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Former Pakistan captain Salman Butt dissected Pakistan's performance in the ongoing first Test against Australia in Perth. After two days of play, Australia hold a commanding 355-run lead with Pakistan struggling at 132/2, in reply to Australia’s first innings score of 487.
The Pakistan bowling attack, particularly Shaheen Shah Afridi, faced a tough challenge as they struggled to contain the Australian batsmen. Despite Aamer Jamal's impressive six-wicket haul, Australia succeeded in posting a big total. Pakistan, with their current standing in the match, face a significant challenge. Historically, Pakistan don't have a good track record on Australian soil. In their 12 tours, they are yet to win a Test series in Australia and have suffered 14 consecutive Test defeats since 1995, including a 2-0 whitewash during their last visit in 2019.
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Meanwhile, Butt came up with an advice to end Paksitan's losing streak on Australian soil. He suggested that Pakistan could draw inspiration from India's recent successes in Australia. India won both their last two Test series on Australian soil, each with a 2-1 margin. According to Butt, Pakistan could benefit from studying India's strategy and execution in these victories to improve their performance on Australian pitches.
“I think the key was the hard length of the Indian bowlers and the ability of their batters to grind down the Australian bowlers and wear them down,” Butt said, as quoted by PTI.
“Once that happened the lower-order batters played aggressive cricket, Shardul Thakur and Washington Sundar if I recall correctly,” he added.
Observing the difficulties faced by Pakistan's bowlers against the Australian batsmen, Salman Butt mentioned that Pakistan's pace attack could benefit from emulating their Indian counterparts in mastering the art of bowling in Australian conditions.
“The key is patience in Australia, wear them down. This is not a very young pace attack and Indian batters made them bowl a lot of overs. Because of the even bounce of Australian pitches, it is not difficult to score runs but you have to be very patient,” said the former Pakistan skipper.
Butt also threw his weight behind newly recruited Pakistan's Test captain Shan Masood, who scored 30 off 43 balls before perishing to Mitchell Starc on Day 2 on Friday, December 15.
“He is a level-headed and sensible guy who has really worked hard to improve his game. His captaincy stints in the PSL, plus in England for Yorkshire will help him a lot in easing into his new role in Australia” Butt signed off.
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