It’s a long, lonely road ahead for Aussie team
AUSTRALIA played their last Test amid the explosion of Sandpapergate, 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 crowd on hand to witness the bold new chapter of Australian cricket. It highlighted the lonely road ahead.
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.
Amid a non- existent atmosphere, in front of empty stands Pakistan won the toss and batted first, and immediately Australia were coming from behind in searing 37C heat.
No Steve Smith, no David Warner and a million miles from home, Australia found themselves back in the frying pan. Test matches 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 and in a position to cause some serious damage.
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, and was under pressure to put the Pakistan batsmen back in their place. 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 48 not out at lunch, and at the other end was Imam- ul- Haq, ( 36 no).