'I Don't Think That Pace..'- Mitchell Starc Takes Dig At Shaheen Afridi & Co. Before MCG Test
Shaheen Afridi was scrutinised for bowling at lesser pace [X.com]
Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc is surprised to see the inability of Pakistan bowlers to generate higher speeds with the ball during the first Test at Perth. Starc mentioned that everyone in the Australian camp was taken aback by the lower pace exhibited by Pakistan's fast bowlers, considering the team's historical reputation for producing express pace bowlers.
In the absence of key pacers like Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf, the burden of leading the pace attack fell on Shaheen Shah Afridi, who struggled to match the expected speed levels. Afridi's average speed during the first Test in Perth was in the low 130s, dropping to the high 120s in the second innings.
The other seam options chosen by Pakistan, such as Khurram Shahzad and Aamer Jamal, who bagged a five-wicket haul, also failed to reach the 140kph mark consistently. Notably, the first Test in Perth ended in a comprehensive 360-run victory for Australia.
The contrast with the Australian pace trio of Josh Hazlewood, Pat Cummins, and Starc was evident as they routinely hit the mid-140s. Starc acknowledged that while pace isn't the sole determinant of success, it plays a significant role, especially on a lively pitch.
"I think everyone was slightly surprised at the lower pace of the Pakistan bowlers, when you're generally used to some guys getting in the 150s [kph]. I don't think that pace is the be all and end all but it certainly plays a part and can help." Mitchell Starc said, speaking to media at the MCG before the start of the second Test.
Recently, ex-Pakistan fast bowler Waqar Younis also expressed concern about Pakistan's lack of express pace options. He highlighted that fast bowling had traditionally been an exciting aspect of Pakistan's cricket, but the current team seemed to be missing that firepower.
The first Test loss for Pakistan was further marred by the unfortunate injury to debutant Khurram Shahzad, who suffered a rib injury, ruling him out for the rest of the series.
While Hasan Ali, Mir Hamza, and Mohammad Wasim Jr are in reserve, none of them, except possibly Wasim Jnr, can be classified as express pacers. The absence of genuine speedsters in the lineup has raised questions about Pakistan's ability to match the pace and aggression of their opponents in the ongoing Test series against Australia.
 (1).jpg "Kohli trains")
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