Australia vs Pakistan
Third Test, SCG, 3 January
Australia vs Pakistan. Not even days of rain could save Pakistan or the series. Australia’s last day heroics saw them win by an astonishing innings and 18 runs in Melbourne and take an unassailable 2-0 series lead.
The most pleasing part of Australia’s resurgence is their top five. Warner and Smith are world class and Khawaja has backed up last season’s performance. Renshaw has poise and Handscomb knows his game. Meanwhile, Pakistan has their own star at the top, Azhar Ali, and Asad Shafiq has been solid at six. Experienced duo Younis Khan and Misbah-ul-Haq need runs as their glittering careers approach the end.
It will be difficult for Pakistan to bounce back in Sydney. Their batting is fragile and confidence is low. Anything could happen if Ali falls cheaply. Their bowlers have threatened and bowled without luck at times. Expect more Australian runs, but if quicks Mohammed Amir and Wahab Riaz can cause early damage, it allows Yasir Shah to bowl with freedom, and Sydney is traditionally spinner friendly.
After losing five tests in a row and collapsing in Brisbane and Melbourne, I can’t see anything but joy for Australia. Pakistan’s twenty-two year winless streak is set to continue and then the focus turns to veterans Younis and Misbah.
Stadium Record
Australia has won 3 of their last 6 matches at the SCG, and drew their last two against the West Indies and India. Pakistan has only played one test at the SCG in the last decade. It was in 2010 and they lost by 36 runs when chasing the modest total of 176.
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Australia vs Pakistan - Third Test Markets (New Year's Test)
Australia 1.40
Draw 5
Pakistan 6
Words: Rhys Thurston
