Simon Katich provides life to Australian batting line-up
Simon Katich in recent times has become Australian finest opening batsman. It is surprising to note that statistically, Simon is better than a majority of the Australian openers. On Tuesday, Simon managed to post his consecutive ninth fifty in test cricket stretching back to Oval last year.
On Day 1, Pakistan did not give Australia any room to make a comeback. The Australian batting line up had no answers to the some superb swing bowling of Pakistan’s pace attack which was complemented by Kaneria’s classic spin bowling. Simon Katich was the only Australian batsman who managed to post a good score on the board with an 80 run innings where other batsmen failed to impress. Simon’s stubborn approach on perfect English conditions paid off well. Muhammad Asif got the prized wicket of Katich with an impressive setup delivery. Asif, after bowling two in-swingers bowled a good length delivery which jagged towards the slip cordon. The ball clipped the left-hander’s bat to find Kamran Akmal’s gloves.
Katich has remained consistent for a long time now. Luck has also played its part in giving Katich a chance to stick around in the crease. While batting on just 2 runs, replays showed that Katich was plumb in front of the wickets but the umpire thought otherwise. Katich capitalized on this let off and was the only batsman to give Australia some hope.
After Day 1, Kattich commented, “There's no doubt that it was a tough day all the way through, given the conditions. At no stage did the clouds break and the sun came through. We knew that it was going to be a hard day out there with the ball swinging around consistently. It would have been nice to get more but at the same time we've got nearly 230 runs in the bank."
Marcus North must envy Katich for staying on wicket for so long. Asif bowled a stunning delivery that went past the bat and pad of North to disturb the furniture. It could safely be said that Pakistan’s bowlers were at their best. Asif and Aamer proved that they were better than the competition with a stellar display of control and consistency. It was hard for the Australian batsman to pick the line and length. North and Simon barely had enough time to digest their tea since both were back in the pavilion within a gap of two overs prior to the tea-break.
North deservingly got his selection at number six with a century and 90 in http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Usman-Khawaja-c2729 in the dressing room who has performed brilliantly in Australia’s domestic set-up, chances are that if North doesn’t perform, Khawaja might replace him. North also faces pressure from Steven Smith who has a domestic average of more than 50 runs. If Steven impresses with his batting, selectors will fancy him as an all-rounder in the team.
http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Shahid-Afridi-c2482 made a perfect start to his test captaincy by using his troops well. Afridi after winning the toss opted to bowl first. His decision paid off well with his bowlers taking wickets at the right intervals. Pakistani bowlers made the most of the conditions and restricted the Aussies to a small score. Australia still has one wicket in hand but most importantly, Mike Hussey is still playing. Mr. Cricketer is famous for stealing victories from Pakistan within a matter of a few hours in all forms of cricket. Hussey was in a similar situation in the Sydney Test due to which Australia came out victorious in the end. Pakistan’s wicket keeper is also under a lot pressure due to his last outing in Australia. Kamran Akmal kept his composure on Day 1 and was seen doing a decent job behind the stumps. Akmal held on to his catches and proved his mettle in the middle.
The match is poised for a result with http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Yasir-Hameed-c2811 and Shoaib Malik are itching to get back in the team.
Tags: