AUS vs PAK: "Shaheen Afridi's Pace Doesn't Matter.."- David Warner

Australian Opener David Warner who is taking part in the final Test series of his illustrious career which began more than a decade ago appreciated Pakistan’s Left-arm fast bowler Shaheen Afridi for his accurate line and length on Day 1 of the Boxing Day 2nd test at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Pakistan Skipper Shan Masood after winning the toss elected to bowl first in a dynamic MCG pitch which offers help to both bowlers as well as Batters. To some extent, Masood’s decision to send Australia to bat first was supported by his bowlers who took full advantage of the overcast conditions.

After getting to a decent start thanks to David Warner and Usman Khawaja, Pakistan fought back with the wicket of Warner for 38 as Salman Ali Agha earned the first breakthrough to break the opening partnership of 90 runs in the 27th over.

6-overs later, Salman Ali Agha sent Usman Khawaja back to the dressing for 42 as the leftie handed an easy catch to Hasan Ali. Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne handled things in the middle before Smith fell prey to Amer Jamal for just 26 runs.

From Australia’s standards, it was a slow-paced innings. The Aussies finished Day 1 on 187/3 with Labuschagne and Travis Head on the crease for 44 and 9 respectively. One of the main reasons why Australia could not stretch their arms that well was because of the persistent hard work from Shaheen Afridi who bowled 20 overs on Day 1.

He bowled 5 maidens with an economy rate of 3.15, which is a massive improvement given his below-par performance in the 1st Test at Perth’s Optus Stadium. Afridi will be hoping to grab a wicket on Day 2 if he can maintain his accuracy and concentration.

Pakistan had lost the 1st Test in a very embarrassing manner as they were all out for just 89 in the 4th innings while trying to chase a total of 450. Therefore, they are in a do-or-die situation if they are to produce a turnaround and win their first-ever Test series at the Land Down Under.

Warner Says Shaheen Afridi Had Everything On His Side Except Luck On Day 1

David Warner who scored an emphatic century in the 1st Test which laid the foundation for the Baggy Green’s win, said that Shaheen Afridi was excellent with his bowling on Day 1 but lacked luck as he was not able to get a wicket despite working very hard to bowl 20 overs.

The Australian opener also said that in Australian conditions, if a bowler isn’t able to generate pace then he must look to hit the right areas, something Shaheen Afridi did well today.

“I don’t think it really matters about your pace if you’re putting the ball in the right areas. Pakistan bowled extremely well today. I was taken aback by how many overs Shaheen has bowled already. It was a long day for him. If you’re not bowling quick in Australia, you have to hit the right line & length to create something. These guys (Pakistan’s pacers) have been outstanding. Shaheen bowled well today with not a lot of luck.” – David Warner said.

Day 2 at the MCG will start from 5:30 AM tomorrow.