SPORT Pakistan hits speedbump
PAKISTAN’S raw pace attack has been given a wake-up call ahead of the Test series against Australia after struggling to fire in a stalemate against a young Cricket Australia XI.
In reply to Pakistan’s 7 (dec)-386, the CA XI were reeling at 2-6 in the two-day tour match at the WACA Ground, after Mohammad Abbas and 19-year-old Muhammad Musa struck early yesterday in scorching heat.
But Pakistan struggled to make further inroads, with a 122-run stand between Jonathan Merlo (78) and Matthew Spoors (58) frustrating the visitors. The CA XI outfit, featuring just five players with firstclass experience, finished at 7245, with the match ending in a draw.
Bradley Hope finished unbeaten on 50.
Pakistan batsman Imam-ulHaq went off the field for treatment after jarring his neck while fielding a ball during the morning session.
Although the injury didn’t appear serious, he will be monitored ahead of the first Test, starting on Thursday at the Gabba.
Temperatures soared past 40C yesterday, and Pakistan made the hottest of starts to the day after declaring on its overnight score. Jake Carder fell for an 18-ball duck when he chopped Abbas onto his stumps.
And Jayden Goodwin made only six before he edged Musa behind, leaving the home side in early strife.
But the prospect of Pakistan ripping through the rest of the CA XI line-up was thwarted by fighting efforts from Merlo and Spoors.
The brave display was in stark contrast to the limp effort Australia A produced when were rolled by Pakistan for 122 earlier this week. That performance sent a powerful message to Australia’s Test team about the talent of Pakistan’s pace attack.
But Pakistan wasn’t able to back it up against the CA XI.
Naseem Shah, a 16-year-old who had been likened to Dennis Lillee, unleashed some ferocious bouncers yesterday but wasn’t able to snare a wicket. He finished with 0-58 from 12 overs.
Abbas (2-22 from 14 overs) was the standout bowler, while Musa (2-32 from 14 overs) was economical.
Merlo, who was playing at the WACA for the first time, was impressed by Pakistan’s bowlers.
“The two young quicks were quite good, especially being 19 and 16,” he said.