***Official*** Pakistan in Australia 2016/17

[Spikey]

wait did ***** just call spark a ****. leave bambi alone you ****

 

[TheJediBrah]

If you're going for match impact, Starc on the final day was the reason Australia won the test, his 84 came quickly and put them in the position to have a fair crack at the Pakistani's and he bowled like a demon to win the match.
If you're going for best individual performance, undoubtedly it's Azhar Ali.
If you're going for "We're ****ing wanky Ch 9 Commentators and believe that Smith is Baby Jesus" - then apparently you go Smith.

205* from 364 balls

undoubtedly a great innings but a "match-winning" innings? Not in a rain-reduced game, or most games on flat wickets. I'd rather have Warner's run a ball 144 every time.

Not taking anything away from Azhar's innings, just pointing out that strike rate in Test cricket is often an underrated factor, especially when it comes to winning games.

No chance Australia win that game if they scored at under 4 an over

 

[cnerd123]

Can I adopt this approach with you from now on as well?

As long as you keep listening to the podcast

 

[Burgey]

As long as you keep listening to the podcast

Look, I have a confession to make.

I've listened to two. I may have said I've listened to more of them, but I haven't.

I felt guilty for not listening so I lied and said I did. But I will try to find time to from now on

 

[cnerd123]

Look, I have a confession to make.

I've listened to two. I may have said I've listened to more of them, but I haven't.

I felt guilty for not listening so I lied and said I did. But I will try to find time to from now on

This makes me feel nice and warm inside

 

[Noah]

205* from 364 balls

undoubtedly a great innings but a "match-winning" innings? Not in a rain-reduced game, or most games on flat wickets. I'd rather have Warner's run a ball 144 every time.

I think that's his point though. The double century is the most impressive performance but not necessarily a match-winning performance in the context of the game.

The match-winning performance is Starc's bowling and batting.

 

[TT Boy]

Oh yeah forgot about Starc's batting contribution as well on day 5. I remember him smashing a few runs against India on our last tour as well. He averages 25 with 8 50s, pretty handy.

And the thing is if you watch him for the first 10 or so balls, you wouldn’t think that. Bit like Broad in that once both are in they look decent but both are awful starters.

 

[Blocky]

205* from 364 balls

undoubtedly a great innings but a "match-winning" innings? Not in a rain-reduced game, or most games on flat wickets. I'd rather have Warner's run a ball 144 every time.

Not taking anything away from Azhar's innings, just pointing out that strike rate in Test cricket is often an underrated factor, especially when it comes to winning games.

No chance Australia win that game if they scored at under 4 an over

Considering Smith's innings followed 144 from Warner and 97 from Khawaja, and Azhar's innings was the only one of substance, yes.

 

[TNT]

Warner set the match up and Starc delivered the knock out blow, Smith kept the ship sailing in the right direction and used his sails perfectly.

Listening to Warner and Taylor whinge and whine about Smith not bringing Lyon on straight after tea was nauseating to say the least, Smith not only had to get wickets but he also had to keep the runs down, yes it would have been great to let Lyon go and see what happens but if the batsmen got hold of him then runs could have flowed way to easy. Smith did a fantastic job to keep the runs down and get the wickets, just like he didn't lose his cool in Brisbane.

 

[Spikey]

i think y'all forgetting that Smith told them to do that

 

[Bijed]

Just woke up, whilst I expected Pakistan to make it through the day, I can't say I'm hugely surprised at what's happened. Feel for Azhar here, but on the other hand pleased for Lyon. Hope it gets his confidence up nicely for the next test.

 

[NUFAN]

yeah I'm reading about agar batting 6 too which, honestly, just pick Maxwell.

If Agar plays, I think he bats behind Wade, regardless of Wade's current poor batting form.

For the sake of the Indian tour, I wouldn't mind if one of our quicks had a very slight niggle and missed the SCG test. It would be interesting to see Cartwright plus either SOK or Agar in action.

 

[artvandalay]

Bird looks like he would be a perfect English conditions bowler, I remember there being lot of calls for his inclusion few years ago when he was reasonably highly rated.

 

[vic_orthdox]

I had missed the whole Steve Rixon thing before the Test. Decent swipe back by Lehmann here...

https://twitter.com/AlisonMitchell/status/814759114697867264

 

[Bijed]

Bird looks like he would be a perfect English conditions bowler, I remember there being lot of calls for his inclusion few years ago when he was reasonably highly rated.

From memory in the 2013 ashes he didn't really take wickets but bowled decently and wasn't smashed everywhere

 

[Daemon]

Just woke up, whilst I expected Pakistan to make it through the day, I can't say I'm hugely surprised at what's happened. Feel for Azhar here, but on the other hand pleased for Lyon. Hope it gets his confidence up nicely for the next test.

Lyon went for 115 at 5 runs per over in the first dig ffs. I'd be amazed if he's getting any confidence from his gifts in the 4th innings.

 

[NUFAN]

Lyon went for 115 at 5 runs per over in the first dig ffs. I'd be amazed if he's getting any confidence from his gifts in the 4th innings.

I would too since there was no 4th innings.

#burns.joe

 

[flibbertyjibber]

Well done Aussies, some effort to win that.

 

[Bijed]

Lyon went for 115 at 5 runs per over in the first dig ffs. I'd be amazed if he's getting any confidence from his gifts in the 4th innings.

That's as may be, but I don't think it's unreasonable so say that picking up 3 cheap wickets in a memorable win might boost his confidence. You're right though that his bad 1st innings will probably stick in his/Smith's/the selector's heads.

 

[OverratedSanity]

Have to say I'm surprised how well Azhar has batted. I backed Shafiq to deliver overseas, which he has, but wasn't as confident in Ali. Amazing performance from him.