Australia say they are using this ODI series against Pakistan as a warm-up for the Champions Trophy in March and the upcoming Test series against India. If that is the case then they can’t be confident about claiming either trophy. Australia’s batting line-up collapsed for the second straight match and unlike in Melbourne on Monday night, the tail didn’t wag to bail them out of trouble as they posted a paltry 163 on a typical Adelaide Oval road.
Pakistan, in unPakistani fashion, never even looked like they were going to make a meal of the straightforward run-chase and cruised their way to a nine-wicket cakewalk to level the series heading into Sunday’s decider in Perth. More Cricket Although they are missing Travis Head and Mitch Marsh from their regular top order there are no excuses for Australia’s inability to put up decent totals. Jake Fraser-McGurk’s haphazard start to his international career continued when he came and went inside 10 balls.
It was an innings which is unfortunately for him becoming his trademark at this level. The talented opener had the crowd on their feet as he caressed three drives to the cover boundary in quick succession but his lack of footwork was exposed on the 10th delivery he faced when he was trapped in front by Shaheen Shah Afridi to be on his way for 13. JFM and Matt Short are auditioning to be Head’s permanent partner at the top of the order in the post-David Warner era but they are both fluffing their lines.
Short was out che.