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*Official* Pakistan vs Australia in the UAE 2018
- Thread starter NotMcKenzie
- Start date
the big bambino
International Captain
Been waiting for a long time for Aus to fight out a draw against the odds. Such a contrary achievement to the culture of intent since the days of Steve Waugh, 4 rpo and crush them in 3 days. Alright if you had the cattle but you need different plans when you no longer have the talent. At last a draw is worth fighting and not considered a contemptible thing. Achieved in these circumstances it may well give the side confidence too. This draw was also made in the most unlikely circumstances by a side poorly selected, men batting out of position, missing 3 batsmen and 2 pace bowlers and containing not one but two Marshes. Achieved by a bloke who has had a poor record away from home and against spin, another who is thought a white ball specialist and the "who me" captain who was almost finished as a cricketer about 12 months ago.
Usman really has prepared himself for the opportunity. Without Smith and Warner he became the senior batsman, got fit both physically and for the conditions. A little reminiscent of Hayden's career turn around. Very happy for Paine, also for Finch and hopeful for Head - but aren't we all?
Don't think Langer should be feeling justified but rather reprieved. He can't honestly think playing the Marshes where they were was a success or should be persisted with. He'll have trouble changing them though as it would be an admission of his fault in the first place. The omission of Renshaw and the selection of Marnus were other mistakes he wont be held accountable due to the result as well. However if he was anyway responsible for the courage shown in the last innings then I'd admire him for that. Given the showing here Australia can now start looking to some batting options in future. Now a line of Warner, Renshaw, Usman, Smith, Finch, M Marsh with Bancroft, Maxwell, Burns, Head and S Marsh pressing for a spot gives me a little more optimism for our batting.
Usman really has prepared himself for the opportunity. Without Smith and Warner he became the senior batsman, got fit both physically and for the conditions. A little reminiscent of Hayden's career turn around. Very happy for Paine, also for Finch and hopeful for Head - but aren't we all?
Don't think Langer should be feeling justified but rather reprieved. He can't honestly think playing the Marshes where they were was a success or should be persisted with. He'll have trouble changing them though as it would be an admission of his fault in the first place. The omission of Renshaw and the selection of Marnus were other mistakes he wont be held accountable due to the result as well. However if he was anyway responsible for the courage shown in the last innings then I'd admire him for that. Given the showing here Australia can now start looking to some batting options in future. Now a line of Warner, Renshaw, Usman, Smith, Finch, M Marsh with Bancroft, Maxwell, Burns, Head and S Marsh pressing for a spot gives me a little more optimism for our batting.
TheJediBrah
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Not to mention that I think the toss was a definite advantage this game for Pakistan. Their position in the game was built off the day 1 pitch which was very flat, but did a bit more for the bowlers when Aus batted. Good stuff from the Aussies.
Starfighter
Cricket Web: All-Time Legend
I was watching the highlights and I thought this was worth leaving here:
NUFAN
Y no Afghanistan flag
I automatically assumed Americas Cup and Bob Hawke famous message to all bosses that they are bums if they sack anyone who doesnt turn up to work.
Victor Ian
International Coach
From FMD to WTF! This is the draw I've been waiting years for and I missed it. Amazing how uplifting for hope a draw can be. Let's hope the sports psychologists take note.
TheJediBrah
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It's weird, in the nearly 2 decades I've been following cricket this is the first (or one of the only) times where Aus have been on this side of the played-out-draw. We've almost always been the ones on the other side being denied victory. It's nice.
stephen
Cricket Web: All-Time Legend
2005 Ashes, test #3.
morgieb
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Even then if it wasn't for rain Ponting's vigil wouldn't have mattered.
No such factor here.
But yeah apart from Ranchi I really can't think of any other Tests that ended in draws that we were well behind/destined to lose this decade. The third Test against Sri Lanka in the 2011 tour there was probably the closest....and that was a fairly comfortable draw in the end.
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Nah fully on board with that comment. If Australia were fighting out of some ~deeply unfair~ situation sure, but the hole was well and truly of their own making.
Take positives from it, learn from it, use it to continue improving -- but don't celebrate it.
Spark
Global Moderator
the big bambino
International Captain
I don't think the circumstance of whether the fight back came from a deeply unfair situation is relevant. Neither was the situation one of Australia's own making entirely as that robs Pakistan of the credit they deserve for persisting and then causing our first innings collapse. A characteristic of Test cricket is that it offers a second chance and whether the individuals and team have the character to take it. To everyone's grateful surprise they did. Tim Paine, such an important contributor, displayed that character even after the game when he said the side greeted the draw with a sense of quiet achievement. They realised they hadn't won anything yet but acknowledged an important part of the side's development was to be hard to beat and they at least met that standard here. There was pride rather than celebration and I think the team understood the difference and reacted accordingly.