Starc, Cummins Lead Australia to Restrict Pakistan
Australia's bowling attack, led by Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins, put on a dominant display to restrict Pakistan to a modest total of 149 in the first innings of the first Test match at the Gabba in Brisbane.
The hosts, who were looking to start their summer on a strong note, were rewarded for their aggressive bowling approach, with Starc and Cummins picking up three wickets each. The left-arm fast bowler, Starc, was particularly impressive, taking 3-32 in his 12 overs.
Here’s how the Australian duo spearheaded the team's strong performance:
Mitchell Starc - The Swing King
Starc's fiery pace and consistent swing troubled the Pakistani batsmen throughout the day. He was able to extract significant movement off the pitch, making life difficult for the batters, especially those playing on the front foot. He bowled with great accuracy and discipline, making sure the Pakistanis were always under pressure.
His wickets included the key dismissals of Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam, and Saud Shakeel, all three falling to his lethal in-swingers.
Pat Cummins - The Captain Leads By Example
The Australian skipper, Pat Cummins, delivered a captain's knock with both bat and ball. He picked up 3-34, making sure the Pakistani tailenders didn't get away with a big score.
Cummins showcased his all-round brilliance by dismissing Azhar Ali, Mohammad Rizwan, and Faheem Ashraf.
A Bowling Masterclass
The rest of the Australian bowlers, particularly Nathan Lyon and Josh Hazlewood, also contributed significantly. Lyon took 2-36, including the crucial wicket of Fawad Alam, while Hazlewood claimed 1-24.
The Australian bowlers worked in tandem, setting aggressive fields, and constantly applying pressure on the Pakistani batters.
Pakistan's Struggle
Pakistan, on the other hand, failed to cope with the Australian pace and bounce. They lost wickets regularly and struggled to find any rhythm. The only notable resistance came from Abdullah Shafique who scored a solid 56 runs.
The visitors, who were expecting a tough challenge, found themselves in a difficult position at the end of the day. They will need to bat with greater resilience and composure to get back into the match.
What's Next?
Australia, who are now in a commanding position, will be looking to capitalize on their lead in the second innings. The Pakistani batsmen will need to dig deep and produce a much better batting performance to avoid a substantial first-innings deficit.
The first Test, already showcasing a thrilling contest, promises to be an intense battle between two cricketing giants.