Pakistan have made the perfect start to the Second Test in Abu-Dhabi against Australia. After winning the toss, the hosts are 2/304 at stumps on day one thanks to centuries from Younis Khan and Azhar Ali.
Younis Khan incredibly hit his third consecutive century. The Aussies threw everything at the seasoned batsmen, but Khan managed to do what no batsman has done against Australia for 90 years.
Azhar Ali backed up the veteran with a superb century of his own, handling the spin of Nathan Lyon and surviving a couple of close calls.
Bringing in batsman and part-time bowler Glenn Maxwell for number three batsman Ryan Doolan and Mitchell Starc for left-arm spinner Stephen O’Keefe, the Aussies were hoping the pair would have an immediate impact as they were sent into the field after losing the toss.
“We think Glenn’s got a bit of x-factor about him and plays spin quite well so we’ve decided to go down that path,” commented Australian coach Darren Lehman before the match.
“Disappointing for (O’Keefe) personally but obviously we think the left-arm quick with the reverse (swing) here and the conditions might be a better factor for us,” was what Lehman had to add about the inclusion of Starc in the bowling attack.
After playing some sensible cricket in the first hour and seeing off the new-ball shine, Pakistan looked to be enjoying the flat track. Nathan Lyon trapped Ahmed Shezad LBW for 35 with a skidding top spinner and
Mitchell Johnson took the only wicket in the second session, with a tailing reverse-swinger that was caught behind by Brad Haddin. Johnson finished with figures of 1/50 off 19.0 overs and Lyon 1/86 off 23.0.
Michael Clarke was not happy with his sides fielding performance in the first test, and he would not be too much happier after watching a number of chances go down.
His own trouble with the referral system continued, as a Mitchell Marsh ball trapped Younis Khan on 23 but was not referred to the third umpire. Replays indicated that the decision would have been reversed and Khan back in the sheds.
Brad Haddin missed a tough chance, dropping Shezad off Nathan Lyon’s second ball of the day. The keeper also prevented some good fielding on the boundary from Chris Rogers translating into the wicket of Khan when the batsman was in the nineties. Haddin had his gloves off and was standing in front of the stumps, ready to throw to the bowlers end, though replays suggest knocking the bails off from behind the stumps would have removed Khan.
Hoping to square the series, Australia have it all to do on day two. Clarke will be hoping that the bowlers are supported by some good fielding and that the new inclusions in the team will prove themselves against a confident and comfortable Pakistan.
