Pakistan have dragged the day-night Test into a fifth day, infuriating Australia with a record-breaking show of resistance and sparkling century from Asad Shafiq at the Gabba.
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Steve Smith shakes hands with Pakistan’s coach – and former Australian mentor – Mickey Arthur after Australia’s victory in Brisbane. After two days it looked as a complete no contest, but Pakistan fought back and fell just 39 runs short of reeling in a seemingly impossible 490 runs in the fourth innings of the match.
India 445 vs Australia at Adelaide in 1978. Pakistan managed to do well against Australia because instead of following their usual routine of trying to save their wicket and let the match end in a draw, they went out all guns blazing and almost reached the finish line.
The West Australian was axed during the series loss to South Africa after failing to make an impact with both bat and ball. Australia has named an unchanged 12 for that game, and Cricket Australia has said the selectors would assess the players over the next 24 hours and call for reinforcements if required.
Misbah said the difference between their contrasting innings came down to attitude.
Matt Renshaw (7/10): “The Turtle” once again displayed his talent as a long-form specialist, notching up a fine 71 off 125 balls with 9 boundaries in the first innings. They’ve bowled a lot of overs and we’re going to have to see how they pull up. The mindset was positive.
“Playing away all the time from friends, family, everybody, that is hard for any player and that can sometimes burn a player, mentally they are exhausted”, he said.
The historic Gabba Day-Night Test has continued to draw strong crowds, with a record attendance confirmed on Saturday for a non-Ashes Test match at the venue.
“But overall this team is experienced enough now after playing together for six years, you could say it is a settled team”.
The ICC said in a statement on Monday evening that: “The umpires believed they were acting on a request from Steve Smith, based on a conversation with him about the granting of extra time a few overs before the scheduled end of play”. Never change, Pakistan, never change. Asad Shafiq, the way Sarfraz played in the first innings … that gave us a glimpse that these are battable conditions and if we can apply ourselves we can score runs.
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His 137 runs knock in the Brisbane is his joint-highest score in the 52 Tests, matching his 137 against New Zealand in Sharjah in 2014 which also came in a losing cause.
