March 5th 2022
Pakistan v Australia
1st Test
Lahore
Australia have arrived for the first time since 1998 and been greeted with what can only be described as a very flat, slow and lifeless pitch, however with the thought it may always spin in the back of any captains mind in the sub continent.
Australia won the toss and elected to bat hoping by the 4th Innings the pitch is offering some assistance and runs on the board creates enough pressure to bring mistakes.
Warner looked in good touch from the get go playing mostly everything off the front foot. The lack of bouce meaning the Pakistani seamers were already regretting their selection choices with 3 seamers certainly not needed.
However Ali gave them the perfect tonic 8 overs into the day clean bowling Khawaja (7) who was looking to exspansively drive through the covers. Australia 22/1
The Pakistani bowlers continued to bend their backs and were encouraged by Australias slow rate early on and a few play and misses made them feel right in the game.
It was the introduction of spin that caused Warner some issues. The turn was minimal but enough to create some doubt in the batsmens head. Ali keeping a full but tight line outside the left handers off peg.
And he got his man Warner (41) after driving to a full wide one after getting himself bogged down for a few overs.
Marnus and Smith have looked assured and Australia will need one if not both to go big and create enough scoreboard pressure for the Aussies to be in the driving seat in this game!
Lunch
Australia 91/2
Labaushagne 22*
Smith 16*
