Last Updated on 6 years by Charbel Coorey
What an amazing first Test.
Australia, with their backs to the wall for pretty much the entire Test, found the resolve to escape Dubai with a character-building draw. The optimists, like myself, always had hope that Australia could get the job done, but it was still realistically far-fetched. What a way to help win over the public after what has been a challenging 2018.
Australia has the better T-Paine, and Usman Khawaja should be made Prime Minister. Travis Head can now truly believe he is good enough for Test Cricket, and Aaron Finch, also on debut, was superb in blunting the Pakistan attack.
It is a time where fans are proud of the team, and it is a welcome change.
For Pakistan, it is a very disappointing result. If skipper Sarfraz Ahmed scores as many runs as he does prance nervously and yell at his teammates, he would easily be the world’s best batsman. The option to go on the defensive early, as well as poor use of reviews, has ultimately cost Pakistan what looked like a certain win after day three.
With an attempt to keep emotion aside, each player will be put under the CricBlog microscope, rated out of ten. Best of luck to the Marsh brothers…
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Pakistan
Mohammad Hafeez: The “Professor” returned to the Pakistan side after a two year exodus, and basically told the selectors they were wrong for keeping him out for so long, especially in the UAE. Excellent first day century, and picked up the huge wicket of Travis Head on the final day. 8.5
Imam-ul-Haq: A good Test from Imam. It is a big blow for Pakistan that he has fractured his finger and will miss the second Test. Forced the Aussies to work hard for his wicket, twice. 8
Azhar Ali: A very disappointing performance from one of Pakistan’s more reliable players. His first day gift near stumps was a nice touch in the lead up to Christmas. 2
Haris Sohail: Superb first innings century, his first in Test Cricket. However, he was one of three Pakistan batsmen to reach double figures at a strike rate at under 50 in the second innings. Turned out to be key in the outcome. 8.5
Asad Shafiq: Solid batting performance, and gave Pakistan important impetus in both the first and second innings when Australia were looking to slow the scoring rate as much as possible. Remains an important cog in Pakistan’s line up. 8.5
Babar Azam: His screams in the second innings to avoid a run out gave everyone, including Mickey Arthur, a good laugh. Still yet to find his feet in Test Cricket. 6
Sarfraz Ahmed: Reviews and tactics were poor for the most part. Has to take a lot of responsibility for Pakistan not winning this Test. As mentioned, if he scores as many runs as he does prance nervously and yell, he would be the best batsman. A leader has to instill calmness among his teammates. 3
Bilal Asif: Whether you believe Bilal’s action is legal or not, he had a good debut. His six wickets in the first innings opened the game right up for Pakistan. No second innings wickets would have hurt. Credit to Australia for this excellent achievement. 7.5
Mohammad Abbas: Pakistan’s best performer in the Test. Credit to Australia for keeping this man wicketless on the final day. Ran in and threatened all game, and finished with match figures of 46-16-85-7. 9
Wahab Riaz: A passenger. A very disappointing performance from Wahab, who Pakistan needed to be an X-Factor weapon with the ball. Poor body language at times and can’t see him being selected for the next Test. 2
Yasir Shah: Was wicketless right up until midway through the second session of the fifth day. Burst into life on the final evening, nearly getting Pakistan home. Despite that, it wasn’t his best performance throughout the Test. 7
Australia
Aaron Finch: Superb debut. Helped Australia get two great starts in the Test. I’ll admit I’m skeptical about Finchy as an opening option for months to come, but I couldn’t be happier for him here. Top effort. 8
Usman Khawaja: The man of the match. The man with a proud Pakistani background helped deny Pakistan. What a performance. His hard work is paying off. Sarfraz will be having nightmares about looking at Khawaja’s backside for so long. Yasir Shah will be losing sleep over those amazing reverse sweeps. Entered the Test with an average of less than 15 in Asia. Exists the Test as a hero. 10
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| Uzzie for PM! |
Shaun Marsh: Expected much more from a key player. So very disappointed. Will get a go again in the second Test, and has to be step up. I recommend Shaun stays away from Twitter. 2
Mitchell Marsh: Both of Australia’s Vice-Captains had the same impact on this Test. Josh Hazlewood was at home. 1
Travis Head: Proved he belongs. Australia lost three wickets on 87 in the second innings, and in walked Head on a pair on debut. Superb fight for 175 deliveries, in a 291-ball stand with Usman Khawaja. He should be very proud. 8
Marnus Labuschange: Memo to Marnus: Get forward to the spinners! He actually looked really good in the second innings when coming down the track, then fatally stayed back to a full ball. Showed promise with his legspin. Learning curve. 3
Tim Paine: Captain brilliant! So happy for Tim Paine, who was under plenty of pressure. Amazing show of fight after a nervous start to get Australia to safety. Conditions and circumstances were tough right throughout the Test, but he stood tall. We have the better T-Paine! 9
Mitchell Starc: As many wickets as runs. One. Tough outing for Starc, but will be better for the run. Remains a key player in the second Test. 3
Peter Siddle: Absolutely fantastic first innings bowling effort. Helped get Australia back on parity on the first evening, and was on the money every time he was called to bowl. 8
Nathan Lyon: Went past Fred Trueman in this Test. Bowled with heart all game, and saw Australia to safety with the bat at the end. Tim Paine’s faith in him as a batsman shows the type of guy ‘Gaz is. 8
Jon Holland: Was he more nervous when bowling, or when waiting to possibly bat in the final few overs? Too many loose balls. Should Ashton Agar come in for him in the Test? 5
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Who said Test Cricket is dead? It was absolutely absorbing stuff.
Well done to Australia on a fantastic effort to draw the Test. For Pakistan, they’ll be disappointed, but the opportunity is there to adjust a few things for the second Test.
Series still up for grabs.
Thanks for reading!
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