*Official* Pakistan in Australia

[Zinzan]

But really this game killed the interest in the series for me.

Bingo....the key point I was making as a neutral

 

[DaRick]

It's good for them long term when they're mostly an inexperienced team, and thei inexperienced blokes are learning how to win tight games, especially after the disappointment of England, SA and India over the past year or so.
I think there's a tendency to forget just how inexperienced much of Australia's side is - Johnson's the most experienced bowler and he's played what, 30 odd tests? Watson at the top hasn't played much, neither have North or Haddin, likewise Hauritz.

I think he means that the selectors may be tempted to leave high-achievers like Marcus North in the side, which would be less than ideal in the longer term.

 

[Cruxdude]

What exactly did Taylor do?

 

[GotSpin]

What a match. Been to the ground and watched on TV almost the entire 4 days. Thrilling contest and I'm obviously glad Australia have won but what a match!

And for the people that said it's bad for test cricket...clearly didn't watch much of it.

 

[social]

I think he means that the selectors may be tempted to leave high-achievers like Marcus North in the side, which would be less than ideal in the longer term.

"High" or "under" achievers?

 

[Ilovecric]

It should be poor test cricket from Pakistan. But really this game killed the interest in the series for me.

True, very true.

Ponting started the game with great arrogance and should have paid the price and at the rate ENG is going I wouldn't be surprise if they beat AUS in AUS.

AUS need new and better players, a new captain who is setting a better example for his players because in truth if AUS had lost this game it would have been all ponting's fault.

 

[Xuhaib]

From cricket watching pov this is my worst day Ireland in 07 or Banglore 96 is not even close to this.

 

[Oscillatingmind]

Haurtiz leading the wickets so far this series ha.

Ah watto golden summer

11 wickets @ 25
579 runs @ 74

 

[pasag]

What exactly did Taylor do?

Nothing horrific or malicious, was just a pretty cringeworthy interview with Yousuf.

 

[DaRick]

"High" or "under" achievers?

Should've used the symbol, TBH.

Obviously that was sarcasm.

 

[Dissector]

AUS escapes defeat for the third time in 4 matches, this kind of performance is expected from a top team with top players (good records) and I don't think it's good for AUS in the long run even though it saved them some embarrassment today.

Yes Australia is a decent team on paper and still probably has the best first-class setup. It's good that they find a way to beat weaker teams in the end but they shouldn't be putting themselves in that position in the first place. If you struggle to beat the weakest teams in test cricket at home, it's not a surprise that you will lose to average teams like England.

 

[Sir Alex]

This has to be Australia's Headingley 1981. It's quite comparable.

Not even comparable considering the qualitative ocean between Australia of 1981 and Pakistan of 2009.

 

[age_master]

Yeah that win and Hughes lack of runs have probably granted North another test to find form. Siddle's lack of bowling in the second innings was interesting, his runs and Hilfy's lack of fitness reduce the pressure on him.

 

[Zinzan]

From cricket watching pov this is my worst day Ireland in 07 or Banglore 96 is not even close to this.

Thought about you earlier Xu. Must be devastating, although I imagine it's starting to seem inevitable to you after those couple of tests against SL last year, the NZ test in Dunedin & now this...ouch !

 

[Sir Alex]

Oh I agree, **** play by Australia for the most part. But I live for the excitement of these moments. If Australia had played well for the most part, then it would have been another token beating and something that doesn't truly excite. The ineptness of both teams has created one of the more extraordinary final days of cricket of all time, and I don't mind that.

Completely agree with this. Even though as a Pakistan supporter, I am happy to have witnessed such a dramatic match.

 

[Noble One]

True, very true.

Ponting started the game with great arrogance and should have paid the price and at the rate ENG is going I wouldn't be surprise if they beat AUS in AUS.

AUS need new and better players, a new captain who is setting a better example for his players because in truth if AUS had lost this game it would have been all ponting's fault.

Pretty average post. Ponting was little fault for the way Australia batted from the start. Conditions played a factor in what, two or three wickets? I'm sure Ponting did not instruct the Australian batsman to go out and bat with a carefree attitude, and not take pride in there wicket.

 

[Ilovecric]

Yes Australia is a decent team on paper and still probably has the best first-class setup. It's good that they find a way to beat weaker teams in the end but they shouldn't be putting themselves in that position in the first place. If you struggle to beat the weakest teams in test cricket at home, it's not a surprise that you will lose to average teams like England.

Exactly - they surely deserve to win the series. Any team with one or two good players will defeat AUS at the moment.

 

[Ikki]

Yes Australia is a decent team on paper and still probably has the best first-class setup. It's good that they find a way to beat weaker teams in the end but they shouldn't be putting themselves in that position in the first place. If you struggle to beat the weakest teams in test cricket at home, it's not a surprise that you will lose to average teams like England.

We played far better against England than we did at many times versus Pakistan here. The last Ashes really was hard to judge...we really lost it in moments and over the whole series were quite better than them.

I am glad we won, and specifically because of the way we won. We have a lot of inexperienced, but talented, players. And that's where the inconsistency comes from. This kind of victory instills belief and matures players. I think it was Ponting who said it last week re Watson's tonne but also applies here; it's only when you get over the line and do it that you gain the confidence to repeat the feat.

 

[Xuhaib]

Thought about you earlier Xu. Must be devastating, although I imagine it's starting to seem inevitable to you after those couple of tests against SL last year, the NZ test in Dunedin & now this...ouch !

haha...once lead went 125+ did not even bother watching as I said yesterday this game is giving those dreaded vibes the eff up could be seen from miles off.

 

[Ilovecric]

Pretty average post. Ponting was little fault for the way Australia batted from the start. Conditions played a factor in what, two or three wickets? I'm sure Ponting did not instruct the Australian batsman to go out and bat with a carefree attitude, and not take pride in there wicket.

Ponting is the only captain in the world who would deny his bowlers a go on a good bowling pitch - which isn't common these days.

What he did was backwards and there is no denying that.