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Pakistan, chasing world record run chase, have lost the first Test to host Australia by 170 runs. The visitors were given an improbable victory target of 422, they headed to stumps on fourth day in a relatively good health at 170 for three, but the fifth and final day saw Pakistan's middle order batting crumbled at 258.
Except for captain Mohammad Yousuf, who scored 61 runs, the middle batting including Misbah-ul-Haq, who scored unbeaten 65 in the first innings, could not brave the onslaught of Nathan Hauritz (5-101). Pakistan batsmen could only add 79 runs to their overnight total of 170 for three. Mohammad Yousuf made half century and Faisal Iqbal 48.
The only notable performance was of young pacer Mohammad Aamir, who has become the second youngest bowler in Test history to claim a five-wicket haul. Only Nasim-ul-Ghani, a left-arm spinner-cum-medium pacer, achieved the feat at a younger age, doing so against the West Indians more than half a century ago.
Aamir emerged as the perfect weapon - relentlessly attacking a top order in pursuit of quick runs. Though bowlers, especially Mohammed Asif and Mohammad Amir, played to their potentials and shattered the hosts' batting line up, Pakistan's inconsistent and irresponsible batting failed to capitalise the weaknesses of the hosts.
Earlier in the first innings, Pakistan had ample opportunity to cash in on the Australians' shortcomings, but three dropped catches and a missed run-out ensured the first day went the way of the hosts. Pakistan's ground fielding also left much to be desired, and made life difficult for the tourists' bowlers on a true MCG wicket.
Pakistan's fifth dropped catch of the match - two in the second innings - ensured Watson became the first Australian batsman since Michael Hussey at The Oval to reach triple figures in a Test, breaking a team sequence of 20 unconverted half-centuries.
The least menacing member of the Pakistani attack was Abdur Rauf, a surprise selection at the coin toss. The right-armer was called in to replace the more seasoned and versatile Umar Gul on form grounds, however his 15 overs (0 for 61) did little to justify the move.
Pakistan team, lacking in an inspiring and motivational leadership and defective coaching embarked upon a three-Test and five One-day International (ODI) series against strong Australian team.
However, the situation on the ground is not very encouraging. It is evident that experienced coach Intikhab Alam has not been able to convert the mentally weak and half-fit players into a winning combination. Who would have done the colours at the end of the day, nobody knows, but one thing is certain that the Aussies would give a tough time to the visitors, who are plagued with numerous problems, beyond control of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
It is, indeed, an uncertain situation and whom this "game of uncertainties" would favour, only time would tell. The experts say what matters is not the big names, but the total commitment, mental toughness and a dynamic leadership, which help win matches in the international contests.
One feel sorry for Mohammad Yousuf, who dreamt of beating Australia on their soil. Meanwhile, an Australian cricket expert said: "For Pakistan, there is much to ponder before the Sydney Test. The selection of Abdur Rauf over experienced Umar Gul was flawed, and the catching at the MCG largely lamentable. The likely return of Danish Kaneria and the possible reintroduction of Younus Khan could prove a significant boost for the tourists, but on the evidence of the past five days, there remains much work to do."

Copyright Business Recorder, 2010

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