. They all do it, but shouldn't do it consistently at this level. Ashwin may have done that, but before that, and after that, how often does he do it? Not acceptable in a semi, but one-offs can be forgiven. Not on a cosistent basis, where you help relieve the pressure on the opposition. Especially on this pitch where our tailender got 60 plus and got out due to a run-out, knew from that point it would be difficult to take wickets here. And giving a batter like Warner, Kohli, etc, is just too dangerous. Let's see how dangerous that costs PK. PS: Who's India playing next?
CRICFAN65885925: So even if you consider that Pak gets a small lead and there isn't much time to force a result due to rain, how does that help Pak? Besides look at it from another angle, what if Australia get a lead of 150, we have nice sunny weather for the next 2 days and Pak bat to save the test. In this scenario my money would be on Australia to win the test.
@OneEyedAussie: Yeah. The weathers not looking too flash, mores the pity. This could have been as interesting as the first game but every over lost from here brings the draw more and more into it.
who will reach the century first tomorrow? khawaja or Yasir?
Thank God our tail is best tail improve Amir and Sohaiis best allrounder Yasir As well perform every pitch its means our batting lineup now 9 bat we really need 1 allrounder so amir give and sohail thats big think and good for pakistan Amir age just 24 they have many years i think best allrounder in 3 format hope :)
People saying Aus are now in command and only rain can save Pak are quite interesting to me. Yes, Aus played well but it was down mainly to Warner and the luck he got (or made for himself, take your pick) and some indisciplined bowling by Pak. I expect Pak to have better plans and execution tomorrow and better luck. Aus has an inexperience middle order. The two players in the middle are the main obstacles. If they get out early, Pak can even get a small lead or at least restrict Aus to a small lead. Given the pitch is basically 2 days old, it's hard to expect it to deteriorate enough to force a result though.
I have come to the conclusion that N. Lyon is an average spinner that occasionally has a good day. I love him. great bloke. team man. cult hero and all that. But he consistently bowls a poor line and rarely has a major impact. not never but rarely. Also M Starc needs to be reminded what made him successful. It wasn't bowling rubbish with the occasional good ball. We seem to be down to Hazelwood and Bird since we didn't get a magic allrounder for christmas. We have made good steps forward in selection but Maddinson didn't earn it. Handscomb screamed for selection and Renshaw was good, but Maddinson was picked on potential. Tell him to go away and make some runs. Picking on potential left us short so often in the past. Pick the best 11. That is what the public expect.
Tomorrow will be seriously rain affected. There will be less than 150 overs left in this match. Either side would have to play pretty poorly to lose from here - looks like a draw to me.
@CRICK_JUNKY: The top and middle order played according to the game situation and pitch conditions. They blunted the Aus attack when the pitch was at it's freshest with moisture and greener grass. There was enough movement for the bowlers to take wkts early on. Pak were 142-4 at one stage. The middle order then steadied before accelerating the scoring with the tail. The fact that rain was around and conditions were overcast meant that there was always something for the bowlers when Pak were batting. Aus came out under sunny skies and there was no interruption when they batted. You cannot say a run-rate of 3.5 should have been 4 given the context and the fact that this match is being played in Aus where this team hasn't toured for 7 years. Alien conditions where they were supposed to get exposed. Yet, crossed 400 twice in 3 innings. Bowlers haven't bowled with discipline, that's the problem. Not the batsmen.
P34BODY or is it peasizedbody: We saw how Mizbah was quaking in his boots today with all the defensive fields. 3-0 to Australia and back to back series white washes for Pakistan.
This is surely the best tail Pakistan had In last 30 to 40 yrs
Pakistan are really facing the hard part of lady luck right from the newzealand tour. First they had to bat at the Gabba under lights for an extended session and now rain in Melbourne not allowing them to develop any sustained tempo.And then Wahab bowled Warner with a no ball !! I mean what rotten luck! Anyway tommorow is another day and if Pakistan get enough time , the fourth innings should be interesting.But Yasir has to stop being over zealous and bowling six different deliveries every over.
Surely Australia will take a leaf out of India,s win when ENG posted 500. In similar circumstances the 4th day India upped the runrate and made enough to declare to bowl out the opposition on the last day! Stuff champions are made of! Yes Australia will try and no doubt have the firepower to do the same
It's still a very good wicket,though not very Australian.If there weren't overs lost to rain,Aus cud have had d chance to get a significant lead & bowl again.Now it looks like d rain has saved Pak from making it 2-0.Superb innings from Azhar Ali.Though he shud realize that adaptability is d key here.In other countries u can score at this strike rate and bowl out opponents.Not here in Australia.He has d ability to score faster than his career strike rate of 41 suggests.That's why David Warners innings deserves more adulation in this game.Just totally changed d attackers into defenders.
Pakistan should approach khawaja to play for them along with misbah Younis and Ali would give them the best middle order
Carmelo Bryant @ cricket is not all about statistic's jhonson single handily won the ashes series in 2013
Why is it. When bowlers bowl average or poor and players and teams get big totals. Posters always say its a flat track or a road. Its not. Aussie bowlers overall didnt bowl good line and lengths through out the innings. Except Hazlewood.
I have the feeling that aus team is asking for such kind of flat pitches bcoz they dont have self-belief that they can compete on a sporting tracks.. worst Aussie team I have ever seen..
I expected a lot from this so called world's best fast bowlers and of course from Yasir who is supposed to be the next Warne? Pathetic bowling performance from Pakistan.
Must say it is quite fun to watch Sohail bat, rarely do we get to see lower order bats going after bowling, and succeeding, like this as they are now advised to be more cautious or 'support' the batsmen at the crease. Southee is also in this league but he rarely scores consistently these days. @SCOOBY_007, I read somewhere that over the last 2-3 years, Wahab has bowled almost 80 odd no balls in tests! And these are just the ones that were called but this is still higher than the COMBINED number tallied by the next two on the list. Clearly, an issue that the coaching staff and Riaz have done nothing on. @CONHAVESHORTMEMORIES, lol quite right. I think this behaviour is down to Warne's incessant criticism of Starc's 'body language' during the tests in India tour. He turned it around wonderfully in the ODI series after that and has stuck to this demeanour ever since even though his red ball returns have not been decent at home.
@CRICFAN65885925 - I think the run rate grew because of tail slogging and scoring at run a ball, the run rate still remained at 3.5 at the end of innings which shows how slow their top and middle order played, it really should have been over 4 an over at the end. Can't blame the batsmen too much though, they were under pressure to perform, also the rain didn't help Pak chances much
It is not so much that the pitch is flat, it is rather both sides have bowled consistently too short. You need to get batsmen on the drive at the 'G.
@ pitch_curator : Beautiful . Absolutely nailed it.
HINDH, if you are bored stop watching!
I think you will find the pitch will start taking spin shortly. Could be interesting on the last day. If Australia score quickly and get a 150-200 run lead, then send Pakistan in to bat out the last two sessions, it might get interesting. Rain could be an issue. Unless Australia collapse badly tomorrow, it's hard to see Pakistan winning this one.
Pak should seriously think of getting Asif back. Even a 50% Asif is better then these bowlers. I can bet had Asif been in the team New Zealand would not have dared to make Green tops.
A draw looks the favourite outcome, Australia should get first innings lead until around lunchtime tomorrow. They could have a lead of around 200 by stumps on the 4th day. Then there's the weather to consider.
As usual our little loco copping quite a bit from all sensible posters. Here is his algorithm:
1. If match is in Australia or SL (or any country other than India), the conditions are the best in the world. Does not matter if 1500 runs are scored without result or 400 runs are scored in 4 innings.
2. If Australia or SL win, it is because they are talented. If India wins or our batsmen/bowlers do well then it is because of the conditions
3. When 2 contradicts 1 - meaning Indian players do well in Australian conditions, then 2 will supersede 1. The conditions have dramatically changed and the pitch has become flat and takes turn
4. When opposition spinners are ineffective and Indian spinners are effective then it is because the pitch condition changed magically during the innings break. 5. If India wins the toss and then the match - all arguments are redundant. The win is because of luck with the toss.
Quite a fun guy our loco. Still remember his ashes prediction last time. lol
@SIR_IVOR: Pakistan scored 443 in 126.3 overs at a run-rate of 3.50 which is very good anywhere in the world. The fact that it took over 2 days of play to get those overs in is because of frequent rain interruptions, otherwise 126.3 overs usually takes 1 day and a session plus maybe 30 minutes. Their run-rate was not overly slow as you are making it out to be. It was good enough to win the match provided the bowlers got a bit of luck. Today was Warner's day and when he plays for a long time, a run-rate of around 5 is normal. It will taper off as it's started to done anyway after his dismissal.
Pak could have bowled with more discipline, needless to say. On a good pitch, bowling too many loose balls never lets you get the batsmen under pressure even if there are good balls bowled in between that are missed or edged. Only the Aus commentators who were tired of seeing Aus get thrashed wanted Pak to declare at 310-6 and that influences watchers as well. Not a practical decision.
Run rate of 4.8 with only 2 wickets down on day 3 tells the story of the world's best bowling attack.
its the most flattest track that any batsman could have wished for.. Do we call these tracks as sporting tracks.. pitches in England or Aus have either been entirely in favor of bowler or batsman and then they argue against subcontinent pitches..
Well done to the Aussies. If we don't collapse in the second innings, should be a draw. Can't believe Wahab, with his wicket taking reverse swinging ball, being a no-ball. He's done that how many times? What a bafoon. 60 extra runs to Warner on this pitch is just a crime. You have to make each moment count and not give extra lives.
I am starting to feel scared that Australia will defeat us at home in India when they tour here soon.
usman khawaja not out over night ensures another sleep deprived day for me tomorrow, 4th on the trot.
Australia has scored 278 in just 2 sessions of play.Pakistan scored just 440 in almost 2 days of play including this morning.That is not good enough to win a Test match in Australia.That too against a c grade Australian attack. There is no Johnson or Harris who were difficult to play even on placid wickets.Going by the speed with which Australis is batting, they could easily score 600 within the 4th day of play. That will leave Pakistan with a tricky target. Someone suggested at 310 for 6 that that is enough and that Pakistan should "unleash Riaz and Ameer on them". Like two tigers looking for prey ! I wish Pakistani comment makers would be more balanced and objective .
Our batting looks formidable in marble floors like this. But I do have a gut feeling that the final frontier could well be the final series for some of our boys.
Dear god. This could be our temporary solace before our team leaves India for 4 test series. Nightmare awaits there.
@Worst#1SideEverIndia he bats even better on disco floor at the club. Bradman like average there.
India, pak , SL are brothers. it is heartening to see Asian fans supporting each other and appreciating good performance. happy to see Asian teams performing better than sa and aus away from home.
Can someone please inform Starc there are many ways a bowler can get a wicket, but glaring at the batsman and pretending you look mean, every time the batman plays a ball, is not one of them, thank you.
ELECTRIC_LOCO_WAP4: According to you Australia have sporting pitches, but then when Kohli plays- the sporting wicket becomes flat! lol
Let us take a look on the bowling averages of good fast bowlers in spin friendly pitches in India. Alan Donald -16, Courtney Walsh - 18, Malcom Marshal -24, Ian Botham - 25 , Glen Mcgrath - 21 , Jason Gillespie -21. Except Dale steyn, current generation pacers are impotent in asian pitches. Period.
Well Azhar could have gotten a 300.
Congrats to Azhar on a wonderful innings, but Goodness me, Aussies went at a runrate of almost 4.8 !!!! Is it the pitch or the bowling ? Or a bit of both ? Don't know, didn't watch the game. But certainly expected better than this from the Pakistani bowling line up. Hope the Aussies don't spring up a so called "Chennai" on them where the team batting first looses eventually after scoring 400+ in the first innings. At least with a run rate like this, there's certainly enough intent from them. We may have a cracker of a test match in our hands, if only the rain stays away.
The risk of going offensive here is a bit too much and may expose Pak to bat last to ensure a draw. Pakistan should go for a draw now itself. Be defensive and ensure a draw. May be in Sydney, you have a better chance.
Ginde sort your head out. Pak will deal with Aus. then well see who's quaking pal.
Kohli 169 at much was far better than Azhar double today. It was pure classy knock against a fired up Johnson and starc
It seems like all the Pakistani guys like batting on this ground including Khawaja.
What is Pak management doing with this overrated bowler wahab Riaz.He has problems with no ball and running on the pitch since the last England tour and still no improvement at least in those aspects.He is an average bowler at best.
Two fragile batting teams fighting it out. Anything can happen on fifth day as both teams are prone to batting collapses in one session.
Smith averaging 58.6 for 48 test matches, yeah he looks funky but you never have to paint pictures on a scorecard.
Superb batting by Australia. Pakistan batted way to slow so even though they have 450 on the board they are virtually out of this match. Only a draw or Aussie victory is on the card now, most likely a draw through cause of weather. Hopefully Aussie batsmen can score 300 more runs tomorrow and there is no rain, it will give them full day to bowl out Pakistan, although difficult but there would be some purpose to the contest
If they take that inept bowling "attack" to India it will be another 4-0 whitewash for the oz.
Pitch is dead. But wen pak bats again. Wil they fold for under 100
Regardless of the state of the pitch very good batting from Azhar Ali. Can't comment on Warner's batting as we know he rides his luck as attacking players like him do. All but four of his centuries have come at home? However pitches like this are responsible for ending the career of Mitchell Johnson. I won't be surprised if Starc ends up injured by the end of the series and misses out on touring India.
@ELECTRIC_LOCO_WAP4: If everyone starts preparing Fast bowling pitch the term spin will become extinct. You never know the real reason for playing away test . If you know so you will never complaint about pitches noob.
Look at the runrate of Oz innings. It hovered around 4.5 mark. Instead if it was pakistan, we know slow batting woth run rate less than 2 would choke life out of it. Cricket has changed. Warner and to a extent khwaja blunted pakistani attack with aggressive yet sensible cricket. Its high time team misbah starts playing with more aggression and score quickly. You cant survive as a modern top class team in any form with slow batting. Yasir was torn part and only wahab looked threatening. Tomorrows forecast isnt good so chances of a result look slim. Lets see if weather holds good tomorrow or not!
ELECTRIC_LOCO_WAP4: If Australia have sporting pitches, then why did you say Kohli scored runs on flat Aussie pitches?
Aussies played very well but with Warner gone , Pakistan stand good chance to rip through inexperienced Australian batting line up. See Australians rolled up tomorrow (rain permitting) with in 375 mark. Pakistan shall make quick 200/250 and let Australians play second innings and definite result in favour on hands.
Sir Richard hadlee has bowling average of 22 in India with 65 wickets. Dennis Lilliee never toured India.
@ ELECTRIC_LOCO_WAP4 - you mean the roads like the one here. No, thank you. We are happy with pitches that last 5 days and produce results on day 5.
Electric_popo: Again shown lack of cricket knowledge by saying pitches in Aus,UAE are sporting..
@Pakistan fans: Yasir is going at 6.06 runs per over. That is pathetic bowling even in ODI's. He is certainly the worst leg spinner ever. Misbah must be quaking in his boots because Australia is going to score 600 and then we will have fun watching Pakistan's real batting collapsing for less than 150 on the last day giving Australia a lead of 2-0 in the series.
Sir Richard hadlee has bowling average of 22 in India with 65 wickets. Dennis Lilliee never toured India.
Well played by Warner and Khawaja. Good thing about that batting is that even when there was testing spells going on, they hung in there and attacked to score quickly. PAK lost all of the advantage they had. Well played by Azhar. Superb innings. Remarkable innings. Well supported by Sohail Khan. He is handy batsman and better bowler than Rahat. About declaration, sun was out pitch is ok to bat so may they should have continued till all out. Pak bowled well with new ball. Both Amir and Sohail were superb. Testing spells. Can simply put it to luck for not getting a wicket. So many misses and edges. Yasir and Wahab eased the pressure. Yasir was poor and also poor field placing for him. Wahab has been inconsistent as usual. And as if everything was going fine a wicket of no ball. That also of Warner. No one else to blame. His own fault. He has done that few times recently. Bowls tons of no balls. Once again initial day with bowl hasnt done much for Pak. No control on scoring. They will have to come back good tomorrow.
@electric loco .. When Aus will stop producing Pitches like surface of a Marble slab.. Where nothing happens..Boring..
Mitchell starc might go on to beat brian lara's record of quadruple century in tests , but the the ball.
@Paki fans: Like I said before, don't get too excited by that score your team put up. If a batting line up like Pak can score 450 then I would certainly expect Australia to score 600 on this road. Australia is going to score 600 and with a lead of 150 on the last day, the only team that can win the test is Australia. And Australia will win this match. This series is going to be 3-0.
In my area cricket coaches prohibit budding batsman from watching test match when Australia bat, don't know why.
After the recent south african series, Aus curators have decided to roll out easy wickets
@CHEESEVANTONDER_AKA When Pak batted wicket was fresh, no spin, no footmarks and ball didn't reverse cause pitch wasn't dry. There's always two sides of a coin
Congratulations Yasir for scoring the century in no time!
Wahab enjoys pitch crease of "20" yards and gets called only when someone gets out. 3rd umpire should intervene on every single no ball, no wonder he is bowling 140km who is generally between 120 to 130km these days.
Soon it will be Yasir Shah = Azhar Ali in runs.
When will we-Ind-start producing sporting pitches like SA,Aus,UAE?
Mitchell starc is the greatest left arm fast bowler. He can swing the ball at will at 150 k speed. But his elbow looks kinky.
@CRICFAN05653166 Fastest Asian spinner to 100 wickets, he definitely can't be the worst. Visiting spinners have struggled in Australia in the last 3 years, with every who bowled in at least 3 innings averaging 40+. Shah's economy over the 3* innings so far is 3.83 right now, which puts him in the better half.
I hope Pakistan can can trigger a collapse - from an Indian brother.
Australia can win this match if they take 100 runs lead if they bat full day tomorrow they will score 550 or 570
what would poor yasir do on this marble floor. ICC must take a note of this pitch.
It was just about time Warner would come to form. But particularly i think Pak has bowled badly especially Yasir Shah. Going at over 7 an over in a Test Match for the first 10 overs is not acceptable anywhere in the world let alone our backyard. Seems he also can't take wickets regularly outside the desert. I still hoping for a miracle Australia win.
smith wicket is around the corner
Excellent batting by Warner against the so called BEST TRAVELER from subcontinent..
@ USMAN AMJAD - If you guys dont play cricket at home, you need to look inwards to know the reason not outwards. And you have not been setting the world on fire with your exploits away from home. If you folks are able to avoid defeat here it would be the first time in quite a while you would have done that in Australia. No series wins in SAF, Aus and WI ever. The last series win in England was in the last century. So what exactly makes you think that Pak is touring champions?
When pakistan batted, it rained and the wicket had some moisture in it which helped the aus pacers. Now the wicket has no moisture and life is easy for warner and co.
Jabba-ul-Haq needs to find a new job coz he looks completely clueless as a Test captain.
Yes.Starc will bring up a 'double century' in ODIs.Faster than any1 else too.Afterall,he holds 'record' for fastest to a century of wkts as well.What a champion bowler?Easily the pre-eminent fast bowler of this gen.Him,Wahab,Amir are a credit to our game.
@Pakistan fans- This is the true face of Pakistan bowling, which is worst than WI at present. Even WI pulled off stunning victory against Pakistan at Sharjah. But this Pakistan side cannot even take 10 wickets in match. Gone are those days when Pak bowling was threatening, now Pakistan bowling is worst than Afghanistan. Amir and Yasir are most hyped bowlers in international cricket at present.
Best spinner.....who said. He is worst spinner in the world. I don't know who on earth compared him to great Warne. Yasir cannot even bowl like Rashid Khan of Afghanistan.
Every board in every country should produce wickets which produce results. Be it seamer's paradise or square turner/Variable bounce or Spongy bounce whatever. Watching 500+ Runs scored without result is boring. Let ODI and T-20 be batsman game and Test be bowlers game.
ESPN: Please publish the number of noballs Wahab Riyaz has bowled and the number of times he has been warned for stepping into the danger area in his international career.
Well, that's the follow one out of the way with only 2 down. Nice start. Thank you David.
To quote Neil from the Young Ones: "Bored, Bored, Bored"
Warner gone but did his work of scoring fast. 199 runs behind n 8 wickets but this Australia side can lose 8 for 199. Also Pakistan can be 200 all out so still result happen. Both evenly match sides.
Whoever says that Pakistan's bowling attack is the best lives on another planet.with bowling averages of 34,31,41 and 291,41and 29 from wah p
Id indian Home team playing out of home then compare our team then you know which one is batter team home is not real cricket world tour is a real cricket for example big example pakistan no home still SA as well perform every home
So basically overcast when Pak was batting but when Australia comes to bat the weather becomes nice and sunny. How unlucky is Pakistan. Apart from that Iv never seen Wahab bowl this fast, it must be the pitches since he is going late 140's often.
For the umpteenth time this series, Azhar Ali, what a player. Wouldn't surprise me if he takes a wicket or two with his respectable looking leggies either. So far he and Shafiq are the standouts from the tourists imo. Yasir has been slightly disappointing but I think that's got something to do with his strategy. He's similar to our bloke in that regard.
@Cric-Views- Well,that's why fans of any 1 team has no right to take the moral high ground on subject of 'flat' pitches.Fact is,whole load of 100s,2*100s,even 3*100-Chennai-have been scored this year alone in WI,Eng,Ind,Aus.Flat pitches are 'everywhere'.
so called best spinner going at 7 rpo
After Warner, both Khawaja and Yasir are heading for their respective centuries. Let's see how comes first!
Mitchell starc is slowling getting in to the league of Wahab riaz. Starc might score double century with the ball in ODIs.
@Hossain_Bangladesh Thunderstorms predicted tomorrow, this test isn't getting a result.
Wahab is not unlucky. He has been bowling more no-balls than any other international bowler and running into the danger area more often than any other bowler throughout his career. I'm wondering what the Pakistan coaching staff has done with his problems.
Go Australia go! your target is 700 run in 90 over ...You can achieve it as you are facing world's worst bowling unit.
Is Yasir playing 20-20 here, going 7 rates/over :-)
Wahab is the unluckiest bowler on whole planet. He would have played in Clive LLoyd's pace attack had he born in Caribbean. Lloyd would have picked him ahead of Joel garner, Andy roberts, Michael holding and Malcom Marshall. So sad.
geez Ian Chappell aren't we glad Pakistan didn't declare on 350 like you said they should
Cricket match being played on autobahn! Even commentators wondered what kind of massacre would take place, if Kohali bats against mediocre bowlers from either Aus or Pak. They remembered career limiting move of Malinga bowling to Kohali in Australia. Looks like everyone wants to see India playing especially pure of joy watching KK bat.
I dont think waheb is unlucky .he has 9 nb in 10 overs which means 1 nb in every over. he has habit of bowling no balls.And what if he put foot behind the line then the wicket delivery never have been same.
If starc cannot take wickets in home grounds, what would that poor bloke do in asia? He would end up serving juicy deliveries asking to be hit outside the stadium.
Pakistan Please bring back Salman Butt, Junaid Khan and Fawad Alam
Misbah and Younis give way to the new player, both are too old.
Well batted Davey. Star of the day and still the world's #1 Smudge waiting feet up in the sheds to get his next ton. Suspect he will get a hit sometime later tomorrow if one of these two throw it away through fatigue. After this fine batting reply I'm prepared to call that its yet another year without a sub continent side series win in Australia. Will they ever do it?
When will australia prepare seamer friendly wickets like in south africa?
What an utterly awful pitch, it has been raining and overcast for 3 days and the pitch is still dead.
@ electric_loco_WAP4 : My son was posting on behalf of me
Ok. Another runfest in aus. Unless 1 team collapses, it's very difficult to get a result here. As did Gabba. Pakistan obliged in the 1st innings. What a poor pitch. Hardly anything in it for any bowlers. Spinners can just pack their bags and go home. At least in subcontinent, seamers get reverse swing and conventional swing in coastal cities. In aus, nothing for spinners. No wonder not many visiting spinners were successful here. Not even Murali- the greatest spinner in the planet.
AUS 222/1, at a run rate of almost 5.....This is why, they are Australia, who always play fr win...never fear to lose...and I still believe they can do that in this test...GO AUSSIES!!!
Dead...flat pitch. Nothing for the bowlers at all. If pak team can score 400...imagine what Ind and Aus can score on this batting paradise. Aus already past 200...1 wicket down. Make decent pitches for crying out loud..or make 10 days test series. Worst batting line up scoring 443 and declaring!! Wow!
Pitch is on flatter side, but its looking like a road because of ineffective Pakistan bowling and superb batting by Warner. Hope AUS gets 600 runs and finishes off the game. 3-4 days should be enough to defeat Pakistan if AUS bowls well
Liking the approach from Warner and co a lot, no matter the situation, the form or strength of their team Aus try to play for a win. Still some time to go if it doesn't run tomorrow........hoping for an improbable Aus win. If the lead is just 100 odd at end of today and Australia smash 350+ tomorrow.....Pakistan can crumble under the pressure on last day.
With Wahab, he's also having trouble running on the pitch. He got taken out of the attack in England because of it I believe. I reckon in trying to fix one problem he may have created another. And not fixed the initial problem either. Of course it may also be something completely different to that.
Really feel for Wahab.Got to be the most unluckiest cricketer in the world. Sometimes you feel there's just no justice in this game.Seems like a repeat of that fateful Adelaide WC q/f all over again..
And some Aussie fans took a dig at the wickets used for Eng vs Ind. wake up to reality, snoozefest really.
All those criticisms of Nathan Lyon...so far Yasir Shah has been slightly expensive too!!
What figures by supposed #1 bowler Starc - 1/125. Mediocre to be precise.
David Warner cannot be too priud of this centrury eapecially after seeing a masterclass from the best batsman in test cricket at the moment... Azhar Ali rocks.
Yasir Shah.... what a bowler.... hats off. Only one wicket for 200 odd runs and it had to have Yasir's name on it. Even on a flat wicket batsmen struggling for runs. Truly a legend in the making, best leg spinner ever.
@Cheese- I know you're lying mate.On the one hand you say you've been in deep slumber for weeks..On the other you keep running fresh 'updates' over here every 5 mins on state of the pitch,match situation etc.Which to believe?Thanks for the laughs anyways!
If Pakistan batsman can score 400+, Australia wil score 600 in half the overs.
Congrats to Azhar Ali for the double century. Time now to begin asking a few questions of the Australian bowling attack. Is the pitch super flat or the bowlers are simply incompetent to dislodge steady batsmen? Even #10 in Pak batting line up has made 65 comfortable runs. Australia themselves made a rapid start immediately thereafter. If the pitch is indeed a road, what justification do Aussies have to criticize pitches in other countries now?
Another below-par performance by Nathan pie-chucker Lyon. You better started roaring soon Lyon old son.
Excellent job by the lad Warner, the world's best opener at the present time
Wonderful to see test cricket at its best,2 different boxing day tests played in different parts of the world where both our sub continental neighbors are giving their mighty host-SA and Aus-a spirited,heady fight on green tops.Great to see. Won
CRICFAN81701815, Lyon got a 7/for in his most recent test in India. With a decent spinner like SOK at the other end (not ODI specialist Doherty or Maxwell, like last time!) Lyon might do well.
Great to see Warner get a ton. He's had plenty of luck, but it's about time luck went our way. It was horrendous vs SA and SL.
@ Chasing_leather - you forgot Chris Martin. The Phantom is a legend !!
Congrats Dave. Fantastic year.....It seems the trolls have come out the woodwork like they do once a year. They'll go back in when Oz are 500-4
Quite a balanced pitch. Seamers got smashed equally with spinners.
Great ton from Warner...you little nugget!
Azhar ali seems to be combination of anderson+ McGrath + waqar +dale steyn but in batting.
As a neutral fan, when I saw Pakistani scoring 400 run , it gave me gut feeling that definitely this pitch is road, now we can see it while Australia batting.
I started watching the match on day 1 and started sleeping. I didn't realize it was day 3 when I woke up. Such a boring match.
Tough luck for Pakistan in the field. After getting the openers beaten countless times, and then Wahab getting a wicket off a no-ball.
600+ on cards for Australia, Pak to lose by an innigs.
Once aus tours India, the batting averages would nose dive to mid 30's for aus batsmen.
@dhun09. Then Shami=Waqar+Wasim+Wahab+Amir. Good one na?
Wahab Riazzzz. This guy is making an Outstanding record in "No balls". Feel for his captain and team. No learning at alllll!!!!
RAJESH_INDIA_1990, SL was Smith's worst series since coming back into the team, and he still scored a century and averaged 42, batting last every game on super turners against three spinners. What did Kohli average in his worst series? Wasn't it 12 or something in England? Smith averaged 60 over there.
Azhar ali is a good batsman. But he is not the combination of Dravid, Kohli, Gavaskar etc. He is a combination of average players like smith, warner and Khawaja.
@PRASPUNTER - have to agree with your assessment on Lyon, but I can't see them dropping him for Sydney. He will be utterly crucified in IND - 4+ rpo and 40+ ave with the ball if he bowls better than he currently is. The level of faith the selectors have shown him is almost unprecedented. At least if they continue to pick him, his career will be effectively ended in IND. He's been in poor bowling form for far too long. Cheers
Australian have always played to win, not draw. They win a lot, but sometimes lose going for the win. That's why we have few draws in Australia. Pakistan are using their proven formula, taking few risks, starting slowly and building a big total over two days before accelerating at the end. The problem with that approach is that this is not the UAE, and the pitch probably won't deteriorate too much - and the opposition might score a bigger total a lot faster and send you back in on the last day. Having said this, I wouldn't not be surprised if we get plenty of spin here on the last day or two. The wicket seems dry to me. So we might get a result yet.
Though it is a flat track, Pakistan's batting has exceeded my level of expectations. They are playing well even after the failures of their seniors. Hopefully they will get something from this tour. Good luck neighbors!!!
Australian pitches should have status of National highways mcg-NH1,SCG-NH2,adelaid-NH3,waca-NH4,gabba-NH5
Absolute flat road to negate Amir, Sohail & Wahab. Anyways Pak whitewashed Aus in UAE, same cant happen with Aus against Pak at home. Match heading towards a dull draw.
Watching rain drops falling was more interesting than watching run fest on flat batting track.
Where are all the chest beaters who were talking about this being a "balanced" pitch. It is balanced, ok. But balance is between left and right handers - both are making runs. Spinners and seamers - both are getting caned. And these guys give sermons to India about pitch preparation. lol
I thought Yasir Shah bowls like Part timer in ODIs only but I was mistaken, as soon as you take him out of slow, spinning pitches he turns out to be part timer in Tests also.
World best bowling lineup unable to restrict opposition! Runrate is 4.65 now. 'Best spinner' gone for 6.71 per over! Is it ODI? How can such a bowling unit can be 'best'!
This is simply not called cricket.. We saw warner,smith's real batsmanship in srilanka when the pitch was not a road.. No wonder these batsmen along with voges averages in the high 50's.. All these homemade averages will be compensated coming Indian tour..
Looks like a flat deck draw!
great batting by Azhar Ali. congratulations.
pathetic bowling from aus. they couldn't take 10 wickets at home.
wahab hasnt bowled to his potential , i dont know why yasir is bowling on middle and leg.
I think Pakistan again miss out on their bowling selection. When they are playing on Melbourne and Sydney they need two good spinners specially a left arm spinner. I remember Pakistan won couple of matches in Australia due to some quality spinners.
Pakistan's attack is so weak, even Khawaja is scoring for fun!
@ELECTRIC_LOCO_WAP4 : Exactly. With Azahar Ali, the best batsman ever and with Amir, the bowler of the century in the team , Pakistan is sure to win.
@stephen Skinner in aus they have not had drawn test in 5 years really? I think you are watching cricket in another planet in 2015 draw test in Perth vs new Zealand , two tests are drawn against India in 2015.
Cricinfo stats guru says that Ravi ashwin has better batting average than David warner in 2016.
It is unfortunate that when it is Pakistan's turn to bowl, the sun has to come out. This is what Misbah and Mickey Arthur feared when they were deliberating when to declare or not. This pitch is flat as a cement road. The Pakistani bowlers, who are significantly shorter than their Australian counterparts, will have to work very hard to get these 20 wickets. No loose deliveries, please. You have to be very patient against David Warner and not feed him his strengths. It's difficult to settle on a line and length against him because he moves around a lot in his crease. Sometimes across off-stump, sometimes middle and leg. But he can be got out. They just need one wicket. Just one to break through. And it's also interesting to see Indians commenting on the match now. When Azhar Ali was batting, they were so silent. They cannot stomach the fact that only has AA moved past Sehwag's 195, but has gone on to make a double ton. Talk about rubbing salt into the wounds of your neighbor. Enjoying!
Warner batting shows how good is the pitch to bat on.
@stephen skinner. FYI. Boxing Day test of 2014 and the new year test of 2015 both were also drawn. Now these days the MCG and SCG tracks had gone very flat. Only Gabba and Bellerive oval are result bearing.
@ STEPHEN SKINNER - Last 5 years?? lol. Last I checked India had 2 draws in 4 games hardly a couple of years back. Don't cook up facts.
Strike rate of Warner is amazing run a ball. His batting will be the turning point in this match which will bring improbable win for Oz.Now only rain can save Pak in this match.
I'm loving the fight back by Australia. This is positive cricket at it's best. Go you good things.
Pitch is judged only after 2 teams batting or bowling on it. This looks like another National Highway of Australia. Azhar Ali batted superbly and all the credit should go to him. Whatever maybe the pitch, batter should bat well to get runs. This is heading towards a dull draw but u never know.
Test has always been likewise, home team winning using all conditions in their favour nullifying opponents' strengths except WI of 70,80s Pak under Imran in 80s and Aus of 99-2007. You can predict the result before even the match. For this match, it's heading towards a draw but with Pak on field anything can happen.
King Kohli showed on our last visit to aus where aus bowling belongs to - 690+ in 4 tests! India managed to take 16 wickets in Gabba and lost by 4 wickets only there!So, according to Pak fans 10W is the best!
Both Amir and Sohail started well with the new ball. very unlucky to not have picked wickets but Yasir and Wahab have let all the pressure go. Aus scoring at very good rate at will. boundaries flowing. Sun is out so there wont be any issues. Pak will have to bowl really well to do something here. Azhar Ali played really well. Good support by Sohail Khan. He should have played in previous as he is better bowler than Rahat and more importantly better batsman than Rahat. Pak played for some time today wasnt expecting that much but in the end i think we have already lost around 100+ overs to rain and that might have the final say.
@ Irfan.Srinagar. INDIA - You do not mind runs for Khawaja, Amla and Moeen ali. No matter whom they play against..
After Scoring 443, Pakistan Bowling is absolute Junk. Specially Yasir Shah, he is way too loose, he bowls 2-3 Boundary Balls an over.
Cricketsubh.........., got to wait ! We may see Starcy, Josh, Patto, and Cummins in the Ashes 17.......wishful thinking haha
Only Pak team has the ability to lose test from this position, I'm sure there will be collapse in their 2nd innings...If Aus can take a lead of 50-100 runs by end of 4 day (weather permitting) then it will be an interesting match!!!
Congrats to Azhar for 205. Also, congrats to worlds best fast bowler for 125 runs a getting a big wicket of Amir. Hope the best spinner will continue his performance from last 2 games.
Test cricket at its best.Best touring side of our sub cont with arguably the best all-round-pace+spin-attack in the world giving it their all agnst world's best batting lineup,with best opener Warner in full flow on a nice sporting pich.Test cricket rox!
@rajesh_india_1990 All this talk about roads in aus yet theyve not had a drawn test in 5 years (bar the syd test which lost 3 days to rain)
4.5 runs per over being scored against the "best touring side from the subcontinent", and also the "best bowling attack in the world"! Fabulous stuff, I am enjoying it!
You have to wonder what the Australian players must say about CA and their pitch policies. For SA they put down extra grass and moisture, heavily favouring Philander and co. Up to 6mm of grass. Then, when Pakistan tour they openly state they are shaving the grass off the pitch (2mm), and have clearly dried them out. Now, this is the same Pakistan team that could barely post 200 against de Grandhomme and co (think David Boon off a long run, only slower) in NZ a few weeks ago when the Kiwis loaded up the pitches. Actually, I thought the pitch here was OK on the first day, but the lack of moisture in the surface has now become apparent, and it has flattend out badly. As did The Gabba. They did this for India, too. Maybe someone in CA is a double agent or something, because it sure looks like they are doing their best to sabotage our own team and remove their natural strengths and enhance our opponents'.
What if Australia scores fast and takes lead of 100-150, who knows Pakistan have to bat on last day and Pakistan might even collapse.
Australia need a genuine fast bowler yes Australia have stark but they still need another one bird I don't think his style of bowling suitable for slow pitches for Sydney Australia should pick cris termain and for Sydney test warner.renshaw.smith.khawaja.handscomb.son marsh.wade.termain.O' Keefe.stark.Hazelwood
The impunity with which Australian batsman are making runs at an average of 5 tells the batting conditions and also difference in quality of two sides.
Congrats to Azhar for 205. Also, congrats to worlds best fast bowler for 125 runs a getting a big wicket of Amir. Hope the best spinner will continue his performance from last 2 games.
HARLEEN.K FYI only 80+ over bowled.. thats y only 450 runs score in first two days
i am confused whether to root for khawaja wicket or not....i wont mind khawaja ton even against pakistan i guess.
Azhar Ali =gavaskar +sachin +Dravid+kohli
Smith showed on our last visit to Aus shores where Ind bowling belons to-750+ in 4 tests!Pak have atlest managed to get all 10 Aus wkts in an inngs-Gabba 1st inngs-with a-possible-4 inngs to go incl this.Congrats.And seasons greetings to all! Smith showed on our last visit to Aus shores where Ind bowling belons to-750+ in 4 tests!Pak have atlest managed to get all 10 Aus wkts in an inngs-Gabba 1st inngs-with a-possible-4 inngs to go incl this.Congrats.And seasons greetings to all! Sm
Another flat boring pitch. I enjoyed the test against SAF even tho we lose it cuz the pitch was favourable for both batsman
Credit to azhar Ali for fantastic innings. But Sohail Khan scoring 65 from 65 balls against Australian attack does it not indicate pitch has eased out and is condusive for batting. Not taking away any credit from azhar ali
It is a well known theorem that if Pak team scores 400 plus runs, then the track has to be flat. Because, Pak batsmen simply don't have the technique to survive when the ball moves, as was seen recently in NZ, where they were comfortably whitewashed.
Pak fans are getting overexcited as usual. Pak is not winning this one, this is a flat track, where Aussies will also make merry. In any case, there is not much time left in the match, and the second innings of the match has just begun. Pak should be thankful to the rain that the final scoreline will read 2-0 in favour of Aus, rather than 3-0. Yeah, I forgot about the "moral victories" of Pak team!
Another day of rain predicted tomorrow....a draw is inevitable
Pretty sure they won the last test against SA harleeb.k.
Yawn.. As I told before yet another Australian road produced to hide their batsmen's weakness.. This is proper way of killing test cricket
Pakistan team is lacking of home cricket but still performing outside home look at the performance in Australia..ICC should work to start.cricket in Pakistan which is cricket loving nation..we also wants to see players playing in our grounds.and I invite all the teams like Australia #England#sothafrica to plz visit our country which is safe to play cricket thanks
Bye bye Garry........SOK where are ya mate?
@DUSTBULLIES-FLATBULLIES..."Now against mighty Aussies they are giving a tough fight"...Lol.. I think you far stretched the word "Mighty". They are 9-0 in SC and sure are heading towards 13-0 unless suddenly Indians forget how to play cricket. This has to be one of poorest overseas record of any top class nation. And also their home run too is far from impressive recently. So, if Pak has any slim chance of a series win in Australia, it has to be now. Last time I checked they were trailing 0-1.
Aus pitch looks far better than pak road .
Good on Azhar! He's shown how valuing your wicket brings rewards. Sure the contest needed an earlier declaration, but that is only being touted because the Aussies couldn't bowl them out, despite a hundred interruptions. Let's hope - despite his poor shot today - Renshaw sees the long term advantage of modelling himself on Azhars concentration levels. The Pakistanis have shown that when the bowling is basically benign that an anchor can develop a big score around him. Hopefully the Aussies have now realised that they are 2 bowlers short, as Lyon has run his race. Bring in a slow bowler like Agar who can spin the ball or give one of the promising leggies a chance to start their career. At least they'll prove some threat, rather than the pies Lyon darts in. Give Maddinson the flick and bring in either Marsh or Cummins; they are proven wicket takers. At least then there are unpredictable bowling options if Starc is struggling like he has here.
Our captain smith should be removed from captaincy . Useless captain ever to lead australia. Please rain save us from another humiliation :(
You will never get this sort of flat road again...score centuries Pak batsmen. BTW, what's up with 130 kph Pak turds!
With every passing innings, my views on Nathan Lyon stand vindicated. I repeat my statement - with Nathan Lyon in the team, Aus play with just 10 !! Starc has been mediocre in this game. Hope the quicks get some rest before the next one. And I seriously wish Chad Sayers gets a look for the New Year Test. But it would be business as usual - the greatest off-spinner Aus has ever produced who sent shivers down the spine of every batsman will make it to the XI and get walloped all around.
pak showed where Australian bowling attack belongs to. congratulations.
And he's done it! The world's best spinner-by none other than Warne himself-has made the much needed 1st break through for Pak. Cleaned up through the gate. Hopefully he has a few more in the bag here today-make this match interesting. And And he's done it! The world's best spinner-by none other than Warne himself-has made the much needed 1st break through for Pak. Cleaned up through the gate. Hopefully he has a few more in the bag here today-make this match interesting. And he's
@DUSTBULLIES-FLATBULLIES Thankyou for entertaining us. This pitch is flatter than UAE pitch. Had the best team of the subcontinent which is currently ranked number 1 been batting instead of Pakistan, it would have plundered 450+ runs in first two days only. Meanwhile, let the Australians bat before you make any claim while not forgetting that you had lost 1st test match to a team which was white-washed in previous series.
Oh my god....Starc will get injured before the India tour and there are few in here who will say we lost because of his absence....Pak batters please have mercy on this avg attack and let them come to India injury free.....India is waiting for these average bowling unit with even more average batting unit....go Yasir...
Well done Azhar Ali. Superb innings and excellent support from Sohail. Thats why many wanted him to play in the first as well. He is a decent batsman. Scored runs in Nz and now in this. Bowled well by Amir and Sohail. No luck but good bowling by Pak with new ball. Testing bowling.
Well played Azhar. it was tough going but if a batsman puts his down, he will be rewarded & Azhar showed great technique & determination. You can see why he has scored so heavily this year, very solid. Our guys thought it was special as well, all going to shake his hand on a job well done.
@CRICFAN12719289 - but was were and to be the results, Einstein??
Boy,any1 who's watched this absolutely enthralling mini sessn of Aus batting so far-which has seen riveting contest b/w a world class bowler and a class batsman-will be either blind,biased or downright ignorant to call this a 'flat' pitch..Sublime stuff!
Warner looking really ominous frm a Pak pov.He's also had some early luck going for him agnst some high class bowling.Remember,he's due.He's had a 'quiet' year -in tests-thus far.And 1 person who could bring this test back to life is-a Warner double 100.
Every single test match where Pakistan does well in any area must be compared with India. That's how the pakistan fans think. It's impossible for them to appreciate their own team without comparing with india.
Any test-any kind of pitch-any where that loses almost 2 full days of play has only 1 thing lying in store-a tame D.This also looks headed that way-hope not though.But test matches have seen some incredible turnarounds on Aus pitches-'03 v Ind,06' v Eng.
DUSTBULLIES: don't be excited too much, hope you don't know that India's last tour to Australia, India drawn two test matches. Lost one match very closely. If current Pak team is best team from Asia then should not get whitewash in NZ. Enjoy the game and make this kind of jokes, who even lost a match against WI at your home turf.
Congrats to Azhar for the double. AUS can help Pak by doing an all too familiar batting collapse to make the test more interesting.
Wow! All the Pakistani chest thumping about their great use of DRS! The Warner caught behind challenge showed just how good that very use is. It gets the vote for most ridiculous of 2016. Congratulations.
Pak missed a trick by batting on so long.Should've smashed a quick 50 odd to their o/night score and put Aussies in early on in the morning when conds were still bit hazy,pitch still reatining bit of moisture.Warner and co now have perfect,bright conds.
Best team from Asia. Pak are the best sub cont team in away conditions. Drew in Eng 2-2. Now against mighty Aussies they are giving a tough fight. Much better than Ind, & SL
Congratulations Azahar Ali for your double. A result in this test is unlikely.
Wow great fight back by the paki batsmen! Azhar simply amazin!! Paki all the way!! #trinithough.
Australia have bowled approx 279 overs in the last two innings bowling for six days gave away almost 900 runs with 19 wickets. That's pasting at another level. Australian bowlers are out of warranty.
I get the feeling Warner is due for a real big 1 here!The 1 man whole of Pak team and their bowlers will be most wary of in this Aus team.He's been unusually quiet this whole year-in tests.Pak won't be breathing easy until he's there in the middle.
Well done Azhar Ali!!! Now time for AUS to step up and bat well. Lyon must be close to losing his spot - on current form, the IND batsmen must be rubbing their hands in glee at the thought of facing him for extended periods. Not taking wickets and his economy is garbage. He will be murdered in IND. Just because we supposedly have no one better is not a reason to keep picking him - Smith clearly doesn't have faith in him. Starc was also disappointing. Once again, congratulations to PAK. Cheers
Waow what a perfomense by pakistan this is some thrashing ausies are getting this proves last inings was not just a fluke
What an absolutely wonderful masterclass,Azhar bhai!A fast bouncy pitch,agnst world's best pace attack,@ the mighty MCG,a brilliant double 100!Easily the best inngs in a Boxing Day test by a visiting batsman from our sub cont.Well done-frm Ind!What an What an absolutely wonderful masterclass,Azhar bhai!A fast bouncy pitch,agnst world's best pace attack,@ the mighty MCG,a brilliant double 100!Easily the best inngs in a Boxing Day test by a visiting batsman from our sub cont.Well done-frm Ind!What an abs
One of the best innings in Australia, now game on for Pakistan. Hopefully pak bowlers would roll over Ausies under 200 in their 1st in innings. And then let them bat a giant so pak could win with inning and 50 plus runs...
8-436; Ahzad Ali to score 200 then PAK should declare. A great effort from them. Can't see how they could lose from here, just a matter of whether they can win. Now we can see if AUS can step up and bat well to ensure we can't lose from here. Wouldn't be surprised to see a collapse, especially if Smith goes cheaply, but I reckon he'll bat well and get a hundred. If PAK are good enough, it could be 1-1 going to Sydney, which would make for a thrilling decider. Best of luck to both sides. Cheers
Pak are playing much better than india here. Best Asian team in away conditions. But this test may end up in draw.
Azhar Ali beats Sehwag's 195 at the MCG in the process.
WOW! Why declare? Why not slam more next few overs? He just wants to be NOT OUT and pad up average like sachin used to do. Terrible.
What an odd piece of running to bring an end to an enterprising little cameo by Sohail. As to the game,can't believe Pak are still batting. Should've called it a halt at the 400 mark. Anyways,brilliant double 100 by Azhar. Now ,please declare!
Pakistan should play to bat once i say.. no one knows what to expect from them in the next innings and they should sieze this opportunity when they can.
What a great test match i think it should 4 matches in this series
That was some awesome six bludgeoning by Sohail Khan. Good replacement for Hasan Ali in the ODIs ? Azhar playing with style creeping towards a 200. Hopefully he wont strand himself on 199 like Nair did a week ago. Pakistan should not declare until they reach like 500 and then try to bowl Australia out twice. That would be a helluva result.
Wow!! Australians never get this much beating in their history!! Embarrassing for Australia!! I can't wait for lunch break to end..
Wow....awesome by azhar and SK, if they get close to 500 and declare, pressure will be on aus......will be a very interesting match with the quality and caliber of pak bowling...
amazing batting by both these batsmen, they made quality bowlers look like ordinary. if they can get to 550, game on for Pak.
Loving the aussie thrashing. This is the most overrated aussie team in many years. Pak fully capable of a surprise comeback in the series. Fingers crossed
Great effort from azhar. misbah should start training him for the test captaincy.
Hmmmm, yup, no plan B again Australia. Lyon letting the side down badly with very inconsistent bowling. He must go!
Well done Azhar Ali and Sohail Khan Pakistan should get 500 and force a win
wow their should be a 6th day to make up lost ov or start at 9 and play untill 8 to make it up BUT WE FANS WANT A RESULT
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wow their should be a 6th day to make up lost ov or start at 9 and play untill 8 to make it up BUT WE FANS WANT A RESULT
Well done Azhar Ali and Sohail Khan Pakistan should get 500 and force a win
Hmmmm, yup, no plan B again Australia. Lyon letting the side down badly with very inconsistent bowling. He must go!
Great effort from azhar. misbah should start training him for the test captaincy.
Loving the aussie thrashing. This is the most overrated aussie team in many years. Pak fully capable of a surprise comeback in the series. Fingers crossed
amazing batting by both these batsmen, they made quality bowlers look like ordinary. if they can get to 550, game on for Pak.
Wow....awesome by azhar and SK, if they get close to 500 and declare, pressure will be on aus......will be a very interesting match with the quality and caliber of pak bowling...
Wow!! Australians never get this much beating in their history!! Embarrassing for Australia!! I can't wait for lunch break to end..
That was some awesome six bludgeoning by Sohail Khan. Good replacement for Hasan Ali in the ODIs ? Azhar playing with style creeping towards a 200. Hopefully he wont strand himself on 199 like Nair did a week ago. Pakistan should not declare until they reach like 500 and then try to bowl Australia out twice. That would be a helluva result.
What a great test match i think it should 4 matches in this series