Australia dismantled Pakistan on a challenging Perth pitch earlier this week, securing a resounding 360-run victory in the first Test in the space of four days. Pakistan’s performance was largely uninspiring, conceding just 89 runs, all in 30.2 overs during the final session on day four, marking their 15th consecutive Test defeat in Australia. The home team had set a massive target of 450 runs for Pakistan captained by Shan Masood.
Facing the relentless pace of Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and skipper Pat Cummins on a pitch with variable bounce and causing several batsmen to take body blows, Pakistan’s top order collapsed. Hazlewood and Starc took six wickets collectively, while Cummins deftly set up former Pakistan captain Babar Azam (14) and found the edge of his bat. The visitors had no answer to Australia’s lively fast bowling.
After their crushing defeat, Pakistan faced a lot of criticism and former captain Waqar Younis did not mince his words when talking about the Shan Masood-led team. Younis stated that it was “painful” to watch the Pakistan team play during the opening Test in Perth.
“Not great, to be honest. The first Test was painful to watch. We had moments when we could have pulled one back in the game, but we didn’t take those chances. When Pakistan go to Australia, they have to make sure their fielding is good,” Yunus On said. “If you give the Australian batsmen a chance, they will grab it with both hands.” ESPNCricinfo.
“The only thing that interests us when we come to Australia is fast bowling. I don’t see that. We see average pacers, all round. There’s no real pace. People used to come and see Pakistan bowlers speeding up to 150 kilometers per hour, but “That’s not what we’re seeing now. There are a few infected people, yes, but we used to have a high-speed battery.” He further said, “I’m worried about that.”
Naseem Shah remains absent from Pakistan’s attack due to a shoulder injury, while Haris Rauf has also withdrawn from the team due to workload management.