Pakistan Held to 203 by Starc, Cummins: Aussies Dominate in First Test
The first Test match between Pakistan and Australia in Rawalpindi witnessed a dominant display of pace bowling from the Australian duo of Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins, restricting Pakistan to a below-par total of 203. The hosts, despite a fighting knock from Imam-ul-Haq, were unable to withstand the relentless pressure applied by the Australian bowlers, leaving them with a significant deficit heading into their first innings.
Starc and Cummins Run Riot
The day belonged to the Australian fast bowlers, who consistently troubled the Pakistani batters with their pace, movement, and accuracy. Starc, in particular, was a menace, claiming a career-best 5-53, including the wickets of Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Saud Shakeel. His relentless pace and ability to swing the ball both ways proved too much for the Pakistani batsmen to handle.
Cummins, the Australian captain, provided excellent support, finishing with figures of 3-34. He kept the pressure on with his consistent line and length, forcing the Pakistani batsmen to play defensively and ultimately leading to their downfall.
Imam-ul-Haq's Lone Resistance
While the rest of the Pakistan batting lineup struggled, Imam-ul-Haq stood tall with a valiant 71 runs. He was the only Pakistani batsman to show any real resistance, displaying patience and composure against the Australian attack. He anchored the innings, providing a glimmer of hope for the home team.
A Difficult Day for Pakistan
Despite a bright start, Pakistan's batting crumbled under the pressure of the Australian bowlers. They lost wickets at regular intervals, unable to build any meaningful partnerships. The lack of application and poor shot selection ultimately led to their downfall.
Australia in Control
Australia, on the other hand, looked in complete control throughout the day. Their bowlers were relentless, their fielding was sharp, and their overall performance was impressive. They have given themselves a strong foundation to build upon in this first Test match.
Key Takeaways
- Starc and Cummins were the standout performers, showcasing their class and experience.
- Pakistan's batting faltered, unable to cope with the pace and movement of the Australian bowlers.
- Imam-ul-Haq's resilience was a positive for Pakistan, but it wasn't enough to salvage the day.
- Australia will be confident of building on their dominant performance in the remaining days of the Test match.
The first Test match in Rawalpindi has been a fascinating battle so far. Australia has gained the upper hand, but Pakistan still has an opportunity to fight back. The next few days will be crucial, and the outcome of this Test match is still very much up for grabs.