PAK vs AUS: They Didn't Think About Australia, The Bottom Line Was 'We Shouldn't Lose': Shahid Afridi On Dead Pitch In Rawalpindi Test
Published - 09 Mar 2022, 11:52 AM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 01:05 AM
Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi lashed out at Pakistan Cricket Board for the flat wicket in the first Test at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
The Australian team’s visit to Pakistan after nearly 24 years created hype around the globe but that didn’t stay up to its expectations as the first Test ended in a draw, a game that was dominated by the batters from both ends.
PAK vs AUS: Run-fest in Rawalpindi Test
A total of 1187 runs were scored for just 14 wickets across three innings in the first Test. Riding on Imam-ul-Haq (157) and Azhar Ali’s (185) scintillating hundreds, Pakistan declared the first innings at 476/4.
In response to the hosts firing, Australia were on the runs with the fighting fifties from the likes of Usman Khawaja (97), David Warner (68), Marnus Labuschagne (90) and Steve Smith (78) the visitors posted 459, albeit, 17 runs short of the first innings.
You have to take advantage of your home series: Shahid Afridi
Pakistan openers Imam and Abdullah Shafique scored centuries to ensure they didn’t lose a single wicket on the final day as they took a lead of 269 runs to force a draw. Afridi, who played 27 Test matches in his international career, expected good pitches in the remaining two Tests in Lahore and Karachi.
“They didn’t think about Australia, the bottom line was ‘we shouldn’t lose. But in the next two Tests in Lahore and Karachi, they have to make good pitches. You have to take advantage of your home series, or else when you go to Australia, you’re going to struggle,” Afridi said on Samaa TV.
“Our bowling strength is so good. Our fast bowlers can bowl out this Australian side. And it isn’t as if our batters cannot play the Aussie bowlers. Cricket has grown over the past many years, it is time we grow as well. If you want people to count you among the likes of South Africa, England, Australia, New Zealand, you need to stay positive,” he added.
The second Test between Pakistan and Australia will be played at the National Stadium in Karachi, the match begins on March 12.
Also Read: PAK vs AUS: Biggest Threat To Test Cricket Are Dead Pitches – Wasim Jaffer On Rawalpindi Track
