Australia v Pakistan, 1st ODI: 5 Talking Points

Pakistan capitulated to a massive loss against Australia in the first of five ODIs at the Gabba in Brisbane. While the massive loss comes as somewhat of a shock in recent times courtesy of the fact that the Pakistanis were on the front foot, for the most part, Mickey Arthur will certainly be disappointed, to say the least. The 92-run win also sees Matthew Wade rise up the ashes courtesy of his century on the day that dug the Australians out of their hole and ensured that the win would eventually come at that point.

As far as the Pakistan performance went, it was quite clear that only the bowling department showed up as the visitor’s batting order simply could not build the partnerships required as they were blasted out for a paltry 176. James Faulkner was one of the most impressive bowlers on the day as he impressed with some terrific bowling and wickets to his name. Azhar Ali’s injury and his team’s performances are something that he will be hoping to set things right before the second ODI.

1. Pakistan bowlers rip through top order

Something that has been a feature of Pakistan cricket in recent times is the performance of the Pakistan bowlers. These bowlers ripped through the top order as half the side was well and truly back in the haven of the dressing room as far as the Aussies were concerned. David Warner and Steve Smith, the powerhouse of the Australian batting unit also had no answers to the pace and seam movement of Mohammad Amir. It was a piece of brilliant captaincy from Azhar Ali to ensure that Imad Wasim was introduced in the initial stages of the match. Wasim also ensured that he helped himself to a few wickets as even Mohammad Hafeez, whose bowling action is now legal got his say in the proceedings. The hosts were 5/78 at one point in time.

2. Glenn Maxwell and Travis Head pull things back

Glenn Maxwell and Travis Head are two of the newer batsmen in the Australia lineup at the moment. The duo was also tasked with the rescue act for the Australians on the day. While Travis Head had gotten his big opportunity on the day with being Warner’s opening partner, Head managed to keep his wicket right through the onslaught. While Head was batting with his head well on his shoulders, it was Glenn Maxwell’s batting that took the cake as he began to be the aggressor of the partnership. The duo added 82 in something that saved the hosts from a collapse.

3. Matthew Wade ton takes Aussies to par score

Matthew Wade’s abilities with the bat are highly underrated. So underrated that the selection committee was ready to go ahead with Phil Nevill on the side. However, the southpaw once again proved to Trevor Hohns that he was the right man for the job as he went ahead and helped himself to an impressive century. His century was simply a collection of runs accumulated in slightly more than two hours of play. He also completed his century on the final delivery of the innings, something that got him the man of the match award.

4. Faulkner, Starc, and co. make Pakistan grovel

The Pakistan innings got off to a pretty decent start when Sharjeel Khan and Azhar Ali got the Pakistanis off to a decent start. However, an injury to Azhar Ali ensured that there was a loss in concentration, thereby allowing the uncanny James Faulkner to pick the wicket. Faulkner would conclude with four wickets including three of the top five batsmen while Mitchell Starc was hurling in the thunderbolts as the visitors were simply not able to stitch the partnerships they so desperately required.

5. Azhar Ali’s hamstring and team let him down

In the initial stages, the captaincy and the strategy employed by Azhar Ali were world class. His field placements on the day were quite impressive as well given the manner in which he was able to marshal his field. However, he suffered a sore hamstring whilst batting, meaning that he had to make his way away from the field of play, perhaps taking a bit of momentum away from the batsmen. He made his way back to the grand scheme of things to no avail.