Australia v Pakistan | 1st test - Day 1 | MCG | 26/12/09

[Oxy]

Lot of empty seats...RA should have went.

60000 fans in today - very impressed!

 

[PakZameen]

sad performance

 

[Cheguvera]

What's wrong with a poster stating his opinion ? Just because you are the moderator doesn't give you the right to call others "terrible" posters.

All posters are essentially cyber groupies...when you criticize their demigods or favorites...they tend to react like all lovers scorned...typical behavior...

BTW, mark my words Amer will be a huge disappointment for Pakistani fans...he's not getting the ball to come back into the righties any time soon...so don't hold your breath on him...he'll fade away soon or you never know he will have the same fortune as Mishah or Malik, will continue to play despite being ordinary...

 

[Random Aussie]

Well unfortunately for Pakistan today turned out to be a stereotype.

2 dropped chances where both batsmen went on to make nearly a hundred.

Superb opening bowling spell that was let down by the fielders - yes that Umar Akmal chance was crucial moment.

Ajmal forced to be overbowled, I thought he was pretty good on a first day pitch, because some goon in PCB managed to select a bowler who on first viewing is nowhere near Test class. Mohammed Talha is better than this guy, in fact I even think Sohail Khan was better than this guy, Yasir Arafat is certainly better than this guy. Sorry Rauf but that's what I see.

Asif best of the bowlers as usual. Aamer was good but should have used the short ball a bit more.

The Danish looked crushed to be left out but for once I can understand the thinking behind it. If he played he would be bowling a million overs on this pitch and if he aggravated an injury and could not bowl in Sydney or Hobart that would be a disaster. Farhat looked a useful leggie.

For Australia, stereotypes again, the batting looks solid without really being convincing. Again nobody able to make a hundred and again Ponting looks several classes above the rest of our players.

Australia's day but Pakistan are not beaten yet, a few wickets tomorrow would make it interesting and they did get 3 in the final session.

 

[WNC]

Expect to wake up to see the score line to be 300+ for 3...

Thought we'd take more wickets....

 

[Ryankhan]

Guys plz watch GEO sUPER. amir sohail is talking the same thing as what i mentioned in my posts again and again before this test series. He is also talking about we should go with 5 bowlers. becoz bowling is our strength and batting is not clicking so why play 7 batsmen when in the end ur team will make 250 summthing so why not take the chance and think outside the box. so exactly what i said.....

 

[tdigi]

60000 fans in today - very impressed!

Indeed very impressive. When I made the comment of empty seats...it was directed towards RA. RA earlier had suggested that he might not find a good seat at the 11th hour. So I said ..there are a lot of empty seats and RA should have went to the stadium. I hope you got the context of my comment...Oxy.

 

[cric]

first test of the series in aus very tough one. australia always come very hard at opposition team and beat them very badly. and then australian and home media and the fan have go at them. i expacted paksitan to
do badly anyway in first test. to give fight in aus 3 test series is not enough you need 4 or 5 test series. like eng,india,SA

 

[cric]

60000 fans in today - very impressed!

not bad. but i think aus vs sa last year it was more then 85000 fan.

 

[WithLoveFromCanada]

well if Pakistan had performed better in the past in Australia i am sure more people would have turned up.

If we lose this test without giving any fight we may not get a boxing day test match for next 20 years.

 

[Random Aussie]

Indeed very impressive. When I made the comment of empty seats...it was directed towards RA. RA earlier had suggested that he might not find a good seat at the 11th hour. So I said ..there are a lot of empty seats and RA should have went to the stadium. I hope you got the context of my comment...Oxy.

Tdigi, ticketing at the MCG is a bit more complex than just finding an empty seat and sitting in it. The ground is divided into zones, if you walk up for general admission seating (unless you get there very early) you wind up sitting on the top deck of the Southern stand which is a long way away and very uncomfortable.

The other reserved seats they will leave empty rather than let someone who paid a lesser price sit in them. As it was, the whole day's play was live on TV anyway so I decided to watch at home. Glad I did because it was pretty dull TBH.

 

[WithLoveFromCanada]

you are right RA, pretty dull for me too watch it in the stadium.

 

[tdigi]

Tdigi, ticketing at the MCG is a bit more complex than just finding an empty seat and sitting in it. The ground is divided into zones, if you walk up for general admission seating (unless you get there very early) you wind up sitting on the top deck of the Southern stand which is a long way away and very uncomfortable.

The other reserved seats they will leave empty rather than let someone who paid a lesser price sit in them. As it was, the whole day's play was live on TV anyway so I decided to watch at home. Glad I did because it was pretty dull TBH.

I see. Well makes sense then...coz more than a couple times I thought about you occupying one of the empty seats. Well I love watching the game on TV myself, so no complaints there. TV coverage with super slow motion is fine Thngs would have been more exciting if catches were not dropped by Pak...imagine if those were taken

 

[Paradox]

Aww RA, so your hopes of going to the MCG and sitting right behind the boundary having a go at the Pakistani outfielders are no longer alive then?

 

[Random Aussie]

Aww RA, so your hopes of going to the MCG and sitting right behind the boundary having a go at the Pakistani outfielders are no longer alive then?

Could actually get seats right on the boundary - but you can't see anything at the MCG right on the boundary.

I would not have been having a go at any professional cricketer when they are playing. No way not my thing. No matter how rubbish anyone is they are better than me at it so no sledging.

But might go on Monday, I have a show tomorrow so can't go. Would be nice to watch Pakistan's second innings....

 

[kkmix]

Do people still want Rauf to play? they think he is good? He was terrible, didn't look threatning at all...even ajmal hasn't bowled good, if he bowled 3 good balls then he bowled 3 bad balls.

 

[AZ]

tfeh, can we go one day without dropping crucial catches...300 in a day with the whole batting lineup still to come...we'll need something special tomorrow, otherwise we're gonna be playing catchup over the next 4 days

 

[d0gers]

1st innings scores at the MCG over the last 5 years:

[B]Team  	        Score  	Overs  	RPO  	Opposition  	Date[/B]
Pakistan 	341	107.3	3.17	v Australia 	26-Dec-04
Australia 	355	119.3	2.97	v South Africa 	26-Dec-05
England 	159	74.2	2.13	v Australia 	26-Dec-06
Australia 	343	92.4	3.7	v India 	26-Dec-07
Australia 	394	113.4	3.46	v South Africa 	26-Dec-08
Australia 	305/3 	90	3.38	v Pakistan 	26-Dec-09

Australia will be looking to comfortably beat all of these past scores. 500+ is easily on the cards.

This pitch had absolutely nothing for the bowlers, especially the quicks. Hardly any swing, no deviation off the pitch.

 

[WNC]

But might go on Monday, I have a show tomorrow so can't go. Would be nice to watch Pakistan's second innings....

So smug?

 

[OZGOD]

Unfotunately I had to catch a flight so couldn't follow much of the day's play but looks like Twatson found a new way to get himself out in the 90s eh. As for Krapich, what can you say - can't bat, can't bowl, can't field, can't call a run to save his life, runs like a crab between the wickets, throws like a girl and has a funny looking head!!!

That said, looks like we're well placed with still a bit of batting to come. I'd be looking at 550+ and then declaring.

 

[tdigi]

Unfotunately I had to catch a flight so couldn't follow much of the day's play but looks like Twatson found a new way to get himself out in the 90s eh. As for Krapich, what can you say - can't bat, can't bowl, can't field, can't call a run to save his life, runs like a crab between the wickets, throws like a girl and has a funny looking head!!!

That said, looks like we're well placed with still a bit of batting to come. I'd be looking at 550+ and then declaring.

) You have some disdain for Katich...and RA for Lee.

 

[bantu]

Ohh Bantu you are back? So do you agree that 194*=194?

In cricketing terms ............ NO.........

 

[bantu]

Well done Pakistan to prise out three wickets in the last session......... would have been a brilliant first session if only both catches were taken......
Ausssies in a very good position now.................... even if they collapse for another 100 runs (it aint happening ) 400+ is a decent score.

 

[taaveez]

Ok, time for Asif's end-of-the-day comments. Looks like our batsmen have a chance.

"The pitch is not really good. Actually the pitch was a real batting track and really slow. I just feel like I was playing in Faisalabad, in Pakistan. I don't think this is an MCG pitch, or an Australian pitch."

http://www.cricinfo.com/ausvpak09/content/story/441255.html

 

[Juggernaut]

Didn't see the 1st day but I hear we dropped 3-4 catches. Is that right?

 

[tdigi]

Didn't see the 1st day but I hear we dropped 3-4 catches. Is that right?

3 and one possible run out. These are the culprits: :umarakmal :akmal

 

[Juggernaut]

3 and one possible run out. These are the culprits: :umarakmal :akmal

Wow. I don't think I'll be watching the highlights. 3 dropped catches sounds way too painful for me.

 

[RexRex]

Today was disappointing ... expected to see a lot more timbe falling.Maybe we can expect a collapse tomorrow ?

 

[tdigi]

Wow. I don't think I'll be watching the highlights. 3 drooped catches sounds way too painful for me.

Well in all fairness the wk catch was not easy...but it was still a chance. You should watch the highlights..may be they will show how Misbah was laughing after he dropped the catch

 

[Juggernaut]

Well in all fairness the wk catch was not easy...but it was still a chance. You should watch the highlights..may be they will show how Misbah was laughing after he dropped the catch

Maybe. But still 2 drop catches.

Also its unfortunate to see that the younger players like Umar Akmal can't catch either. He dropped a few in New Zealand and now one here.

 

[tdigi]

Maybe. But still 2 drop catches.

Also its unfortunate to see that the younger players like Umar Akmal can't catch either. He dropped a few in New Zealand and now one here.

Someone came up with the theory that players are afraid to catch the speeding ball
I don't really agree ...not at this level.

 

[Deewana Mastana]

They dont apply elfy to their hands, hence the dropped catches just keep on mounting!

 

[Perth93]

Fear not

It's been the same old story, since the late 90s.
No bowler has dominated Oz in Oz without searing pace or cut.
Bond and Akhtar in ODIs in early 2000s, Ambrose and Bish in 1996.
(Trust me, I know. I'm OLD.)
Swing doesn't do it - if it did, Damien Fleming would've outdone McGrath.
So both Asif and Aamer are helpless, no matter how manfully they tried.
Aamer did no worse than Roach, or Ishant: venomous without wickets.
These modern day Oz pitches aren't meant for extra pace, they only reward experience, and its attendant skills: cut and deviation of a length.

But look at the flip side: Oz have no middle or late order to offer againt length bowling. If Rauf and Aamer hit the 16 yard mark, they'd have helped Asif run thru the lower order. 375 is a POOR total on these pitches.

All the best to them.

 

[ShehryarK]

Oz have no middle or late order to offer againt length bowling. If Rauf and Aamer hit the 16 yard mark, they'd have helped Asif run thru the lower order. 375 is a POOR total on these pitches.

For a strong Aussie line-up, it probably is. However, we'll be lucky to restrict them to 475, let alone 375!! And I don't share your optimism about Asif running through the likes of Hauritz, Clarke, North, Haddin and Johnson....maybe Siddle and Bollinger, sure - but we need to take five difficult wickets before we get to Siddle!

 

[GLORY OF '92]

Well unfortunately for Pakistan today turned out to be a stereotype.

2 dropped chances where both batsmen went on to make nearly a hundred.

Superb opening bowling spell that was let down by the fielders - yes that Umar Akmal chance was crucial moment.

Ajmal forced to be overbowled, I thought he was pretty good on a first day pitch, because some goon in PCB managed to select a bowler who on first viewing is nowhere near Test class. Mohammed Talha is better than this guy, in fact I even think Sohail Khan was better than this guy, Yasir Arafat is certainly better than this guy. Sorry Rauf but that's what I see.

Asif best of the bowlers as usual. Aamer was good but should have used the short ball a bit more.

The Danish looked crushed to be left out but for once I can understand the thinking behind it. If he played he would be bowling a million overs on this pitch and if he aggravated an injury and could not bowl in Sydney or Hobart that would be a disaster. Farhat looked a useful leggie.

For Australia, stereotypes again, the batting looks solid without really being
convincing. Again nobody able to make a hundred and again Ponting looks
several classes above the rest of our players.

Australia's day but Pakistan are not beaten yet, a few wickets tomorrow would make it interesting and they did get 3 in the final session.

Good assessment. Rauf is not test class, at best county class and Sami should have been selected of Gul was to be dropped. Keep aus to 450 and we are still in the game.

 

[Nazir_ Rules]

Good assessment. Rauf is not test class, at best county class and Sami should have been selected of Gul was to be dropped. Keep aus to 450 and we are still in the game.

Agree, inshallah we just need to pick up 4-5 quick wickets and we are right back in this game.

 

[Juggernaut]

Agree, inshallah we just need to pick up 4-5 quick wickets and we are right back in this game.

A few of which will be dropped meaning we need 6-7 quick wickets to get back in the game.

 

[Nazir_ Rules]

A few of which will be dropped meaning we need 6-7 quick wickets to get back in the game.

Yaar, first we need this huritz guy out at the start of day 2, then we need to put extra pressure on the new batsmen and try to pick up his wicket. If all goes well, inshallah ausi will come underpressure and lose around 6-7 wickets.

 

[cricket_fever]

Hey PPers, i had just been thinking, that this wrong attitude of the players (laughing after dropping), the air of un-seriousness, the catches that are being dropped, the batting has been failing (ie NZ series), there might be a reason behind it......and it might not be a pleasant one....reckon the players are doing that on purpose because they don't want MOYO as test captain??? Is it a plan to throw him over by under performing and making things look like his fault??? It is just a thought.....

 

[cricket_fever]

Unfotunately I had to catch a flight so couldn't follow much of the day's play but looks like Twatson found a new way to get himself out in the 90s eh. As for Krapich, what can you say - can't bat, can't bowl, can't field, can't call a run to save his life, runs like a crab between the wickets, throws like a girl and has a funny looking head!!!

That said, looks like we're well placed with still a bit of batting to come. I'd be looking at 550+ and then declaring.

throws like a girl?????? huh huh????? OZGOD i am gonna come for you watch out! Stop picking on girls, they all arent dainty ice-creamish creatures...grrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

lol

 

[tdigi]

Hey PPers, i had just been thinking, that this wrong attitude of the players (laughing after dropping), the air of un-seriousness, the catches that are being dropped, the batting has been failing (ie NZ series), there might be a reason behind it......and it might not be a pleasant one....reckon the players are doing that on purpose because they don't want MOYO as test captain??? Is it a plan to throw him over by under performing and making things look like his fault??? It is just a thought.....

Oh common you can come up with something better than that? Today there was not a single catch which looked like it was dropped on purpose and Misbah laughing it up was probably his way of dealing with the embarassment...although it looks weird...may be he got it from

 

[Nazir_ Rules]

Oh common you can come up with something better than that? Today there was not a single catch which looked like it was dropped on purpose and Misbah laughing it up was probably his way of dealing with the embarassment...although it looks weird...may be he got it from

Agree, the solution to this problem is Elfy! LOL!

 

[luvthegame]

With all the negatives I think Pak is still in the game. If we can take are few early wickets and If the wicket can spin to help Ajmal and even Farhat it game on.

We have to contain the runs and take some wickets.

 

[tdigi]

Agree, the solution to this problem is Elfy! LOL!

 

[Nazir_ Rules]

With all the negatives I think Pak is still in the game. If we can take are few early wickets and If the wicket can spin to help Ajmal and even Farhat it game on.

We have to contain the runs and take some wickets.

Yes inshallah, quick wickets will get us right back into this game.

 

[cricfan967]

Australia aren't in THAT great of a position

Well i think our bowlers did.... ok.
They got rid of Ponting and that was the biggest threat.
All that's left now is basically Hussey. If Pakistan can grab 2 quick wickets Australia will be around 320/5 and then all thats left is to clean up the tail.
Also remember the wicket is as flat as a wicket can be. So batting for Pakistan i think is not going to be tough especially because Australia don't have much pace in the attack and Hauritz is not as a good of a spinner as Vettori was.

 

[abdulqadir786]

can a wicket keeper bowl?

 

[iZeeshan]

Well i think our bowlers did.... ok.
They got rid of Ponting and that was the biggest threat.
All that's left now is basically Hussey. If Pakistan can grab 2 quick wickets Australia will be around 320/5 and then all thats left is to clean up the tail.
Also remember the wicket is as flat as a wicket can be. So batting for Pakistan i think is not going to be tough especially because Australia don't have much pace in the attack and Hauritz is not as a good of a spinner as Vettori was.

I like that.

All we need is a quick wicket or two, and we can get them under 400.

Just need some superb bowling from Aamer, Asif, and Ajmal to begin with, and we can still easily draw this game.

 

[Wassixpakistani]

I slept at 10:00 and woke up at 6:00 having missed half ' n ' hours of play , then I watched the heart-wrenching play till the score was 176 for no loss , The match was making me feel sleepy and soon I was fighting hard to keep myself awake until watto's wicket would finally come but alas as my dreaded luck got the better of me and soon I fell asleep..............I hope the 2nd day's play would be better for me .

 

[Nazir_ Rules]

I slept at 10:00 and woke up at 6:00 having missed half ' n ' hours of play , then I watched the heart-wrenching play till the score was 176 for no loss , The match was making me feel sleepy and soon I was fighting hard to keep myself awake until watto's wicket would finally come but alas as my dreaded luck got the better of me and soon I fell asleep..............I hope the 2nd day's play would be better for me .

Not just for you, but for all of us aswell and for the pakistan cricket team, inshallah!