Australia’s opener, David Warner, praised the Pakistan Bowlers following the rain-affected first day of the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne. With only 66 overs bowled due to the rain, Australia reached 187-3, thanks to Pakistan’s tight bowling.
Warner emphasized that speed isn’t the only factor in bowling effectiveness. He highlighted the importance of accuracy, stating, It’s not just about how fast you bowl; it’s about where you put the ball. Pakistan bowlers were impressive today.
Warner specifically mentioned Shaheen Shah Afridi’s workload, acknowledging the challenging day he faced. He appreciated Pakistan’s pacers, noting their outstanding performance and Shaheen’s consistent effort despite the challenging conditions.
Waqar Younis and Mitchell Starc had earlier raised concerns about Pakistan’s pace. However, Warner’s praise contradicted these concerns, highlighting the effectiveness of accurate bowling.
Pakistan’s Hasan Ali, who claimed a wicket on the first day, expressed satisfaction with the team’s collective bowling display. He emphasized the importance of maintaining focus, acknowledging that despite a good start, there’s still a long way to go in the match. Hasan highlighted the team’s goal to restrict Australia to under 250 runs, recognizing it as a significant step towards victory.
The ongoing series holds importance for Australia, aiming to secure a series win after their dominant victory over Pakistan in Perth. Meanwhile, Pakistan seeks to break a longstanding struggle in Australia, having lost 15 consecutive Tests since their last win in 1995.