This is simply imponderable that defies justification for such a humiliating performance by the Pakistani team at Perth. Losing a match is nothing since loss and win are just part of the game — the two faces of the coin. What is beyond comprehension, however, is the total eclipse and annihilation of the team. The squad was sent to Australia ten days before the beginning of the Test series to acclimatize the team in Australia and to become aware of the conditions.
Not that we expected anything big from the team but the result of the first Test was a lot more convincing that we did not do the home work and despite all the tall claims of improvement and intentions of putting up a gallant fight, the team posted their 4th total in the second innings.
Australia, without an iota of doubt, is the best team at this time. But I won’t agree that they are invincible. In a not very distant past, they have suffered defeats. Five wickets down at 78, Australia once again took the initiative and demonstrated why by far they are the best cricket team in the world. The early initiative grabbed by Pakistan, that now seems to be a fluke, was snatched away by the Aussies.
The main characteristic that differentiates Australians from Pakistanis or from the rest of the cricket playing nations has been their self-confidence and the ability to attack even when in crisis. That’s winning temperament. The loss of five top order wickets for a paltry 78 runs would have put any team on the rope. But not the Aussies. At the end of the first day, it was again Australia.
From there on it was only Australia. Pakistan need a negligible mention as their follies continued throughout the rest of the game heaping mountains of misery and chaos. Pakistan, however, did an impressive job — a spirited performance when Sami and Shoaib shared five wickets between them and sent back the five top-order batsmen of Australia in the first session of the match on the first day. And that was all. While the top order batsmen went back to the pavilion before lunch, Justin Langer decided otherwise. He played handsomely, made a mockery of the Pakistani bowlers, but missed his double century just by three runs. Being in excellent form and thanks to some poor bowling by Pakistan, he went on to make 97 in the second innings. Ricky Ponting was unfortunate to miss his century by two runs. Martyn made 100. But is it any use going for stats?
The jaded Pakistani team had nothing to offer. It was no match and there was not a shred of resistance. They played like kids. In the first innings, Younus and Abdul Razzaq put up some resistance when the pair made 19 runs in the twentieth over. It was a good show. They were at least killing time. But both of them fell to desperation, played shots like kids at a time when they needed more perseverance and patience. Pakistan managed to post 179 in the first innings, thanks to some lanky fielding as the Australian fielders dropped at least three catches.
The second innings proved more disastrous and was wrapped by McGrath in a splendid spell. Kasprowicz did not lag behind and put Aussies in charge bowling a superb length and swinging the balls the way he chose. It was fun for Australia and complete disappointment for Pakistan.
What’s the problem? Australia handed over a humiliating defeat by well over 400 runs making Pakistan look like a novice in all the departments of the game. I am not aware of the strategy, advice planning and instructions by the coach, Bob Woolmer to the team. What I know for sure is the fact that the team is in total disarray and in dire need of some serious counselling. They need to know and learn to plan the game comprehensively. The players both individually and as a team urgently need to be trained to play with patience, determination and grit and most importantly to muster courage and will that the team lacks so desperately.
Lots and lots of criticism has been pouring in from all quarters. At least for once Bob Woolmer seems to be right. “It’s an abject performance, very disappointing” he said, contemplating calling in sports psychologists.
A word about Vijay Hazare. The great former Indian captain passed away a few days ago. He was 89. He fought a gallant battle against cancer. Hazare was one of the heaviest run scorers in domestic cricket. I condole his death. May his family find courage to bear the colossal loss.
This is simply imponderable that defies justification for such a humiliating performance by the Pakistani team at Perth. Losing a match is nothing since loss and win are just part of the game — the two faces of the coin. What is beyond comprehension, however, is the total eclipse and annihilation of the team. The squad was sent to Australia ten days before the beginning of the Test series to acclimatize the team in Australia and to become aware of the conditions.
