In the annals of cricket history, the offspinner maestro Nathan Lyon etched his name by claiming the coveted 500th Test wicket in the Australia v Pakistan Perth test. The backdrop was the formidable clash between Australia’s relentless bowling attack and a hapless Pakistan on the challenging Optus Stadium surface, culminating in a decisive victory within four days.
In the waning moments of the final session, with Australia on the brink of triumph, Lyon scripted his ascent to the echelons of cricketing greatness. Upon review, his dismissal of Faheem Ashraf adjudged lbw triggered jubilant celebrations among the Australian players and the modest assembly of 9000 fans. Lyon now stands as the eighth bowler to achieve this remarkable milestone, joining the esteemed company of Shane Warne and Glenn McGrath.
The cricketing narrative continued with Lyon’s immaculate delivery that clean-bowled Aamer Jamal in the same over. This marked Lyon’s triumphant return, securing five wickets in the match following a hiatus due to a calf injury that prematurely curtailed his Ashes series campaign. The Pakistani side, confronting a challenging target of 450 runs after Australia’s strategic declaration. Pakistan Team succumbed to the brilliance of quicks Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Pat Cummins.
Succumbing Performance From The Pakistan Team
The writing on the cricketing wall had foretold a daunting task for Pakistan. So, this is the 15th consecutive Test defeat on Australian soil. As expected, the script unfolded rapidly, with Pakistan reeling at 17 for 3 within the first seven overs. Opener Abdullah Shafique’s dismissal, caught behind a menacing Starc delivery, set the tone. Starc’s 200th Test wicket at home showcased a remarkable improvement in consistency compared to Pakistan’s first innings.
Captain Shan Masood, making his debut as captain in Australia v Pakistan. Shan Masood faced a stern test, succumbing for a mere 2 runs as he was caught behind off Hazlewood. Despite Masood’s promising 30 in Pakistan’s first innings. Pakistan team struggled to embody the proactive brand of cricket promised before the series.
The weight of Pakistan’s hopes now rested on the talismanic Babar Azam. Babar Azam bravely resisted Australia’s relentless attack for nearly ten overs. Engaging in a riveting battle with Cummins, Babar’s resilience eventually succumbed to a cracking delivery, leading to his dismissal for 14. Babar Azam contributed 21 in Pakistan’s first innings.
The remaining intrigue centered on whether Pakistan could extend the match into a fifth day. Lyon’s quest for his milestone. However, their hopes dimmed as Sarfaraz Ahmed fell in the slips to Starc. The same over followed by a disastrous run-out of Salman Ali Afgha after a mix-up with Saud Shakeel. The echoes of past struggles haunted Pakistan, outclassed throughout the Test.
Surprise Selection Calls
Despite entering the match with optimism and making bold selection calls in the Australia v Pakistan Perth test. Pakistan found solace in the impressive debut performances of seamers Khurram Shahzad and Aamer Jamal. So, the debutants accounted for 12 of Pakistan’s 15 wickets in the match. Their hostile bowling late on day four and early on day five unsettled several Australian batters.
Spearhead Shaheen Shah Afridi, was elevated as vice-captain in the Australia v Pakistan test series. Shaheen Shah Afridi endured a challenging match, finishing with match figures of 2 for 172 from 45.2 overs. Pakistan’s bowling unit, lacking vigor in the early stages, found no answers for opener David Warner. David Warner dominated the first day with a belligerent century after Cummins won the toss and elected to bat.
Summary
Allrounder Mitchell Marsh added to the Australian triumph with two half-centuries and the crucial wicket of Babar in Pakistan’s first innings. Opener Usman Khawaja’s gritty 90 in Australia’s second innings showcased resilience. They overcame torrid bowling late on day three and early on day four. Khawaja’s performance was a testament to his fortitude. But, especially under the scrutiny arising from the prohibition of expressing humanitarian views through his footwear.
