AUS vs PAK, 1st Test | Player of the Day - Mitchell Starc Dismantles Pakistan's Top Order with Flair
Mitchell Starc emerged as the destructor of Pakistan top order (Source: x.com)
Australia secured a significant victory in this West Test, kicking off their home season on a high note. Despite the absence of the usual 'Gabba' start to the summer, Australia showcased dominance from Day 1. The 'Bull’ David Warner, set the tone with a brilliant century, and Nathan Lyon made history by claiming his 500th Test wicket.
Mitchell Marsh, the local talent, played a crucial role with both bat and ball, contributing to Australia's early series lead. While Pakistan displayed commendable fight at times, they have a tough challenge ahead to truly compete with the hosts in this series. Overall, it was a statement win for Australia, establishing their prowess early in the season.
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On Day 4, Australia held a strong position with a commanding lead of 300 runs. Although they lost Steven Smith and Travis Head in the initial session, Mitchell Marsh and Usman Khawaja navigated the Pakistani pacers adeptly. Towards the session's end, they accelerated, extending the lead beyond 400 runs before Lunch.
The aggressive batting continued in the second session, with Khawaja eyeing a century. Unfortunately, he fell short, getting dismissed on 90, prompting Pat Cummins to declare the innings. Mitchell Marsh remained unbeaten on 63, contributing significantly to Australia's formidable lead.
A Closer Look at Mitchell Starc's Lethal Bowling Spell
Analysis of Mitchell Starc’s Dots% Against his Wickets
Australia anticipated favourable conditions, and it played out as expected, with their bowlers dominating the Pakistan batting lineup. Mitchell Starc led the charge by grabbing two early wickets and finishing with a total of three, while Josh Hazlewood matched the feat with three wickets of his own. The Australian bowlers executed their plan effectively, dismantling the Pakistani batting order.
Mitchell Starc strikes early! Abdullah Shafique departs, edging one to the keeper. Starc delivers a ball on a hard length, just around off, with the ball shaping away. Shafique, staying back in his crease, plays for the movement but only succeeds in getting an outside edge. The ball goes behind, and Alex Carey makes a clean catch. It's the ideal start Australia was looking for, and Starc's effectiveness is on display once again.
Mitchell Starc claims another wicket! Imam-ul-Haq is given out LBW. Starc delivers a ball on a good length around off, swinging sharply back in with pace. Imam-ul-Haq, attempting a drive, misses the ball completely and is struck on the pads in front of the stumps. A confident appeal follows, and the finger goes up. Imam discusses with Babar, opts for a review, but Snicko shows nothing, and Ball Tracking confirms three reds.
Mitchell Starc claims his third wicket! Sarfaraz Ahmed departs, and it's the second time Starc has got him in this Test. Starc executes a well-thought setup, delivering a hard length ball on the middle, which moves away slightly with extra bounce. Sarfaraz Ahmed, staying back to defend, is caught off guard by the extra bounce. The ball flies off the splice of the bat towards gully, where Mitchell Marsh secures a comfortable catch.
Conclusion
Australia clinched victory within four days in the newly rebranded Perth Test, drawing an impressive crowd of over 59,000 fans significantly more than last year's Test against West Indies, which lasted the full duration. The pitch this year exhibited more spice compared to the previous game, reminiscent of the renowned WACA Tests, adding an extra layer of excitement to the match.
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