*Official* Pakistan vs Australia in the UAE 2018

[stephen]

I'd have taken that after they were 0/200. Nice to see Finch actually hit the stumps, seems to be rare with our fielding these days.

It's mostly Warner. He is always playing in run out fielding positions, gets himself in good position to affect the run out and then misses. If he hit even one in five we'd be talking about how he was a genius run out fielder.

 

[GotSpin]

Anyone think Khawaja looked almost competent agains spin last night?

Can’t see finch lasting long though

 

[morgieb]

Anyone think Khawaja looked almost competent agains spin last night?

Can’t see finch lasting long though

I think there are times where Khawaja can look competent against spin, but he just sucks starting against it. He also deals with leggies a little bit better than offies I feel.

 

[social]

Pleasantly surprised at us not losing a wicket #babysteps

 

[nightprowler10]

Really such a good day for Oz. Personally I thought Pakistan should've crossed 550 on this pitch.

 

[Burgey]

Yeah, at 0-200 you'd want 550 first up. Was great grind by our blokes to stay disciplined.

 

[quincywagstaff]

Apart from the hour to lunch yesterday, Australia did pretty decently in the field. Really missed Cummins who just has that ability to create something when nothing’s happening on a placid pitch. Think Hazlewood would’ve struggled on a pitch like this.

I think there are times where Khawaja can look competent against spin, but he just sucks starting against it. He also deals with leggies a little bit better than offies I feel.

Yeah, 90% of Khawaja’s spin woes have been against off-spin (starting from his debut knock). Handled Yasir Shah pretty comfortably in the 2016/17 series and looked comfortable against him last night.

 

[Spark]

It's mostly Warner. He is always playing in run out fielding positions, gets himself in good position to affect the run out and then misses. If he hit even one in five we'd be talking about how he was a genius run out fielder.

This was the most infuriating thing, and really ought to have improved over time much more than it did. One of the most inaccurate throwers I've seen at his level of ability.

Ponting wasn't exactly lightning fast across the pitch in the same way as Warner, but he hit the ****ing things all the time.

 

[Gnske]

I think Usman has the potential to play spin of any sort even in subcontinental conditions just fine, even with his footwork. Bloke has been given so very narrow goalposts in spinning conditions in the past though.

Every time he's played in spin conditions he's had a guillotine over his spot. No expert, but I suspect that doesn't help a man.

 

[TheJediBrah]

Still can't believe that Arun Finch is opening the batting for Australia in Test cricket. It's all happened so fast. Wouldn't have picked that a year ago.

 

[Burgey]

As I have exclusively predicted, Arun will top score for Australia this series.

 

[Gnske]

Still can't believe that Arun Finch is opening the batting for Australia in Test cricket. It's all happened so fast. Wouldn't have picked that a year ago.

I would have thought prior to Smith and Warner ****ing up that he'd eventually get a gig at 5 like PEWS was saying, more as one of those #intent selections that get made every year.

 

[Burgey]

Wish these blokes would get on with it, while watching the ball really closely, obvs.

 

[Gnske]

This is all set up for a classic strong opening partnership and a 80/9 collapse.

 

[Burgey]

#intent

 

[Burgey]

Ussie looking solid - edging a full toss from the leggie to third man.

 

[Burgey]

And this is pretty average stuff from Wahab here.

 

[Burgey]

Arun! Best dayboo by a Victorian since Quiney’s nine.

 

[Gnske]

A moment so good I don't want to believe it.

Aaron Finch, the man test cricket needed.

 

[jimmy101]

Finchy!