"Sub-continent sides don't handle the pace and bounce in Australian conditions" : Steve Smith

[jeetu]

"Sub-continent sides don't handle the pace and bounce in Australian conditions" : Steve Smith

Upbeat Aussies to test Pakistan with bouncers

http://www.thepeninsulaqatar.com/article/14/12/2016/Upbeat-Aussies-to-test-Pakistan-with-bouncers

Australian Skipper Steve Smith says Australia's pace attack will test the resolve of Pakistan batsmen with short-pitched bowling in Brisbane's first ever day-night Test from Thursday.

Smith has yet to finalise his team and hasn't ruled out playing with four pacemen at the expense of spinner Nathan Lyon, but he is promising the tourists a work-out on the bouncy Gabba pitch.

With in-form quicks Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood armed with the new ball, Smith said team strategists had watched Pakistan's recent series in New Zealand where the tourists slumped to two hefty defeats.

"I think traditionally sub-continent sides don't handle the pace and bounce in Australian conditions," Smith said Wednesday, ahead of the three-Test series.

"So you need to try and find ways to exploit that as much as possible and at times I'm sure we're going to see some short-pitched bowling to mess with their feet to find ways to get them out."

"New Zealand obviously did a good job, so hopefully our bowlers can replicate that."

Smith was far more upbeat about Australia's chances after stopping the rot of five straight Test defeats with a revamped team in Adelaide late last month.

"It's been a nice turnaround. We've won four games on the trot (including three ODIs against New Zealand) as an Australian team now and hopefully we can keep that winning momentum going," he said.

Pakistan also have fast bowling ammunition to return fire at the Gabba, led by Mohammad Amir and Wahab Riaz. Smith pinpointed Amir as a potential "handful".

"He's a quality bowler. He's got some great skills. He bowls with really good pace and can swing the ball," [/I]he said.

"It's great to have those sort of gears and those skills so no doubt he could potentially be a handful if it's swinging around."

But Smith also warned Pakistan's leg-spinner Yasir Shah to make sure his length was on the mark or the Australian batsmen would take to him.

Yasir has captured 116 wickets in just 20 Tests since his debut against Australia in Dubai two years ago.

"I guess the extra bounce can play in your favour as a spin bowler at the Gabba, but it can also play against you," Smith said.

"Your length has to be spot on, generally there isn't too much turn -- it's more bounce, so length is crucial.

"And if you're slightly off your length, you can really cash in down the wicket and square of the wicket as well."

Smith added that rookie opener Matt Renshaw, who made his Test debut against South Africa in Adelaide this month, was adapting to his new environment.

"He's coming out of his shell in the last couple of days. I was impressed with the way he played last week and been impressed with the way that he trains".

"He's got beautiful hands in the slips cordon, the practice that we've done and the way that the ball goes into his hands is beautiful."

"I've been really impressed with that and hopefully he can have a really nice week at his home ground."

Gabba curator Kevin Mitchell said he would be surprised if the first pink-ball Test in Brisbane lasted five days.

"I think probably bat first, given the conditions," Mitchell said.

 

[MenInG]

Prepare for bouncer wars or atleast attack by Australia; couldn't be any clearer than that

 

[RamLakhan]

And Australian players cannot play to save their lives on Indian pitches!

 

[Major]

This is what i like about australia. They are playing 3-4 new guys even yet they have the guts to downplay the opposition

 

[Statsman]

Indian batsmen have enjoyed playing in Australia in the recent years. Even Sanga has a great record. I don't this statement is completely accurate.

 

[Major]

Indian batsmen have enjoyed playing in Australia in the recent years. Even Sanga has a great record. I don't this statement is completely accurate.

It isnt about enjoyment its about the fact that no one wins a series over here

 

[honeybadger]

He's not wrong but insecure people are going to take it personally anyway.

 

[Varun]

What is with the spurt of these inferiority complex induced statements of late?

 

[Bilal7]

So where are those people who were criticizing Riaz for saying he'll bowl with pace and exploit the bounce on offer? Looks like the Aussies don't know what to do either, eh?

Gabba curator Kevin Mitchell said he would be surprised if the first pink-ball Test in Brisbane lasted five days.

Lol. This guy does not have faith in the batters.

 

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

This is what i like about australia. They are playing 3-4 new guys even yet they have the guts to downplay the opposition

Because they are playing at home. They don't speak like that when they are touring abroad these days.

 

[Sin Nombre]

Top foreign players in Australia in the 21st century.

Essentially Smith's statement is incorrect; the best foreign players are also the best in Australia irrespective of nationality. Only exceptions are Younis Khan who has technical issues and Lara.

 

[Amirforpresident]

Because they are playing at home. They don't speak like that when they are touring abroad these days.

Isnt that the case with every team?

 

[Major]

Top foreign players in Australia in the 21st century.

Essentially Smith's statement is incorrect; the best foreign players are also the best in Australia irrespective of nationality. Only exceptions are Younis Khan who has technical issues and Lara.

Who cares who the best player in australia is when no asian team could win their.

Its not about personal records, its about actually winning a series over their

 

[Sin Nombre]

Who cares who the best player in australia is when no asian team could win their.

Its not about personal records, its about actually winning a series over their

My point is you can replace sub-continental sides with "anyone bar SA".

England mostly gets whitewashed 5-0 as well but plays them enough to catch them at a low point once in 3 decades.

 

[gani999]

Don't speak too soon, Smithy Boy, don't speak too soon

 

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

Isnt that the case with every team?

Yes but other teams don't get appreciated for showing their guts.

 

[Romali_rotti]

This is a bit silly by Smith, India handled the wickets here without much problem. I am sure Babar and Younis will handle the wickets here with no problems..... The Talent is there, it is the mindset you just dont know which Pakistani side will show up......

 

[Swaraj!!]

Please do read the whole OP.

Nowhere is Smith disrespectful.
He said he thinks that traditionally sub-continental players struggle with bounce, which is so true, it is just below the status of a Law.
He doesn't say we will run right over them.
He says we will try to exploit that and try to get them out with short pitched stuff.
And he praises Amir to no end.

I think it was a fair statement and Smith remains one of my favorite overseas player.

If Pakistan can get over the bounce factor, which, as I have noted in a different post, can help in quick scoring, they will definitely deserve the success. Smith isn't claiming victory before the event here, is he?

As fans, we are just reading a bit too much into player statement these days. First Anderson, now this.

 

[Boxer]

Couldn't agree with Smith more. Watch the people crying here about the umpiring standards once the Tests begins.

 

[Statsman]

I am afraid the top order will have to be very very good as the tail is weak and it will take Starc not more than 2 overs to dismiss no. 8 to 11.

 

[Pete Rose]

It won't be a bouncer barrage. All this talk (while accurate) about the weakness against pace and bounce and of possibly playing 4 fast bowlers, its literally meant to have Pakistani batsmen on the back foot even before they set foot on the ground.

I am pretty sure there are quite a few members in the squad hoping that Pakistan ends up bowling first.

 

[ExpressPacer]

Aussie batsmen wont be able to handle the pace and bounce against real fast bowlers either. Just because up till now you've played against Bhuvi Kumars and Dhammika Prasad's doesn't mean the day you will play real fast bowlers is far. LOL, even a young Ishant Sharma was good enough to make your best batsman cry for his life.

 

[Pete Rose]

Top foreign players in Australia in the 21st century.

Essentially Smith's statement is incorrect; the best foreign players are also the best in Australia irrespective of nationality. Only exceptions are Younis Khan who has technical issues and Lara.

there have been a few easy pitches in Australia the last few summers, but there's no doubting the pedigree of the asian batsmen who have performed well in Australia.

 

[Thivagar]

Sub continent batsmen choke on green pitches, they are lucky that Australia prepared less intimidating pitches in recent years to give sub-continent teams some chance. In return, sub-continent teams prepared rank turners and tried to capitalize on it.

 

[ShoonyaSifar]

Sub continent batsmen choke on green pitches, they are lucky that Australia prepared less intimidating pitches in recent years to give sub-continent teams some chance. In return, sub-continent teams prepared rank turners and tried to capitalize on it.

Other than the track at Mumbai in 2004-05, Australia have not played on a single square turner in India, wickets in UAE were normal wickets as well, same in SL.

 

[saeedhk]

He is spot on.

 

[Zak_Fan]

To be honest, Aussie pace has bounce hasn't rattled India for last many tours. If anything, Indians have out-batted Australia on most such surfaces.

 

[Metron]

Yes but other teams don't get appreciated for showing their guts.

Guts can only be shown in England, Australia and South Africa!

 

[Zak_Fan]

Sub continent batsmen choke on green pitches, they are lucky that Australia prepared less intimidating pitches in recent years to give sub-continent teams some chance. In return, sub-continent teams prepared rank turners and tried to capitalize on it.

It is like saying "Australia got lucky because BCCI didn't choose DRS and got screwed by umpires".

Nature of pitches was Australia's call, so no one got lucky. If you think of it, the only time Australia has struggled at home has been on fast and bouncy pitches. So maybe Aussies were well aware of what they were doing.

 

[Convict]

To be honest, Aussie pace has bounce hasn't rattled India for last many tours. If anything, Indians have out-batted Australia on most such surfaces.

To be honest India doesn't get the wickets that England does

 

[Convict]

It is like saying "Australia got lucky because BCCI didn't choose DRS and got screwed by umpires".

Nature of pitches was Australia's call, so no one got lucky. If you think of it, the only time Australia has struggled at home has been on fast and bouncy pitches. So maybe Aussies were well aware of what they were doing.

Australia schedules South Africa to play at the WACA every tour despite South Africa winning at the WACA every time.

The only concern for scheduling is $$$$$$$$$ and five day test matches

 

[Bilal7]

To be honest, Aussie pace has bounce hasn't rattled India for last many tours. If anything, Indians have out-batted Australia on most such surfaces.

India got some uber flat pitches for their last tour of Australia. Beaten 4:0 before that.

 

[AamchiMumbaikar]

India got some uber flat pitches for their last tour of Australia. Beaten 4:0 before that.

Pitches were flat for both 2011 and 2014 tours. We batted better 2nd time around as dead wood was removed hence drew couple of matches.

 

[Bilal7]

Pitches were flat for both 2011 and 2014 tours. We batted better 2nd time around as dead wood was removed hence drew couple of matches.

Aussie pitches had been especially flat after MJ's Ashes. The most recent series against South Africa saw a return to more traditional Aussie pitches.

 

[Mainul]

Indian batsmen have enjoyed playing in Australia in the recent years. Even Sanga has a great record. I don't this statement is completely accurate.

Indians play much better in Australia than Australia play in India. Believe me, i didn't see more than 8 to 10 overs of the last tour of Australia in India.Such a rubbish team Australia in in sub continent.

Smith, please look at yourself before making such comment.

 

[Mainul]

India got some uber flat pitches for their last tour of Australia. Beaten 4:0 before that.

Please don't underestimate their result.Except India, all other subcontinent team would have been rolled over even on that 'flat' Aussie pitches.Let's see what Pakistan do this time.

 

[AamchiMumbaikar]

Aussie pitches had been especially flat after MJ's Ashes. The most recent series against South Africa saw a return to more traditional Aussie pitches.

Hmmm

By sun continent maybe Smith meant Pak and Bdesh batsmen? Indian and Lankan batsmen have done decent.

 

[Zak_Fan]

India got some uber flat pitches for their last tour of Australia. Beaten 4:0 before that.

The pitches were no different to the ones where England got whitewashed 5-0.

 

[Metron]

Indians play much better in Australia than Australia play in India. Believe me, i didn't see more than 8 to 10 overs of the last tour of Australia in India.Such a rubbish team Australia in in sub continent.

Smith, please look at yourself before making such comment.

Despite all that, Aussies still have a far better win record in the subcontinent than the Asian teams down under!

Asian teams have won just 2/36 tests in Australia in the last 20 years,

while Australia has won 12/40

 

[Zak_Fan]

Australia schedules South Africa to play at the WACA every tour despite South Africa winning at the WACA every time.

The only concern for scheduling is $$$$$$$$$ and five day test matches

Still, it is an Aussie concern, how do you justify this being used as an excuse to take the credit away from touring sides. You decide the pitches, so there is no point in whining about it later.

Also, it can not be argued that India has been more competitive in Australia, when wickets had something for the bowler. So to say that Indians got lucky is nothing but delusions.

 

[Mainul]

Despite all that, Aussies still have a far better win record in the subcontinent than the Asian teams down under!

Asian teams have won just 2/36 tests in Australia in the last 20 years,

while Australia has won 12/40

I didn't take into consideration of test matches before last 5 years.You are right , the team lead by Border, Taylor,Waugh,Ponting was something else but this present team lead by Smith and by Clark previously are just rubbish in playing spin.

 

[Metron]

I didn't take into consideration of test matches before last 5 years.You are right , the team lead by Border, Taylor,Waugh,Ponting was something else but this present team lead by Smith and by Clark previously are just rubbish in playing spin.

Ok, you kinda messed up the Captains and their timeline.

If we compare last 10 years, the only Asian team managing a win(1) in australia is india, the only Asian team to manage a draw has been India. (3)

Australia has sucked comparable to Asian teams, not worse. I would still bet on Australia winning a series in Asia than an Asian team winning down under.

Note: In the last 10 years all teams have not won much away from home. Australia's non Asian away record is far superior than any other team.

 

[Convict]

Still, it is an Aussie concern, how do you justify this being used as an excuse to take the credit away from touring sides. You decide the pitches, so there is no point in whining about it later.

Also, it can not be argued that India has been more competitive in Australia, when wickets had something for the bowler. So to say that Indians got lucky is nothing but delusions.

I've never said that India are lucky.

 

[Bilal7]

Please don't underestimate their result.Except India, all other subcontinent team would have been rolled over even on that 'flat' Aussie pitches.Let's see what Pakistan do this time.

You don't get it, do you? Those pitches were extremely flat. Since the last two series, Australian pitches have gone back to being more balanced.

The pitches were no different to the ones where England got whitewashed 5-0.

Zameen Aasmaan ka fark tha. They couldn't have been more different. Watch the highlights of each series again.

 

[Thivagar]

The pitches were no different to the ones where England got whitewashed 5-0.

LOL you serious ? No and a HECK NO to the last series that India played.

 

[Thivagar]

It is like saying "Australia got lucky because BCCI didn't choose DRS and got screwed by umpires".

Nature of pitches was Australia's call, so no one got lucky. If you think of it, the only time Australia has struggled at home has been on fast and bouncy pitches. So maybe Aussies were well aware of what they were doing.

Poor comparison, nature of the pitch was dictated by the Aussies only cause they probably wanted to give some fighting chance or else why would they make a pitch that is totally suitable for the opponent ? There is also the revenue aspect. Even in SL, pitches become more flat when India tours as advertisement and revenue plays a major role in hosting India for a Test series.

 

[Thivagar]

Still, it is an Aussie concern, how do you justify this being used as an excuse to take the credit away from touring sides. You decide the pitches, so there is no point in whining about it later.

Also, it can not be argued that India has been more competitive in Australia, when wickets had something for the bowler. So to say that Indians got lucky is nothing but delusions.

Lets see some proof for that. Lets see all the stats. I'd like to see how you back your claim. Don't forget that India tours Australia more frequently than Pak and SL. India is actually the worst team abroad. When you consider all these factors.

 

[Zak_Fan]

Poor comparison, nature of the pitch was dictated by the Aussies only cause they probably wanted to give some fighting chance or else why would they make a pitch that is totally suitable for the opponent ? There is also the revenue aspect. Even in SL, pitches become more flat when India tours as advertisement and revenue plays a major role in hosting India for a Test series.

Again, more nonsense. The only pitches India performs well in overseas tour are the ones that have plenty for bowlers. Flat pitches don't give India a fighting chance, but eliminate all the possibilities of an Indian win.

As for Sri Lanka providing India easy pitches, strain your memory and remember what happened the last time India toured Sri Lanka. Pitches India got in England were way more sporting compared to the subcontinental tracks Sri Lanka and Pakistan got.

Just because your FTBs do nothing outside Asia doesn't mean that every pitch India bats on becomes flat.

 

[Zak_Fan]

Lets see some proof for that. Lets see all the stats. I'd like to see how you back your claim. Don't forget that India tours Australia more frequently than Pak and SL. India is actually the worst team abroad. When you consider all these factors.

Thank your board for this. With a near 100% loss record in Australia, sides likes Pakistan and SL should be happy about it.

 

[Thivagar]

Again, more nonsense. The only pitches India performs well in overseas tour are the ones that have plenty for bowlers. Flat pitches don't give India a fighting chance, but eliminate all the possibilities of an Indian win.

As for Sri Lanka providing India easy pitches, strain your memory and remember what happened the last time India toured Sri Lanka. Pitches India got in England were way more sporting compared to the subcontinental tracks Sri Lanka and Pakistan got.

Just because your FTBs do nothing outside Asia doesn't mean that every pitch India bats on becomes flat.

Is that why India keeps getting white washed abroad despite touring Australia and England often. Oh yeah, not to forget that India gets to play during the nice summer period of December- January in Australia and late July-August months of England unlike SL. Is that why Kiwis smashed nearly 700+ runs and 500+ runs against India in 2 Test matches ?

Look who is talking about FTB ? How many 400s runs have been scored in India ? How many 350+ runs have been scored and chased in India? You only watch when India faces SL, and often they are on pitches meant to last 5 days due to tv revenues and hence your view is subdued.

 

[Zak_Fan]

Is that why India keeps getting white washed abroad despite touring Australia and England often. Oh yeah, not to forget that India gets to play during the nice summer period of December- January in Australia and late July-August months of England unlike SL. Stop your nonsense with India getting more bowling friendly pitches. Is that why Kiwis smashed nearly 700+ runs and 500+ runs against India in 2 Test matches ?

Look who is talking about FTB ? How many 400s runs have been scored in India ? How many 350+ runs have been scored and chased in India? You only watch when India faces SL, and often they are on pitches meant to last 5 days due to tv revenues and hence your view is subdued.

You claim that Sri Lanka provides India with batting tracks. Now do me a favor, and look up as to what kind of tracks Sri Lanka provided to India. Flat tracks?

Talking of England, India faced way tougher tracks compared to the battas and turners that were served to Sri Lanka and Pakistan. So what should we conclude based on this?

 

[Thivagar]

Thank your board for this. With a near 100% loss record in Australia, sides likes Pakistan and SL should be happy about it.

There wouldn't be a 100% loss record if SL and Pak had played more than 5 and 7 matches in 10 years and played on easier pitches like India had been playing. LOI is a totally different ball game. SL is the only team with winning record vs Australia in Australia in ODI and T20s in the last several years. Pakistan that played in the 2004 team was very different from the team that toured in 2009 to 2010.

India had more in game experience touring abroad, got easier pitches and played on warmer weather in the summer and not during the spring. I don't even know what to say.

 

[Zak_Fan]

Is that why India keeps getting white washed abroad despite touring Australia and England often. Oh yeah, not to forget that India gets to play during the nice summer period of December- January in Australia and late July-August months of England unlike SL. Stop your nonsense with India getting more bowling friendly pitches. Is that why Kiwis smashed nearly 700+ runs and 500+ runs against India in 2 Test matches ?

Oh, is this supposed to be a justification for your 100% loss record across decades? Let's say you toured in the month of your choice, what do you think will be your record then?

Look who is talking about FTB ? How many 400s runs have been scored in India ? How many 350+ runs have been scored and chased in India? You only watch when India faces SL, and often they are on pitches meant to last 5 days due to tv revenues and hence your view is subdued. Why are you so insecure and sensitive ?

Again, something that makes no sense. How are runs scored in India even relevant here? The point is, Indian batsmen perform way better away than your FTBs, giving an impression that the tracks are flatter than they really are.

 

[Thivagar]

You claim that Sri Lanka provides India with batting tracks. Now do me a favor, and look up as to what kind of tracks Sri Lanka provided to India. Flat tracks?

Talking of England, India faced way tougher tracks compared to the battas and turners that were served to Sri Lanka and Pakistan. So what should we conclude based on this?

So you think there is just a rank turner, green track, and a flat track ? Tracks don't come in 1 out of 3 options. There is not black and white. When India tours SL, the pitch doesn't spin like it would normally so, the bounce is reduced and the pace of the pitch becomes slower.

India never faced tougher tracks than SL or Pak. End of story. Stop trying to convince yourself and others in order to lessen your insecurities. I already explained and from my experience of reading your other comments, there is no point in explaining anything further. I will not reply and waste my time with you.

 

[Metron]

There wouldn't be a 100% loss record if SL and Pak had played more than 5 and 7 matches in 10 years and played on easier pitches like India had been playing. LOI is a totally different ball game. SL is the only team with winning record vs Australia in Australia in ODI and T20s in the last several years. Pakistan that played in the 2004 team was very different from the team that toured in 2009 to 2010.

India had more in game experience touring abroad, got easier pitches and played on warmer weather in the summer and not during the spring. I don't even know what to say.

Just adding... when India bats, the pitch is flattened by road rollers and all grass shaved off.
When India bowls, the pitch has cracks and dust bowl for spinners.

or the opposition is forced to bat with one hand only against India!

PS: India has a winning record against Australia in Australia in T20s

 

[Zak_Fan]

So you think there is just a rank turner, green track, and a flat track ? Tracks don't come in 1 out of 3 options. There is not black and white. When India tours SL, the pitch doesn't spin like it would normally so, the bounce is reduced and the pace of the pitch becomes slower.

India never faced tougher tracks than SL or Pak. End of story. Stop trying to convince yourself and others in order to lessen your insecurities. I already explained and from my experience of reading your other comments, there is no point in explaining anything further. I will not reply and waste my time with you.

Because you have no points to explain. Pitches Sri Lanka served to India were as bowler friendly as they have ever been. As for the English tour, the pitches India played on were far tougher than dry battas Sri Lanka and Pakistan got.

If you deny the above, then there isn't really much anyone can say.

 

[Thivagar]

Oh, is this supposed to be a justification for your 100% loss record across decades? Let's say you toured in the month of your choice, what do you think will be your record then?



Again, something that makes no sense. How are runs scored in India even relevant here? The point is, Indian batsmen perform way better away than your FTBs, giving an impression that the tracks are flatter than they really are.

Already told you, not going to waste my time with jingoists that have very little knowledge or understanding of the game. Go over what I said and google everything. You will find the answer and will learn for yourself if you want to although I highly doubt so.

 

[Sidilicious]

India got some uber flat pitches for their last tour of Australia. Beaten 4:0 before that.

Its funny, because you always under rate Kohli's centuries as they were uber flat pitches.

But why dont you give the benefit of doubt to the Indian bowlers on bowling on the same uber flat pitches? Especially a certain Mr Ashwin?

 

[street cricketer]

In all honesty, the present generation of asian batsmen do no seem to struggle too much against true bounce. The modern batsmen are used to facing bowlers at high pace and so it isn't as big a hurdle like it used to be in the past. Even the past Indian generation did well at Australia. Yeah the last series was very flat and India generally does well at Adelaide (which is a batting track) but they did win at Perth as well in 2007.

It is when the ball moves around that most asian batsmen are like fish out of the water.

 

[Archer]

Like predicted, we got carried away with the bounce and weren't pitching it up barring Amir leading to a very atrocious performance both in fielding and bowling. Just waiting to see how we respond to pace and bounce when batting in the second innings whether we will be able to handle Starc and Hazelwood. Who am I kidding Jackson Bird will probably be a handful for us this series

 

[Bilal7]

Its funny, because you always under rate Kohli's centuries as they were uber flat pitches.

But why dont you give the benefit of doubt to the Indian bowlers on bowling on the same uber flat pitches? Especially a certain Mr Ashwin?

Am I lying? Were those pitches not some of the flattest that we've seen in this decade? I'm not underrating anything, I'm just stating facts.

What benefit of doubt should be given? Ashwin bowled so terribly that he was dropped and then Lyon took a 10-fer to comprehensively outbowl him. Otherwise, it's common knowledge that that series was incredibly tough for the bowlers. No wonder there were so many complaints from the Aussies, despite them winning it 2:0.

Look at the current match, Shah took only one wicket for 90 runs but anyone who saw the match would know that he bowled very well, after that initial leg-stump tactic was done away with. It's not always about the bare numbers, the impact that a bowler has also matters.

 

[Sidilicious]

Am I lying? Were those pitches not some of the flattest that we've seen in this decade? I'm not underrating anything, I'm just stating facts.

What benefit of doubt should be given? Ashwin bowled so terribly that he was dropped and then Lyon took a 10-fer to comprehensively outbowl him. Otherwise, it's common knowledge that that series was incredibly tough for the bowlers. No wonder there were so many complaints from the Aussies, despite them winning it 2:0.

Look at the current match, Shah took only one wicket for 90 runs but anyone who saw the match would know that he bowled very well, after that initial leg-stump tactic was done away with. It's not always about the bare numbers, the impact that a bowler has also matters.

So when talking about Ashwin why dont you also look beyond stats?

Ash did not bowl in the match where Lyon took 10 wickets. Ash was not played because Kohli wanted to play a leggie and not an offie.

In the other matches, if it was tough for Lyon and all the other bowlers, then was it not tough for Ash? If it was tough for all bowlers, then Ash should also get the benefit of doubt.

If you want to look at the way Yasir has bowled despite giving away 129 for only 2 wickets, then you also need to see the way Ash bowls now and how he is different from the Ash of 2014.

Your logic needs to work both ways.

 

[Hawkeye]

Yeah, this may be true for other sides.

But our bats carting around Starc and co for fun.

 

[Pete Rose]

Pakistan have played very well on this tour and they must not lose heart. Do more of the same for three more innings and the Australian batting will slip up some stage.