Australia tour of Pakistan: Interim head coach Andrew McDonald downplayed concerns about Australia’s inability to beat opponents in the final innings after they finished 2nd
Pakistan hit more than 170 overs in the last innings to secure a tie in the Karachi Test (AP Photo)
HIGHLIGHTS
- Australia failed to win the Karachi Test despite leading by 408 runs
- Australia have failed to bowl teams into Day 5 five times in the last 19 Tests
- Australia will meet Pakistan in the 3rd Test in Lahore from March 21st
Australia’s interim head coach Andrew McDonald downplayed the team’s concerns about completing Test matches in the 4th inning after missing a good opportunity to record a historic win over Pakistan in Karachi in the 2nd Test of an ongoing 3-game series .
McDonald, who took over from Justin Langer after the former head coach resigned, said he was proud that Australia were able to take a strong position in the Karachi Test.
Although Australia led by 408 runs in the 2nd Test, they could not beat Pakistan, who held on to a tie after 171.4 overs spanning nearly 2 days in the final innings. Babar Azam hit 196,425 balls while Mohammad Rizwan scored 100 and Abdullah Shafique 96 in a patient shot at the top. Despite Nathan Lyon taking quick wickets towards the end of the game, Pakistan drew the Test as the visiting side squandered a few chances.
“We have good confirmation that the style of cricket that we want to play will endure,” said McDonald.
“But if you keep putting yourself in these (winning) situations, we will find a way through them.
“There were missed opportunities that last day but we looked at it really well and I’m really proud of that.”
Remarkably, Australia have counted five such errors to bowl teams on day five for victory in their last 19 Tests. Last year India held on to a struggling draw after beating the entire final day in Sydney. After that, they won the Gabba Test, chasing more than 300 to breach Australia’s fortress.
McDonald said morale was high in the Australian camp as the stalled streak heads into the final game in Lahore, where the first Test since 2009 is being held. strengthened while Mitchell Starc made good use of the backswing in the first innings and spinners Lyon and Mitchell Swepson shone.
