As expected Pakistan’s test performance in Australia 2019 was not up to the mark and as result Pakistan lost another series against Australia in Australia which has done no good to Pakistan test record in Australia.
After recently concluded test series Pakistan extended its losing streak in Australia up to 14 and in the process created an unimpressive record of losing most consecutive test matches in one country.
Since the announcement of squad by Misbah-ul-Haq (3 in 1 solution hired by PCB) it was on the cards that Pakistan Pakistan’s chances of doing any upset against Australia were bleak but Misbah’s team loss the series in a way that it created an embarrassing situation to Pakistani nation. a
Pakistan had never won a series on Australian soil previously but none of the series loss was such one sided and toothless as we have this time around down under. Even Australian commentators and spectators said it several times that this is not the performance they have expected from a touring side in Australia.
Many have already discussed reasons for Pakistan devastating loss in Australian tour in 2019. Below is my analysis:
Batting Misfiring Once Again
Many of the Pakistan batsmen got starts but failed to build on it and getting something substantial and neither of them except Babar Azam carried their form in both test matches.
One of the major reasons for Pakistan batting debacle is lack of scoring shots played by opening batsmen. Top three batsmen either leaving the balls or defending. After getting through the new ball their lack of intent for run scoring created pressure on themselves and providing opportunity to experience Australian bowlers to control the match.
Experienced batsmen like Asad Shafiq and Azhar Ali on whom Pakistan is depending heavily since retirement of Misbah and Younis failed to meet the expectation once again. Azhar haven’t passed 50 run mark in his last 11 test innings whereas Asad Shafiq got out in single figures scores (including three ducks) in his last 11 test innings. Both of them need to assess their game on urgent basis to help Pakistan out.
In-Experience Bowling
Picking out two pace bowlers from U-19 setup whose experience in first class cricket is mere 14 matches combined. You may take talented youngsters for grooming but cannot risk a series which is also part of ICC World Test Championship by giving on job training to rookie pacers.
Yasir and Abbas two of the main weapons looked off color and it seems that they didn’t receive the guidance from team management they need to succeed in Australian conditions.
In Experience Captain Coach Duo
Captaincy and coaching both showed greater sights of inexperience in their trade by many decisions taking on and off the field. Team selections & field placements didn’t help Pakistan’s cause much during this ill fated tour.
Pakistan’s start to ICC test championship is like same we have in ICC world cup 2019 that haunt us throughout the tournament and eventually kicked us out of the tournament.
