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10 incredible stats from Pakistan’s great escape in Karachi Test

Charbel Coorey
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10 incredible stats from Pakistan’s great escape in Karachi Test

Cricket News: 10 incredible stats from Pakistan’s great escape in Karachi Test | Stats from the draw between Pakistan and Australia in the Karachi Test

Australia’s highly-anticipated tour of Pakistan has seen another draw. However, it was quite the contrast to the bore draw in Rawalpindi, with Pakistan batting the best part of two days to seal a great escape in the Karachi Test.

Faced with 172 overs to survive after getting rolled for 148 in the first innings, Pakistan’s task was made all the more difficult after the loss of two early wickets. They looked at long odds of getting a positive result out of a Test they had been dominated in, but Abdullah Shafique and the magnificent Babar Azam went about grinding Australia into the ground. They executed to near perfection, with Mohammad Rizwan finishing the job with a century of his own.

With Pakistan’s relief comes Australia’s concern. It is the fifth such time since 2019 that the Australian team has been unable to finish the job on the fifth day, with the Karachi Test representing a huge missed opportunity for Pat Cummins’ team. Australia utterly dominated the first three-and-a-half days of the Test, only to fall short as the bowlers lacked penetration due to minimal reverse swing and slow turn.

For Pakistan, it is a time to reflect and be pleased. After all, some of the stats make for some great reading. Here are 10 from Pakistan’s escape in the Karachi Test.

10 stats from Pakistan’s huge effort to draw the Karachi Test

1. Second-most overs batted to save a match in Test history

Pakistan’s mammoth effort is up there with one of the top performances in Test history. In fact, their 171.4 overs is the second-most overs batted in the fourth innings in Test history, only behind England’s 218.2 overs in the 1938/39 Timeless Test. They are the only two teams to bat 1,000+ deliveries in the fourth innings to save a Test.

What makes the feat all the more impressive is the fact Pakistan lasted just 53 overs in the first innings. It is another example of Pakistan producing results at extreme ends of both spectrums.

2. Fifth-highest total in the fourth innings of a Test

Pakistan’s 443/7 is the fifth-highest total in the fourth innings of a Test. Here is the full list:

  • England 654/5 vs South Africa (1939)
  • New Zealand 451 vs England (2002)
  • South Africa 450/7 vs India (2013)
  • Pakistan 450 vs Australia (2016)
  • India 445 vs Australia (1978)
  • Pakistan 443/7 vs Australia (2022)

3. The highest score by a captain in the fourth innings of a Test

Babar Azam’s magnificent 196 is the highest-ever score by a captain in the fourth innings of a Test. He went past Michael Atherton’s 185* against South Africa in 1995.

Cricket News: 10 incredible stats from Pakistan's great escape in Karachi Test | Stats from the draw between Pakistan and Australia in the Karachi Test
10 incredible stats from Pakistan’s great escape in Karachi Test: Babar Azam was outstanding

4. Babar Azam, one of three Pakistani batsmen to score 150+ in the fourth innings

Only three Pakistani batsmen have scored 150+ in the fourth innings of a Test match. He joined Younis Khan and Saleem Malik in the esteemed list.

5. Most deliveries faced by a Pakistani batsman in the fourth innings

Babar Azam’s 425 deliveries faced in a record for most balls faced in the fourth innings by a Pakistani batsman. Shoaib Malik previously held the record after he batted 369 balls against Sri Lanka in Colombo in 2006.

The previous highest score by a Pakistani batsman in the fourth innings in Pakistan was 138* by Inzamam-ul-Haq against Bangladesh in Multan in 2003.

6. Fourth player to face 400+ balls in the fourth innings

Babar Azam’s innings was full of achievements. Another was the fact he became the fourth player in history to bat at least 400 deliveries in the fourth innings of a Test. He joined Herbert Sutcliffe, Sunil Gavaskar and Michael Atherton as the others to have achieved the feat.

7. Fourth wicket-keeper to score a fourth innings ton in a win or draw

Mohammad Rizwan’s superb 104* is now etched in the history books. He became just the fourth keeper-batsman to score a century in the fourth innings in a win/draw.

Adam Gilchrist (1999), Matt Prior and AB de Villiers (2013) are the others to achieve the feat.

8. Third-worst bowling figures on Test debut

It was a tough debut for Australia leg-spinner Mitchell Swepson. He bowled well in parts, but a lack of consistency showed as he finished with figures of 0/156. Only England’s Adil Rashid (0/163) and Pakistan’s Zafar Gohar (0/159) had worse figures on Test debut.

9. Fifth instance of Australia not bowling out opponent in fourth innings since 2019

Headingley 2019. SCG 2021. Gabba 2021. SCG 2022. Karachi 2022.

Australia’s failure to win the Karachi Test was the fifth such instance of the team not winning a Test from a very strong position since 2019. This one is particularly disappointing, given Australia took a 408-run lead just after the halfway point of the Test.

10. Australia’s tough run in Asia

Australia have won just three of their past 28 Tests in Asia since the start of 2008. They beat Sri Lanka in Galle in 2011, India in Pune in 2017 and Bangladesh in Chattogram in 2017. Apart from that, it has been lean pickings for the Australians, and the missed opportunity in Karachi raises further doubt as to whether this team can win in Lahore.

It was a superb effort by Pakistan to save the Test. Both teams will now be gunning for a series win in the deciding Test at Lahore which begins on 21 March.

5 leading contenders for the IPL 2022 Orange Cap

Charbel Coorey
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5 leading contenders for the IPL 2022 Orange Cap

Cricket News: 5 leading contenders for the IPL 2022 Orange Cap | Looking at 5 leading contenders for the Orange Cap in IPL 2022

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is synonymous with wonderful batting performances, and the tournament will once again be stacked with some of the most talented batsmen in the world.

Both the top Indian and overseas talent will grace the league, with a number of contenders for the Orange Cap. Ruturaj Gaikwad pipped former teammate Faf du Plessis, who is now at Royal Challengers Bangalore, by two runs last season.

Now, with the IPL Mega Auction seeing stars move to new franchises, a number of players will be looking to hit the ground running and make an immediate impact. Here are five leading contenders for the IPL 2022 Orange Cap.

Also read: 2nd most valuable company after Apple now sponsor of IPL Orange and Purple Caps

Who will win the IPL 2022 Orange Cap? 5 leading contenders

1. KL Rahul

KL Rahul, who will lead the new Lucknow franchise, has been one of the most prolific players in the past few years. The keeper-batsman has struck 1,889 runs at an average of 57.24 and strike rate of 134.26 since the beginning of IPL 2019, and he will no doubt be in the running for the Orange Cap once again this season.

However, eyes will be fixed on whether Rahul can improve on his strike rate. If he can produce anything like his magnificent 42-ball 98* against CSK last season, we will be in for a treat.

2. Ruturaj Gaikwad

Cricket News: 5 leading contenders for the IPL 2022 Orange Cap | Looking at 5 leading contenders for the Orange Cap in IPL 2022
5 leading contenders for the IPL 2022 Orange Cap: Ruturaj Gaikwad

Chennai Super Kings are one of the contenders for IPL 2022 owing to a long batting lineup headed up by Ruturaj Gaikwad. The opener had a breakout season in 2021, finishing with 635 runs, just two runs in front of Faf du Plessis.

Gaikwad’s ability to score quickly whilst playing traditional cricketing shots is a pleasure to watch. Given CSK’s batting lineup, Gaikwad will be enabled to play with freedom, which should see the runs flow.

3. Faf du Plessis

Like a fine wine, Faf du Plessis gets better with age. The South African had a stellar 2021 season with an outstanding 86 off 59 balls in the Final to lead CSK to the Title.

This season, he joins RCB with a huge role to play. It seems like RCB will rely quite heavily on their top four, so du Plessis will need to provide as many strong starts as possible. Given his recent form, which includes a century in the BPL in February, he is very much capable of doing so.

4. Shikhar Dhawan

5 leading contenders for the IPL 2022 Orange Cap: Shikhar Dhawan

Punjab Kings landed the coup that is Shikhar Dhawan, and all signs point to another strong season for the opener. He scored the fourth-most runs in IPL 2019 (521), the second-most in 2020 (618) and fourth-most again in 2021 (587) at an overall average of 39.23 and strike rate of 134.63 in this period.

On what should be good batting surfaces in Mumbai and Pune, Dhawan has what it takes to have another very strong season with the bat.

5. Ishan Kishan

The bidding war for Ishan Kishan in the IPL Auction is reflective of his immense potential. He is likely to open the batting for Mumbai Indians, and has a magnificent record as an opener in IPL cricket, with 555 runs in 13 innings at an average of 55.50 and strike rate of 155.90.

Kishan was superb in IPL 2020 (516 runs) and is a danger player at the top of the order with more time at his disposal. Don’t be surprised if Ishan Kishan finishes top of the tree among run-scorers in 2022.

Also read: 2nd most valuable company after Apple now sponsor of IPL Orange and Purple Caps

“Hard to watch”: Fans slam pitches in PAK vs AUS Test series

Charbel Coorey
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“Hard to watch”: Fans slam pitches in PAK vs AUS Test series

Cricket News: “Hard to watch”: Fans slam pitches in PAK vs AUS Test series | Fans disappointed with pitches in PAK vs AUS Test series

All the hype surrounding Australia’s historic tour of Pakistan has been reduced to a squib. Just 22 wickets have fallen in 559.1 overs across the Rawalpindi and Karachi Tests so far, which is one approximately every 154 deliveries.

Worse, most wickets have fallen due to a batting error rather than brilliance from the bowler or assistance from the pitch. Within the first few overs in a hot and sunny Karachi, Babar Azam would have been cursing his luck at the toss as the ball barely reached both the batsmen and fielders behind the wicket.

Pakistan have since toiled for two days, with Australia amassing 505/8 to all-but-extinguish Pakistan’s hopes of taking a 1-0 series lead.

The home side producing such pitches is a real eyebrow raiser. PCB Chairman Ramiz Raja, speaking after the Rawalpindi Test that broke records for the wrong reasons, said that it wouldn’t make sense to produce pitches to suit Australia’s seamers. However, Pakistan’s attack has also struggled for penetration, with both spinners and seamers toiling hard for little reward in tough conditions.

The final session on day two, where Australia scored just 98 runs in 34 overs, was particularly tough viewing. Alex Carey and Mitchell Starc made it their mission to drive Pakistan into the ground, with Carey falling for 93 and Starc heading towards 100 deliveries faced.

Fans disappointed with pitches in the PAK vs AUS Test series

Fans and pundits took to social media to express their disappointment with the pitches in the highly anticipated Test series. And rightly so.

Also, former Australia captain Mark Taylor said that it seems Pakistan have approached this series to try not to lose. Here are some of the reactions to the flat pitches in the PAK vs AUS Test series.

Saudi Aramco, 2nd most valued company after Apple, now a IPL sponsor

Charbel Coorey
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Saudi Aramco, 2nd most valued company after Apple, now a IPL sponsor

Cricket News: Saudi Aramco, 2nd most valued company after Apple, now a IPL sponsor | Saudi Aramco title sponsor of Orange and Purple Caps

The Indian Premier League (IPL) has landed another sponsorship coup, with Saudi Aramco now the title sponsor of the league’s Orange and Purple Caps. The Orange Cap is awarded to the highest run-scorer in an IPL season, while the Purple Cap is handed to the highest wicket-taker. Ruturaj Gaikwad and Harshal Patel won the respective honours in IPL 2021.

Saudi Aramco is the world’s largest oil company and only sits behind Apple among the world’s most valuable companies. According to Times of India, the awards will now be known as the Aramco Orange Cap and Aramco Purple Cap.

Saudi Aramco joins IPL as the league sells all its sponsorship slots

The news comes ahead of the IPL 2022 season which now has 10 teams competing. The BCCI sold new franchises Lucknow Super Giants and Gujarat Titans for a whopping Rs 12,715 crores (approx. US$1.7 billion) combined in October 2021.

On top of that, the BCCI has officially sold all its IPL sponsorship spots for the first time ever with Aramaco coming on board for Rs 65 crores (approx. $US9.36 million) per year.

Last week, Rupay, a financial services company, signed a two-year deal as an official partner for Rs 75 crores (approx. US$10.8 million) a year. Last month, Indian food ordering and delivery provider Swiggy signed a deal worth around Rs 65 crores (approx. US$9.36 million) per year. The likes of Cred, Unacademy, and Dream11, who were title sponsors in 2020, are already on board.

All sponsorship spots will bring in nearly a huge 1,000 crores (approx. US$144 million) in revenue, which makes the 2022 edition an extremely viable one financially.

The tournament will kick off on March 26, with the tournament to be held in Mumbai and Pune. Chennai Super Kings are the defending champions, and will begin their defence against Kolkata Knight Riders at the Wankhede Stadium.

PAK vs AUS 2nd Test Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible 11 Pitch Report

Charbel Coorey
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PAK vs AUS 2nd Test Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible 11 Pitch Report

PAK vs AUS 2nd Test Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible 11 Pitch Report | PAK vs AUS 2nd Test Dream11 Prediction Today | Pakistan vs Australia 2nd Test Key Players | Karachi Pitch Report

After one of the most dull, uninspiring and anticlimactic Test matches in recent history, attention quickly moves to Karachi as Pakistan and Australia look to register safety in this three-match Test series.

The quicker the Rawalpindi Test is forgotten, the better. Australia’s visit was met with great anticipation and excitement, but the first Test delivered none of that on a wicket so flat that it broke the record for the least number of wickets among matches that lasted at least 330 overs.

The toss could be crucial once again given that Karachi often starts as a good batting wicket before taking spin. With that in mind, Australia are likely to play two spinners, with Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith to hold great importance to their chances with the bat. Also, while the Rawalpindi pitch was flat, Australia’s bowlers took just three in well over 200 overs of bowling, which is cause for review and improvement in the all-important second Test.

For Pakistan, they no doubt had the better of the first Test, but now it is about stepping things up to win. They too struggled for penetration before Australia threw some wickets away in an attempt to score runs quickly, so how they build pressure in this Test will make for interesting viewing. But, their top order – particularly openers Imam ul Haq and Abdullah Shafique – come into this Test with huge confidence, and if they can deliver another strong opening partnership, doubts and worries will creep into Australia’s minds.

Possible Playing 11

Faheem Ashraf is back in the Pakistan squad, and Hasan Ali is also a good chance of playing.

Pakistan: 1. Imam ul Haq, 2. Abdullah Shafique, 3. Azhar Ali, 4. Babar Azam (c), 5. Fawad Alam, 6. Mohammad Rizwan (wk), 7. Faheem Ashraf, 8. Hasan Ali, 9. Shaheen Shah Afridi, 10. Nauman Ali, 11. Sajid Khan

Mitch Swepson was labelled as a “huge chance” to play by skipper Pat Cummins following the Rawalpindi Test, and he will play. Josh Hazlewood misses out.

Australia: 1. David Warner, 2. Usman Khawaja, 3. Marnus Labuschagne, 4. Steve Smith, 5. Travis Head, 6. Cameron Green, 7. Alex Carey (wk), 8. Pat Cummins (c), 9. Mitchell Starc, 10. Mitch Swepson, 11. Nathan Lyon

Key Players to Watch/Key Stats

Pakistan:

  • Imam ul Haq became the 10th Pakistan batsman to register two centuries in the same Test. If Pakistan get the better of the batting conditions once again, watch out for Imam who will be sure to play with more determination and concentration.
  • Azhar Ali has struck a fifty and century in two Tests at Karachi since 2019. He too is coming off a century in the first Test, and averages 56.42 in 12 Tests against Australia.
  • Babar Azam has played plenty of cricket in Karachi in the PSL, so he is familiar with the ground. Test cricket is a different challenge, however, and Babar will be looking to improve on his average of 31.78 in eight Tests against Australia.
  • Nauman Ali was Pakistan’s star bowler in the first Test with a six-fer. He has a five-fer to his name at Karachi (vs South Africa) and took 61 wickets in 10 matches at an average of 23.16 on this ground in Pakistan’s First Class competition (Quaid-e-Azam Trophy) in 2020/21.
  • Sajid Khan took 67 wickets in 11 matches at Karachi in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy in 2020/21 at an average of 25.08.
  • Hasan Ali took 43 wickets the same competition at an average of 20.08. Also, Hasan was Pakistan’s top Test wicket-taker in 2021 with 41 wickets in eight matches at an average of 16.07.

Australia:

  • David Warner averages 104.72 in eight Tests against Pakistan (1,152 runs). He looked good for more runs in the first Test before he was bowled for 68.
  • Usman Khawaja missed out on his century by just three runs in Rawalpindi. He was proactive against the spinners, and will need to have the same mindset in Karachi. He averages 74.12 six Tests against Pakistan (593 runs).
  • Marnus Labuschagne also narrowly missed his hundred in Rawalpindi (90). He also has a good average against Pakistan (74), with 518 runs in five Tests against them.
  • Steve Smith has scored just the one Test century in 15 Tests since the 2019 Ashes. He has made five half-centuries in this period, including 78 in the first Test where a century was for the taking. He averages 55.53 in 10 Tests against Pakistan, with eight 50+ scores.
  • Pat Cummins was Australia’s only wicket-taker among the seamers in the entire Rawalpindi Test. The Australian captain will be key to Australia’s hopes in Karachi. He has taken just the nine wickets in three Tests vs Pakistan so far at an average of 37.11.
  • The spotlight will be on Nathan Lyon after a very tough first Test where he took total figures of 1/236 in 78 overs. His 34 wickets against Pakistan cost 52.73 runs apiece, but he could be a factor if the ball spins sharply.

Stats and Facts

  • Karachi has played host to two Test matches since the start of 2019. Pakistan beat Sri Lanka by 263 runs in 2019 and then South Africa by seven wickets in 2021.
  • Fawad Alam was player of the match in last year’s Karachi Test against South Africa for his 109 in the first innings.
  • Australia has never won a Test at Karachi in eight attempts. The last time Australia played in Karachi was in 1998, where the Test ended in a draw.

National Stadium Karachi Pitch Report and Weather

On first glance, the Karachi track looks to have a little covering of grass compared to the Rawalpindi track which had no life. The seamers may be in the game on the first couple of days, but the very warm conditions throughout the Test should see the pitch break up and spinners come into play from late day two onwards.

Hot and sunny conditions are forecast throughout the Test, with tops of around 35 degrees on each day.

Dream11 Prediction

Note: The below teams are not based on the final playing XIs. We may not be able to update these in time. Use the stats and commentary in this article as well as your own instincts to create your teams.

Option 1:

PAK vs AUS 2nd Test Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible 11 Pitch Report | PAK vs AUS 2nd Test Dream11 Prediction Today | Pakistan vs Australia 2nd Test Key Players | Karachi Pitch Report
PAK vs AUS 2nd Test Dream11 Prediction

Option 2:

PAK vs AUS 2nd Test Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible 11 Pitch Report | PAK vs AUS 2nd Test Dream11 Prediction Today | Pakistan vs Australia 2nd Test Key Players | Karachi Pitch Report
PAK vs AUS 2nd Test Dream11 Prediction

Fan2Play Prediction

Base team:

  • Wicket-keepers: Mohammad Rizwan
  • Batsmen: Imam ul Haq, Steve Smith
  • All-rounders: Steve Smith, Nauman Ali
  • Bowlers: Shaheen Shah Afridi, Nathan Lyon

Match Prediction

Tough to call, with a lot depending on how the pitch plays. Pakistan start as favourites.

Mitch Swepson “a huge chance” to play in Karachi Test

Charbel Coorey
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Mitch Swepson “a huge chance” to play in Karachi Test

Cricket News: Mitch Swepson “a huge chance” to play in Karachi Test | Pat Cummins says Mitch Swepson is a chance of playing second Test

Leg-spinner Mitch Swepson is in line to make a long-awaited Test debut in the second Test in Karachi starting on Saturday. Australia have had to review the make up of their bowling attack after taking just four wickets in the Rawalpindi Test, where Pat Cummins’ team broke records for the wrong reasons.

Australia went in their usual bowling combination in Rawalpindi. However, there was a clear lack of bite in the attack. The very flat track certainly played a factor, but two spinners looks the way to go in these conditions, particularly in Karachi where the ball often begins turning from day two or three.

When asked whether Swepson would make his debut in the second Test, captain Cummins said that it is a possibility and that Swepson has been bowling beautifully in the nets.

“I think we’ll have a look before making up our mind”, said Cummins. “I think it is an asset for sure having a wristspinner. It’s something a bit different, and Sweppo has been bowling beautifully. We’ll get to Karachi and have a look. But absolutely, Sweppo as a wristspinner is a huge chance if we play two.”

“Our intel from Karachi and Lahore says a second spinner is probably the way to go. But we’ll have a look.”

Mitch Swepson could become Australia’s first specialist legspinner for the first time in over a decade

Not since 2009 have Australia played a specialist legspinner in a Test. Bryce McGain debuted in South Africa, where he took 0/149 in 18 overs in a forgettable outing.

Nathan Lyon ended Australia’s long search for a permanent spinner after the retirement of the late, great Shane Warne. It will be fitting if Australia play legspinner Swepson in Karachi, where Warne would have certainly watched on with interest.

“I think it is an asset for sure having a wristspinner. It’s something a bit different, and Sweppo has been bowling beautifully.

Pat Cummins

The second Test begins on Saturday with the series locked at 0-0 after the bore draw at Rawalpindi.

Fewest wickets to fall in Test history: Stats from bore draw in Rawalpindi

Charbel Coorey
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Fewest wickets to fall in Test history: Stats from bore draw in Rawalpindi

Cricket News: Fewest wickets to fall in Test history: Stats from bore draw in Rawalpindi | Stats from bore draw between Australia and Pakistan at Rawalpindi

Had the first Test between Pakistan and Australia matched the hype before the series, we may have witnessed one of the great Test matches. Instead, it was one to forget, with Australia’s first Test in the country since 1998 ending in the borest of bore draws.

Just 14 wickets fell across the five days in a total of 379.1 overs. What’s worse is most of the dismissals were due to batting errors rather than from brilliance from the bowler or assistance from the pitch. The batsmen feasted, scoring a total of 1,187 runs on a pitch that surely must face scrutiny from the ICC.

Test cricket deserves better than this Rawalpindi wicket. There was almost no sideways movement or any uneven bounce as the Test went on, with the surface too slow for the bowlers to make an impact. The ball going past the bat was as rare as an ecclipse; an event worthy of bringing all your family and friends around the TV or smart device to watch the replay of such a momentous occasion.

With the second Test starting on Saturday in Karachi, Pat Cummins rightly chose not to bowl the lead seamers after going wicketless early in the second innings. However, Australia have some questions to answer, including their team combination in conditions that calls for at least two spinners.

Here are some stats highlights (or lowlights) from a forgettable Test in Rawalpindi.

Stats from bore draw between Pakistan and Australia in Rawalpindi

Fewest wickets to fall in a completed Test (minimum 330 overs)

Before this Test, the fewest wickets to fall in a Test match not significantly affected by rain (minimum 330 overs) was 17. This Test match now has the record for the lowest number of wickets to fall in this category, with just 14 scalps taken across the five days. Tough watch.

The second-worst bowling average in Test history (minimum 1,200 balls)

Australia finished the Test with just four wickets, as Pakistan amassed 728/4. Worse, one was a run out, one was from a reverse sweep and another was the result of a brain fade by Abdullah Shafique on the stroke of lunch on day one.

Australia’s bowlers took their wickets at 238.3 runs apiece, which is the second-worst in Test history among teams who bowled at least 1,200 balls in the match. The worst remains the West Indies, who took 2/777 against Pakistan way back in 1958.

Also, Australia’s four wickets is the lowest they’ve ever taken in matches where they bowled at least 200 overs. Toil.

Both openers with unbeaten centuries for just the second time in Test history

As Abdullah Shafique and Imam-ul-Haq plundered unbeaten centuries, little did they know they achieved a feat not seen in nearly 40 years. For the first time since Gordon Greenidge and Desmond Haynes against Australia in 1984, openers Shafique and Imam scored unbeaten centuries.

Also, it is the most runs Australia have conceded in a completed innings without taking a wicket. In that 1984 Test, Haynes and Greenidge plundered 250. Imam and Shafique beat it by two runs in a comfortable second dig.

3 consecutive 100+ opening stands for the first time ever

Never before has there been a Test where three consecutive opening stands yielded 100+ runs. Shafique and Imam struck partnerships of 105 and 252, while Usman Khawaja and David Warner amassed 156. If Australia had the chance to bat again, it would have been a relatively safe bet that Warner and Khawaja would have struck 100+ on a flat wicket.

First time Australia concede twin opening century stands in over 50 years

Not since 1971 have Australia been on the end of two century stands from the opposition openers in the same Test. It has happened five times overall against Australia, with Geoff Boycott and John Edrich the last to achieve the feat.

The series will now move to Karachi on a pitch that typically provides help for the spinners. Fans will be hoping for a much more sporting surface after one of the awful Tests to start off a highly-anticipated series.

The second Test begins on Saturday.

Thank you, Warney: My tribute to Shane Warne, the King of Spin

Charbel Coorey
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Thank you, Warney: My tribute to Shane Warne, the King of Spin

Over 48 hours has passed since the news that shook every cricket fan to their very core. The kind of news that you’d have to rub your eyes to make sure you are actually reading what you are reading. The kind you’d wish was a terrible dream that you’d wake up from in relief. Or, as Fox Cricket’s Mark Howard put it, where he would just appear and say it was all a joke.

Shane Warne, one of the greatest ever to grace the beautiful game of cricket, has died at age 52. That sentence will take a while to adjust to. It just hasn’t sunk in. Only hours before his fatal heart attack in Thailand, Warne paid tribute to another Australian cricketing legend who had passed away just a day earlier; the great Rod Marsh. It is a reminder of how short and fragile life is.

To say that Shane Warne bowled leg spin or to judge him on stats alone is to say that Pablo Piccaso merely painted. Warne, in an era where intimidation by pace ruled world cricket, brought spin back into fashion in the most remarkable way imaginable. Slow bowling was an art once again thanks to Warne, who weaved the brush so immaculately over 145 Tests that the final picture was a plethora of bamboozled batsmen, wonderful memories and a generation of inspired cricketers.

Shane Warne tribute: Batsmen mesmerised by spin, viewers mesmerised by beauty

Every Test cricketer has ability. After all, you can’t reach that level if you are a bad player. However, many have come and gone from Test cricket without realising their full potential as the game goes beyond talent.

Warne had all the attributes of a leg spin bowler; the ripping leg break, terrific wrong’un and famous flipper. Many others have graced Test cricket with similar attributes, but Warne stands head and shoulders above any leg spinner to play the game.

The King’s cricketing brain is unmatched. Yes, he could execute each of those deliveries with ease. His ball of the century to Mike Gatting, etched in the minds of millions, was his announcement to the cricketing world that something special was unfolding. Indeed, it is still incredible to think that delivery was his first in Tests in England. 12 years later in 2005, Andrew Strauss, among many others, suffered similar treatment in another memorable moment.

Yes, he can find any technical chink in a leg spinner’s bowling action as he did in a magnificent segment for Sky Sports in 2020. However, it was his mindset and understanding of the game that separated him from the rest; namely his ability to set a batsman up and then go in for the kill. Young cricketers grew up thinking that conceding a boundary is the poisoned chalice of bowling, but Warne taught that if it is part of a plan, then it’s worth giving up a few runs to take that vital wicket.

It’s a reason why his death has felt so personal for millions around the globe. Not only was Warne brilliant in his craft, but you would learn from his brilliance. When he bowled, you watched. Every delivery was an event. He was always aggressive in his approach, with wicket-taking at the forefront of his mind even though he didn’t necessarily try to take a wicket with each delivery.

As an example, think of poor Daryll Cullinan, whose pads and stumps would duck for cover when they would see Warne marking his run up at the other end. Richie Benaud, who said that Warne is the greatest bowler he’d seen, said in the clip below that Warne would “show them [the batsman]” a delivery or two before pouncing with the dream delivery.

Two greats of the game in-sync with one another. And Benaud’s judgement is one we all can appreciate.

Tribute to Shane Warne: Delivery to Daryll Cullinan

England’s Alec Stewart fell prey to the same set up in 1994 after enjoying runs via cut strokes to the off-side boundary. After creating a false sense of security, Australia saw the back of Stewart thanks to Warne’s classic flipper that landed in almost the exact same spot as the slow leg-spinners that were crashed away. Stewart thought he could cut again, but was bowled before he could bring his bat down.

The genius of Warne in a nutshell.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XZTqmTyccKs&t=147s
Tribute to Shane Warne: Delivery to Alec Stewart

Tribute to Shane Warne: The man who never said never

Warne epitomised what the great Australian teams of the 1990s and 2000s were about. If “risk it for the biscuit” were in the dictionary, Shane Warne’s face would be etched alongside it.

As a firm believer in risking a defeat to achieve victory, Warne made a generation believe that a win from almost any position was possible. Adelaide 2006 springs to mind right away, as a 13-year old who now writes this article came home from school to witness something he’d never forget for the rest of his life. Seven years earlier, in the famous 1999 World Cup Semi Final remembered mostly for one moment of madness, Warne ignited South African nerves with a game-changing spell that is etched in One Day history.

No was never an answer when Warne stepped out onto the field. If the opposition were to win, they would have to play out of their skin to do so against an Australian side that will fight to the very end with Warne in it. England held aloft the Ashes in 2005, but not before Warne took 40 wickets and batted magnificently against an attack at the peak of its powers.

Warne also left an undeniable mark on white-ball cricket. In addition to memorable ODI spells, Warne led the Rajasthan Royals to glory in the IPL’s first season back in 2008, where he has since always held a special place in the hearts of Rajasthan fans around the globe.

The sheer amount of tributes highlights Warne’s incredible impact

Such was his impact and iconic stature that my wife, who has no interest in or knowledge of cricket, knew who he was and was shocked at his passing. Non-cricketers such as Mick Jagger, Gary Neville and Ed Sheeran expressed their disappointment at Warne’s death. On a cricketing level, it’s hard to think of any player and pundit – past or present – who hasn’t yet paid tribute to one of the game’s best ever.

Australia Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Victorian Premier Dan Andrews offered his family a state funeral, which has been accepted. Also, the Great Southern Stand at the MCG, his beloved turf where he took his memorable hattrick in 1994 and 700th wicket in 2006, will be named the SK Warne stand.

If Harvard had a cricket course, Warne would be the top professor. When he talked tactics and spin, you would just shut up and listen. He was always an advocate for spin bowling, with the term “if it seams, it spins” associated with the King of Spin.

The pain of knowing we won’t hear such cricketing wisdom again cuts deep, but we should take heart that we were alive to witness Warne’s magic on the field and brilliant insights off it.

There will never be another Shane Warne. No doubt about it. He will be remembered forever.

Bowled, Shane.

Rajasthan Royals pays tribute to its legendary captain Shane Warne

Charbel Coorey
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Rajasthan Royals pays tribute to its legendary captain Shane Warne

Cricket News: Rajasthan Royals pays tribute to its legendary captain Shane Warne | Royals pay tribute to Warne after shock death

Rajasthan Royals have paid tribute to Shane Warne after the legendary spinner’s shock death. Warne led the Royals to the title in the first season of the IPL back in 2008, and as a result, Warne holds a special place in the hearts of Royals fans all over the globe.

Paying tribute to their IPL-winning captain, the Royals Lead Owner Manoj Badale said, “Everyone associated with the Rajasthan Royals is still shocked and devastated. Our first thoughts are for his family, who he cherished so dearly. We will ensure that he is never forgotten, and that his millions of fans in India get an opportunity to pay their respects.”

“Shane (Warne) was the first Royal. Our first captain. Our first family member. And Our first champion. He provided so many memories on and off the pitch. He shaped the values of the RR franchise. He co-created the Royals. And he helped transform the story of the Indian Premier League (IPL). He positively impacted the careers of so many – launching Ravindra Jadeja and Ajinkya Rahane, re-energising the careers of Shane Watson and Jos Buttler, working with Rahul Dravid and Graeme Smith, and helping so many young cricketers play at, and often, above their potential. This was his unique ‘gift’.”

“He leaves an astonishing legacy. Wonderful memories shared with family and friends, who have been so impacted by him. A wonderful charitable foundation that has changed the lives of thousands of kids. And the title of ‘the greatest ever leg-spinner’ in the second most popular sport in the world. He inspired us all with his humour and passion for life.”

“He was a legend in cricket. A legend in India. A legend across the world. But most of all, he was a kind, generous, loyal and inspirational friend. We will miss him every day.”

4 key battles that could decide the PAK vs AUS Test series

Debashish Sarangi
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4 key battles that could decide the PAK vs AUS Test series

Cricket News: 4 key battles to watch out for in the PAK vs AUS Test series | Key player battles that could decide the PAK vs AUS Test series

As a result of some historic developments, the Australian cricket team will finally tour Pakistan after a huge interval of 24 years. The cricket fans of both the countries are excited for this series due to multiple reasons. The Pakistani fans are overwhelmed because the touring of a side like Australia is expected to bring international cricket back into Pakistan in the truest sense. On the other hand, this series is important for the Aussies with regards to the World Test Championship 2021-23, but it’s going to be a challenging assignment as they are finally touring for a Test series after a period of almost three years.

Overall, it’s speculated to be a cracking contest between two potentially great sides and we are supposed to witness some mouth-watering on-field battles. In this article, I am going to mention four such player battles. Here we go.

1. Babar Azam vs Josh Hazlewood

Both these world-class players have had a face-off on multiple occasions in which Hazlewood has emerged victorious on most occasions. His astute accuracy and ability to move the ball around from right lengths has troubled the Pakistani captain time and again.

Statistically, Hazlewood has dismissed Babar six times in Tests, with the latter averaging just 11.5 against the ace Aussie seamer. This clearly shows that facing Hazlewood hasn’t been a great experience for Babar in his Test career so far.

However, there could be very little assistance off the deck for Hazlewood in Pakistan. So, Babar will get a definite chance to improve his numbers against the Aussie pacer. But if Hazlewood controls the reverse swing well, he might get better of the star Pakistani batter yet again.

2. Marnus Labuschagne vs Shaheen Shah Afridi

This series is going to test the calibre of Marnus Labuschagne as it’s his first away series in three years. Both Marnus and Shaheen are in the peak of their prowess and if we consider stats, Shaheen has dismissed the star Aussie batter twice in Test cricket. His ability to move the ball both in the air and off the deck makes him a tricky customer for any batter.

Shaheen has been phenomenal in Tests for quite a while now and facing him with both the new as well as the old ball is going to be a daunting task for Labuschagne.

3. Mohammad Rizwan vs Pat Cummins

The rise of Mohammed Rizwan has contributed a lot to the renaissance of Pakistan cricket across formats. He has been one of the mainstays for the men in green, but the Pakistani wicket keeper hasn’t enjoyed facing Pat Cummins in his career so far.

The Aussie skipper has dismissed Rizwan four times in international cricket, while Rizwan averages just over 20 against him. Being relentless is the biggest asset of Cummins and Rizwan is also well known for his never-say-die attitude. Therefore, this battle is definitely going to be a very interesting one.

4. Steve Smith vs Hasan Ali

Although Smith hasn’t faced Hasan Ali in Tests, there are certain attributes of Hasan that might prove to be lethal for the legendary Australian batter. Hasan is known for his great control on the reversing old ball. He tends to pitch the ball up and attack the stumps more with the old ball at home. Smith tends to shuffle and play this kind of deliveries through the onside. But, on the relatively lower decks of Pakistan, it won’t be an easy task for Smith.

Given Hasan bowls at an excess of 140kph consistently, some deliveries might just skid on after pitching. He can also surprise smith with his bouncers. Therefore, I expect this face-off to be an exciting one should he recover from injury from the second Test onwards.

These are the four player battles I am looking forward to in this Test series. Do any others come to mind? Have your say!

Written by Debashish Sarangi. Follow Debashish on Twitter today

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