Australian opener David Warner has praised Pakistan’s bowlers after the first day’s play in the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne. Pakistan restricted Australia to 187-3 after a rain-affected day allowed only 66 overs to be bowled. Warner said that pace doesn’t matter if the bowler is putting the ball in the right areas. He was impressed by Pakistan’s pacers, particularly Shaheen Afridi, who bowled well but didn’t have much luck. Warner’s comments come after legendary bowler Waqar Younis and Australia’s speedster Mitchell Starc had questioned Pakistan’s lack of pace before the ongoing second Test.
Pakistan pacer Hasan Ali, who claimed one wicket during the first day, was also satisfied with his team’s performance. He said that as a unit, they bowled well and had the upper hand as they didn’t leak runs. However, he added that they’re not complacent and that there’s a long way to go. If they can get Australia out for under 250, they’ll have a great chance to win.
The Boxing Day Test is the second of a three-Test series, with Australia looking to seal the series after thumping Pakistan by 360 runs in Perth. Pakistan has performed poorly in Australia, losing 15 Tests on the trot, with their last win in 1995. However, their impressive performance on the first day of the Boxing Day Test has given them hope of turning their fortunes around.
Pakistan’s four-pronged pace attack has been praised by its opponents, with Hasan Ali saying that his side is “ahead” after the first day at the MCG. The comments from Warner and Hasan Ali highlight the impressive performance of Pakistan’s bowlers, who have defied expectations and shown that pace isn’t the only factor in successful bowling. The ongoing second Test promises to be an exciting contest, with both teams looking to gain the upper hand and secure a victory.