Five things we learned: Australia-Pakistan first Test

Barnaby Read 16:50 19/12/2016
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  • Australia took a 1-0 series lead after victory in the first Test.

    Australia’s narrow 39-run win saw them take the first Test against Pakistan; here are five key takeaways from the hosts’ victory.

    What did you make of the first Test and who do you think will win the series?

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    PAKISTAN UP FOR THE FIGHT

    As soon as Pakistan handed over a first innings deficit of 287 runs, their task of avoiding a first Test defeat at the Gabba were slim at best, more realistically non-existent.

    But, quite sensationally, they ended up coming within 40 runs of the highest successful run chase in Test match history. It papered over cracks left by missed opportunities in the field and a woeful batting performance in reply to Australia’s 429 but, more importantly, it gave reasons to be positive heading to the MCG when it looked like they’d head to Melbourne with little to build on.

    YOUNIS AND MISBAH MUST FIRE

    Younis Khan’s 65 came in crucial conjunction with Azhar Ali as the start of Pakistan’s resistance but his golden duck in the first innings and captain Misbah-ul-Haq’s combined nine from 55 balls across both innings are a major concern.

    The duo once represented a brick wall to opposition bowlers who thought they’d made a dent in the top order but that mystique is diminishing.

    If these two get it right then they can frustrate Australia immensely, creating opportunities to score around them and also the platform for the kind of big totals you need in Australia to bat your opponents out of games.

    ASAD SHAFIQ IS ONE OF THE WORLD’S BEST

    Since Pakistan’s tour of England in the summer, their brightest spark in Test cricket has undoubtedly been Asad Shafiq. A genuine technician with an enormous hunger to ‘go big’, Shafiq has emerged as the natural heir to Younis Khan.

    Should he continue to convert scores with such regularity, he may become just as important to Pakistan’s future as Younis has been to their past and current fortunes. Quite simply, Shafiq is up there with the world’s best right now, a shade outside the remarkable trio of Kane Williamson, Virat Kohli and Joe Root.

    DAY-NIGHT TESTS WORKS IN AUSTRALIA

    Crowds are the denomination that will define day-night cricket’s currency and, as seen against New Zealand in Test cricket’s day-night bow and this match against Pakistan, Australian fans are thirsty for the pink ball.

    But that is not the only reason why day-night Tests can work Down Under. More favourable start times for global TV audiences and conditions which affect the ball’s behaviour make for more eyes and more intrigue to satisfy them.

    LEFT-ARM QUICKS SET UP FIERY SERIES

    Late on day four tensions were rising and at its heart were two of the best left-arm fast bowlers in the world.

    Mitchell Starc was steaming in, Mohammad Amir causing him great frustration and the pair exchanged a couple of verbals to add to the cauldron as the Gabba grew increasingly hostile with Australia tiring and Pakistan fighting hard.

    The trio of Starc, Amir and Wahab Riaz – the three quickest left-armers with Rahat Ali a man put to one side – took 17 of the 40 wickets to fall and the Starc-Amir exchange should only stoke the fires for what could be a highly entertaining battle to come.

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