What a game. With both sides focusing on pace (dropping their main spinner) it was always going to be interesting how the tactic was going to work out. Amir was superb. He reminded me of his first tour to Australia where he was almost unplayable. I think the Pakistani fast bowlers erred a little with their length and the fielding did let Australia to a total than in all honestly was looking like 340-350. David Warner- what can you say. I still have not forgiven him for what happened in Sth Africa but he and Finch did set a really good platform that the later batter did not cash in on. Alex Carey impresses me greatly and I think the Aussies have unearthed a real talent there.
How good did Pakistan look with bat in hand? Iman, Hafeez- what a ball striker and Babar- he will be an all-time great by the time he retires. I think some really soft dismissals is something Micky Arthur and Sarfaraz will reflect on post-match. I loved the softening up of Wahab by the Aussie quicks and then when he decided stuff you Skippy and let loose, what a result. I like him as a cricketer.
End of the day the Aussies are near the top of the table and to be honest I have not been impressed with their game so far. Bowling looks light after Starc and Cummins and they got out of jail in 2 of the 4 matches so far and were made to look ordinary by a strong Indian side. I don’t think the results are fair to Pakistan and let’s hope they have a good back half to the tournament.
Matthew Roberts
Matthew is the Vice Presdeint of Global Logistics for a large Pharma company. He is an Australian mad sports fan now living in the UK
