Australia's Tour to Pakistan Archives

‘We’ll be taking good memories from Pakistan’ Andrew McDonald

LAHORE: Interim Australia head coach Andrew McDonald has stated that the touring squad would take many pleasant memories from their historic tour to Pakistan after 24 years.

McDonald, while talking to the media via virtual conference has claimed that the Pakistan tour was outstanding in all aspects and felt really happy to visit the country after a long gap.

“I felt very happy to come to Pakistan after a long time. Pakistan’s tour was amazing in all respects,” he said.

“We will always remember the way Pakistani fans welcomed us. We will be taking a lot of good and pleasant memories with us from this tour,” he added.

McDonald further expressed his joy on the touring side’s triumph in the historic Test series against Pakistan and claimed it was not easy to beat the green shirts in their home conditions.

“I am very happy about the win against Pakistan in the historic Test series. It wasn’t easy to defeat the Pakistan team in their own conditions,” he said.

The interim head coach further commented about the Pakistan team’s performance in the recently concluded ODI series, while also terming Babar Azam as a world-class batter.

“Pakistan played excellent cricket in the ODI series. Babar Azam is undoubtedly a world-class batsman,” he said.

McDonald then also commented on Australia’s white-ball captain Aaron Finch’s dismal performance and said that players go through such times.

“Aaron Finch is lacking the form currently but the players go through such times. I am working with Finch wherever he is having difficulty, and he is working for improvement,” he concluded.

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‘We never take Australia as an easy opponent’ Fakhar Zaman

LAHORE: Pakistan’s left-handed batsman Fakhar Zaman has hailed Australia as a dangerous team, claiming that the squad never treats them lightly.

Fakhar, while talking to the virtual presser ahead of the first ODI, hailed the Aussies as tough opponents and also revealed that the green shirts do not take them lightly.

“Despite lacking the services of some big names, the Australian team can not be taken as lightly. I think they are a tough team,” he said.

The left-handed batter then opined about the playing conditions here at Gaddafi Stadium and claimed the team needs to amass a 300 plus total on this wicket.

“There is a lot of due in Lahore but, it will not make much difference. I think we need to score more than 300 on this pitch,” he said.

Fakhar then went on to discuss his performance and proclaimed his goal to sweep Australia for full points.

“It is an important series for us against Australia and we will try to improve World Cup League points,” he said.

“We also have home advantage, so I think we should get full points by sweeping Australia,” he concluded.

READ: ‘This series is a part of World Cup 2023 preparations’ Aaron Finch

‘This series is a part of World Cup 2023 preparations’ Aaron Finch

LAHORE: Australia’s white-ball captain Aaron Finch has termed the ODI series against Pakistan as the preparations for the ICC ODI World Cup, scheduled next year.

Finch, while talking to the virtual press conference ahead of the historic ODI series against Pakistan, has termed it as an important one and also a part of preparations for the next world cup.

“This series is important for us as it is a part of our team’s preparations for the ICC World Cup 2023,” he said.

“I think it will be a highly competitive series against Pakistan,” he added.

The Australian captain further acknowledged the Pakistan team’s strength and said they have world-class players, which will be challenging.

“Pakistan is a tough opposition. They have Babar Azam, who is currently leading the batting charts in ODI cricket. Also, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf, who can swing the new ball,” he said.

The 35-years-old captain Finch also opined about Australia’s historic triumph in the recently concluded Benaud-Qadir Trophy and said his team will strive to carry the same momentum.

“Australia’s victory in the Test series was simply outstanding. We will look to go with the same momentum in the white-ball series,” he concluded.

READ: PAK vs AUS: Mitchell Marsh sustains injury, doubtful for white-ball series

‘Happy to complete 7,000 runs in Lahore’ Azhar Ali

LAHORE: Pakistan’s experienced batter Azhar Ali, who recently became fifth Pakistani and 54th overall batter to reach the milestone of scoring 7,000 runs in Test cricket, said he is happy that he achieved the milestone in his home ground.

Azhar, while talking to the virtual press conference, expressed happiness for completing the remarkable feat in his first Test at his home ground.

“I am happy to complete 7,000 runs in Lahore. But unfortunately, I could not stay at the crease for long and score big,” he said.

The right-handed batter then commented about Pakistan’s collapse in the third session of day three, said it happens in Test cricket, while at the same time lauded Australian captain Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc for the brilliance with the ball.

“It happens in a Test match. But, the credit must go to Cummins and Starc, who bowled really well,” he said.

“Their bowlers are world-class, and the way they bowled in these conditions is simply outstanding,” he added.

The former Pakistan captain also opined about the pitch and the playing conditions, commented it is not easy to score runs in these conditions.

“It is not so easy on such pitch. It is difficult for new batsmen to get set and score freely,” he said.

“It is unfortunate that our batters could not set and as a result wickets tumble one after the other. But, we trust the abilities of our batters, it happens sometimes that the batting line-up flops. I think we should not doubt the ability of our players,” he said.

The right-handed batter went on to comment about the match situation, shared that now the target is to take early wickets of the opposition.

“We are having a hard time at the moment, now the aim is to get Australia out early,” he said.

“Tomorrow is an important day for us and we need to bowl well. No target is easy in the fourth innings as Australia are already leading by more than 130 runs,” he concluded.

It is pertinent to mention here that Australia have scored 11/0 at the stumps on day three. The touring side is currently leading by 134 runs as Pakistan bowled out for 268 in response to Australia’s 391.

READ: Cummins, Starc star to put Australia in the commanding position

Cummins, Starc star to put Australia in the commanding position

LAHORE: Australian pacers Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc wreaked havoc over the Pakistan batting line-up dismissing the home side on 268 to hand their team a massive lead of 123 runs before the openers take the touring side to 11/0 at the stumps on day three of the ongoing third Test.

After bowling out Pakistan on 268, Australian openers Usman Khawaja and David Warner could only bat for three overs. The openers took their side to 11/0 before the umpire dislodged the bails to call off the day.

Khawaja (7*) and Warner (4*) will now resume the proceedings for the touring side on the fourth day of the third Test. The touring side currently has a massive lead of 134 runs.

On the other hand, Pakistan had a forgetful third session as the touring bowlers wreaked havoc over their batting lineup. The home side lost all their remaining seven wickets and could only manage to add 41 runs after the Tea break.

Australian captain Cummins led the way with a five-for, while Starc followed back with four. Nathan Lyon, on the other hand, made one scalp.

Coming out to bat after tea, the home side soon lost their fourth wicket as the left-arm pacer Starc castled Fawad Alam on 13.

Following his departure, the side began to lose wickets at an alarming rate. Babar Azam, who was standing firm at the other end, also became the victim of the collapse as he lost his wicket to Starc after scoring 67.

The home side’s batting tail had no answers to the Australian bowling attack as Nauman Ali, Hasan Ali, and Naseem Shah bagged ducks. Mohammad Rizwan and Sajid Khan, on the other hand, scored one and six respectively.

Following the match-defining collapse, Pakistan bowled out on 268; handing a massive 123-runs lead to the Kangaroos.

The second session of the third day turned out to be an eventful one as the visitors removed both set batters Abdullah and Azhar, while the home side added 68 runs at 2.7 runs per over.

The top-scorer for the home side – Abdullah walked back to the pavilion in the fourth over of the second session as Nathan Lyon removed the former for 81. He faced 228 balls and smashed 11 boundaries.

Later, Azhar also made his way back a few overs before the Tea break as Australian captain Pat Cummins took a screamer off his bowling to remove Azhar for 78. The right-handed batter 208 deliveries and hit eight boundaries including a six.

In the morning session, the set pair of Abdullah and Azhar resumed at an overnight score of 90/1, extending their important partnership by adding a further 69-runs; making sure that the home side do not lose any wicket. Pakistan added 69 runs at a decent rate of 2.4.

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‘No one wants to miss out on a century’ Cameron Green

LAHORE: Australian all-rounder Cameron Green opened up about missing on a chance to score his maiden Test century, said nobody wants to miss out on the milestone.

Green while talking to the post-day virtual press conference expressed his disappointment in missing out on an opportunity to score his maiden ton.

“Nobody wants to be out close to hundred. Unfortunately, I couldn’t play more,” he said.

“A century has its own significance in Test cricket. I would have always remembered this feat if I ended up getting a ton,” he added.

The right-handed batter also praised Naseem Shah for his brilliant performance with the ball, while termed his dismissal ‘unfortunate’.

“Naseem bowled really well, we were looking for a long partnership, it is unfortunate for me to get out,” he said.

“Naseem made good use of the old ball. Hopefully, we too can get the ball to reverse swing when the ball gets old,” he added.

The Australian all-rounder further shared about his experience of batting on a sub-continent pitch, said he is learning to play according to the pitch condition here.

“I am still learning to play according to the conditions of the subcontinent pitches. We have to stay long at the crease here and the ball gets a low bounce,” he concluded.

READ: ‘Naseem Shah is the future of Pakistan’ Shaheen Shah Afridi

‘If the situation builds up then will definitely go for victory’ Abdullah

KARACHI: Pakistan’s right-handed opener Abdullah Shafique shared that the team will surely go for the victory if the situation builds up on the final day of the ongoing second Test against Australia.

Abdullah, while talking to the presser after the conclusion of the fourth day of the Karachi Test, expressed satisfaction with his performance and claimed that the home side will go for the victory if the situation remained favourable.

“The batting remained satisfactory in the last two sessions. We will try to play according to the situation and to keep the momentum in our favour,” he said.

“The team will surely go for the victory if the situation remained suitable for us,” he added.

Abdullah then heaped praises on his captain Babar Azam, said he is a world-class batter and he always tries to learn from him.

“I think Babar Azam is a world-class batter and I always try to get help from him,” he said.

The right-handed batter then went on to reply to a reporter, who asked about him scoring a second century in a row, said the team performance is always his first priority.

“Team performance is before my personal achievement. Our focus tomorrow will be to do what is best for our team, and, I will try my best to win this game for them,” he replied.

Abdullah then acknowledged Australia’s bowling attack and revealed how he, alongside Babar nullified their attack.

“The Australian bowlers were taking advantage of the rough areas. Their strategy seemed to trap us on the leg side, but Babar Bhai and I decided to play defensively instead to wave off the threat,” he concluded.

It is pertinent to mention here that Pakistan finished at 192/2 at the stumps on the fourth day of the ongoing Test. The home side needs further 314 runs to pull off the victory by chasing a world record.

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Babar-Abdullah partnership keeps Pakistan in the hunt

KARACHI: Pakistan’s captain Babar Azam and the opening batter Abdullah Shafique carried their bat till the stumps of day four of the ongoing second Test to keep Pakistan in the hunt as they need 314 runs to win.

Pakistan enjoyed a delightful last session of the fourth day as the home side added 88 runs without losing any wicket as they finished at 192/2 at the stumps on day four.

Pakistan’s skipper Babar notched up his sixth Test century in the closing minutes and remained unbeaten. He has faced 198 deliveries and smashed a dozen boundaries.

His partner Abdullah, on the other hand, also batted exceptionally well as he remained unbeaten on 71 with the help of four boundaries and a six.

The pair have put on a 171-runs partnership for the third wicket and will now resume the proceedings for Pakistan at 192/2 on the final day.

After a series of frustrating sessions, Pakistan got hold of the second session of day four as they added 86 runs for the loss of just one wicket.

In the first session, resuming at an overnight score of 81/1, Australia’s top-order batters Marnus Labuschagne and the left-handed opener Usman Khawaja managed to add just 16 runs into their overnight partnership.

Pakistan’s left-arm pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi managed to break their partnership in the 24th over as he castled Labuschagne for 44.

With his dismissal, Australian captain Pat Cummins decided to declare the innings at 97/2, Khawaja remained unbeaten with 44.

Set to chase a mammoth 506, Pakistan were off to a poor start as they lost their in-form opening batter Imam-ul-Haq for a combined score of two. Imam made his way back after managing to score just one as Nathan Lyon trapped him in his legs.

Pakistan’s young opening batter Abdullah Shafique and Azhar Ali then anchored the innings and made sure that the home side do not lose any further wickets. The pair batted for 15 overs and add 18 runs to the team’s total.

‘Decision of not enforcing the follow-on was unanimous’ Mitchell Starc

KARACHI: Australia’s left-arm pacer Mitchell Starc has revealed that Australia’s decision of not enforcing the follow-on in the ongoing second Test against Pakistan was unanimous.

Starc, in a media interaction after the conclusion of the third day of the Karachi Test, revealed that it was the touring side’s unanimous decision of not enforcing the follow-on.

“I think we bowled pretty well in the afternoon session. The decision of not enforcing the follow-on was unanimous and everybody was quick to agree on that,” he said.

Starc further claimed the cracks have started to appear on the pitch and the wicket is now helping the ball to reverse swing.

“Cracks have started appearing in the pitch which is supporting the bowling. The bowlers are also getting the reverse swing,” he said.

The left-arm pacer went on to comment on his performance, also lauded the youngsters for their ‘exceptional’ performance on their first tour to Pakistan.

“I am pretty satisfied with my performance. Also, there are a lot of youngsters in our side, who did well on their first tour to Pakistan,” he said.

It is worth mentioning here that the touring side is in control in the ongoing second Test against Pakistan. The Aussies are leading by a mammoth 489 runs as Pakistan could only score 148 in response to Australia’s 556 in the first innings.

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Khawaja, Labuschagne stand firm as Australia extend their lead to 489

KARACHI: Australia’s left-handed opener Usman Khawaja and the top-order batter Marnus Labuschagne stood firm as Australia extended their lead to 489 before the stumps on day three of the second Test, here on Monday.

Before the conclusion of the third day of the Karachi Test, Australia finished at 81/1 as Khawaja and Labuschagne made sure that the touring side do not lose any wicket. Khawaja scored an unbeaten 35, while Labuschagne remained not out with his 37.

David Warner, on the other hand, fell short after scoring just seven.

Australia continued their momentum with the ball in the third session as the touring side bowled out Pakistan for 148 to take a massive lead of 408 runs.

Pakistan’s skipper Babar Azam remained the lone-warrior for the home side; scoring 36, while the rest of the batters could not manage to score much.

Earlier, Australia experienced a resounding session as they put the hosts on the backfoot by taking six wickets. In the eventful second session, Pakistan, on the other hand, could only add 62 runs.

Pakistan’s last-match centurion Imam-ul-Haq fell in the first over after Lunch as the left-handed batter threw his wicket to Nathan Lyon after attempting to slog the ball. He scored 20 off 64 balls and hit three boundaries.

Following his departure, Azhar Ali put on a brief 15-runs partnership with Babar before the former made his way back after edging the ball to the slip. He scored 14 off 37 balls.

Azhar’s dismissal sparked the collapse which reduced Pakistan to 97/7 as Fawad Alam bagged a golden duck, while Mohammad Rizwan, Faheem Ashraf, and Sajid Khan scored cheaply and could not get to the double-figures.

The first session of the third day was also an eventful one as the touring side first declared their innings at 556/9 and then an early wicket of Abdullah slightly tilted the game in the favour of the Aussies.

The right-handed batter scored 13 before a direct hit from Swepson stopped his stay at the crease.

Resuming at an overnight score of 505/8, Australian skipper Pat Cummins’s fiery cameo of 34 runs bolstered the visitors’ score to 556/9 as his partner Mitchell Starc could only face two balls on the ongoing third day and walked back without adding to his overnight score of 28.

Cummins, on the other hand, added a valuable 51 runs with the debutant for the 10th wicket as Swepson also chipped in with his unbeaten 15.

For Pakistan, Faheem and Sajid bagged two wickets each, while Nauman Ali, Babar, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Hasan struck out a batter each.

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