Starc's accuracy and Sohail's runs among factors that will decide series in Abu Dhabi

Alex Broun 20:06 15/10/2018
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  • Mitchell Starc needs to be more accurate in the capital

    It seems an oxymoron of sorts but after the “thrilling draw” in the first Test in Dubai all is set for a hopefully exciting conclusion to the Pakistan-Australia series in Abu Dhabi from Tuesday.

    Australia were staring down the barrel in Dubai but the fighting spirit of Usman Khawaja and captain Tim Paine saw them cling on to keep the series all-square. But who will triumph in the capital?

    Here are three things that will decide the series:

    Mitchell Starc’s accuracy

    The Aussie speedster generated good pace in Dubai but his line was wayward resulting in the disappointing match figures of 1-108.

    With the bounce on Australian decks Starc simply blasts batsman out but on the more placid UAE pitches it’s all about accuracy and bowling stump to stump, letting reverse swing do its job.

    Starc was too often wide of the off stump making the job of the Pakistan batsmen so much easier.

    The most successful non-spinner in the Test was Pakistan’s Mohammad Abbas and Starc has been studying his success prior to Abu Dhabi with grudging respect.

    “(We were) taking notice of some of their field placements, particularly Abbas when he was getting that ball to reverse,” Starc told cricket.com.au.

    “He’s very consistent and he bowled really well in the first innings, was pretty successful and again in the second innings.

    “Obviously he’s not very fast but he’s very consistent in where he was putting the ball and challenging our defence all the time.”

    If Starc can take a leaf out of Abbas’ book, especially with a greener tinge on the Abu Dhabi wicket, he could be the difference between a series win or loss.

    Pakistan centurion Haris Sohail

    Pakistan centurion Haris Sohail

    The unexpected run-makers must fire again

    The three century makers in Dubai were an unlikely trio – Pakistan’s comeback king Mohammad Hafeez and newcomer Haris Sohail and from Australia the oft derided Usman Khawaja.

    Khawaja was man of the match for his stunning return of 226, including a Test-saving 141 in the second dig, while Hafeez stunned everybody with his impressive 126 on the first day.

    Sohail’s cover drives lit up the second day as he compiled a sparkling maiden Test century, ending on 110 with eight four and two sixes.

    But if their nation is to triumph in Abu Dhabi then these trio must fire again along with the rest of their batting partners.

    For Australia the Marsh brothers simply cannot have as disastrous Test again. They made just 19 runs between them for the whole Test with both picking up second innings globes.

    The Marshes were in good form leading up to the Test with Shaun scoring 94 against Pakistan A and Mitch a dominant 162.

    Travis Head and Aaron Finch also got runs in Dubai so the pressure may be off Khawaja a little. But apart from Hafeez and Sohail only Asad Shafiq topped 50 in the first Test for the hosts, with a first innings 80, so much of the burden will again fall on Hafeez and Sohail.

    Pakistan need to see more celebrations like this from Yasir Shah in Abu Dhabi

    Pakistan need to see more celebrations like this from Yasir Shah in Abu Dhabi

    The real Yasir Shah must stand up

    No one will have been more disappointed after the first four days in Dubai than Pakistan’s star spin-maestro Yasir Shah, especially after being shown up by debutant Bilal Asif who took six wickets in Australia’s first innings while Shah didn’t bag one.

    The lively leggie hit back to take four wickets in the second innings but he could not find the magic tricks to get past Tim Paine or Nathan Lyon on in the final evening.

    Much was expected of Shah going into the Test and he will be desperately disappointed not to perform to his usual elite standards in Dubai, where he just could not get any bounce and thus any bite.

    Shah more than anyone will want to shine in Abu Dhabi and show he remains one of the world’s top spinners.

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