Aussies wilt in heat of Dubai
AUSTRALIA played their last Test amid the explosion of a ball-tampering scandal, but last night they returned to deafening silence in Dubai.
The families of the three debutants Aaron Finch, Travis Head and Marnus Labuschagne was about the extent of the crowd on hand to see the bold new chapter of Australian cricket.
High on the sweet emotion of the triple baggy green presentation before play, it wasn’t long until the harsh reality of the grind facing Australia was rammed home.
Pakistan won the toss in front of empty stands and batted first, and immediately Australia were coming from behind in 37C heat.
With no suspended Steve Smith, Australia found themselves back in the frying pan.
Tests in Dubai often go until the last day, but Australia’s rookie squad will need to fight for every scrap.
At lunch on day one, Pakistan were 0-89. The hosts made their intentions clear from the get-go as they sat on Nathan Lyon and instead went after Australia’s second spinner Jon Holland.
Holland went at nearly 5.5 an over for his first six overs.
Lyon barely gave an inch in contrast and is set for an enormous load over the coming days on a dry and barren wicket.
Pakistan’s charge was led by Mohammad Hafeez, who was not even selected in Mickey Arthur’s original 18-man squad.
Rushed in at the last moment, Hafeez cashed in to score a century before being dismissed for 126 after tea by Peter Siddle.
At the other end, Imam-ulHaq, nephew of the great Inzamam-ul-Haq pushed to 76 before falling to Lyon.
Even though Dubai is a neutral venue, the non-existent crowd was a stark reminder of the challenges haunting Test cricket.
Earlier, Lyon told Travis Head he was like a “little brother” to him during a baggy green cap presentation.
Not since Ricky Ponting presented Brad Haddin with his cap in 2008 is it thought a current member of the squad had been asked to speak about a first-Test player. It’s usually a former great from outside the dressingroom.
Test great Allan Border made the presentation to Aaron Finch, who has finally made the transition from white ball star to Test debutant.
The hard work continued for Australia in the final session despite the twin breakthroughs.
The second Test is due to commence in Abu Dhabi on October 16.