What an enthralling test match.
Australia were ultimately successful (see the attached link for the full scoreboard http://www.cricinfo.com/ausvpak09/engine/match/406199.html), however, a number of talking points arose and will undoubtedly be examined between now and the 2nd Test (commencing in Sydney on 3 January 2010).
Firstly, does Australia need a communications coach? Australia seems to have a coach for numerous other areas (see fielding and bowling) but apparently the art of conversation between the wickets has been left behind like a overweight sprint cyclist heading up the mountains in the Tour De France. If this is not addressed, will someone at least speak to Katich and Watson and tell them that communication is vital between the wickets. At the very least, it is something that is ingrained in young cricketers psyche at the U10 level but somehow these two openers slipped through the system. This was illustrated, to their own detriment when, in the first innings, both batsmen were on the verge of their centuries, and they ended up at the same end after Katich had played a shot to gully. Eventually (after the 3rd umpire had reviewed who had placed their foot down over the crease first), Watson was given his marching orders and his disappointment was there for all 60,000 Melbournians to see as he trudged off the ground head hanging down and feet dragged.
Importantly, a telling and damning statistic is that Katich has been involved in 9 test run-outs with his partner being run out on 8 occasions. Similarly, on the 4th day’s play of this test, Watson left his partner Johnson high and dry (thankfully after Johnson had become just the 5th player in test history to take 50 wickets and score more than 500 runs in a calendar year) and as such he cannot be excused from communication classes.
Secondly, Australia’s batsmen failing to reach three figures has been as amusing as watching the number of women come forward and say they are Tiger Woods’ ‘true love’. Prior to Watson reaching 100 (although he tried his best to again stay in double figures – more on that shortly), there were 17 scores of 50 or more but none resulting in triple figures. In keeping with the theme of hiring more coaches for different aspects of the team, does the team need to hire a full time sports psychologist? And if they already have one, surely he or she needs to have his or her performance reviewed after this run of scores above 50 without any significant scores following.
Thirdly, Pakistan’s fielding was at times laughable and at other times hilarious. On numerous occasions, Pakistan appeared to have 11 players on the ground who were either blind, had one arm tied behind their back or treated the ball like a bar of soap in a jail and none of the players wanted to bend over to pick it up. The most notable incident was when Watson was on 99 and spooned a dolly of a catch to gully where Abdur Rauf was clearly unaware of Watson's previous form in the 90's and proceeded to drop the ball like it was a pair of used underpants. Pakistan will most definitely need to spend some time on the training park sharpening up their fielding as the long held motto of 'catches win matches' may well have proved true had Pakistan held the numerous chances which came their way.
Fourthly, spare a thought for Australia’s state spinners. When there were whispers of Hauritz not being fit to take the field, Steve Smith’s name was thrust forward as being his likely replacement. Pakistan’s captain Mohammed Yousef poignantly said what most Australian’s were thinking when he said ‘Steve who?’ in an interview prior to the test match. It is strange that Australia’s selectors have elected to push Smith’s case at the expense of numerous other spinners with test experience, albeit short and not always fruitful (Krezja – 2 Tests for 13 wickets, McGain - 1 Tests for 0 wickets, Casson - 1 Tests for 3 wickets, White 4 Tests for 5 wickets). Whilst Hauritz performed well in the 2nd Pakistani innings, should he not perform well or be injured in the immediate future, the selectors should at least consider some of the tried and discarded players before rushing to blood a young and unproven spinner such as Smith
Finally, Pakistan lasted almost 5 days and pushed Australia at certain points of the match and proved that they will not be a push over this summer (subject to their fielding improving). In particular, if they are able to recall Danish Kaneria for the 2nd and 3rd Tests they will have a quality spin bowler to counter balance their impressive pace attack. The 2nd Test Match should be an interesting one, especially on a traditionally spinner friendly pitch so stay tuned to see what happens as I will be at each day of the test with camera in hand.
