3 minute read
There are some key questions ahead of Australia's series-deciding second Test against Pakistan in Abu Dhabi.
KEY QUESTIONS FOR AUSTRALIA'S 2ND TEST AGAINST PAKISTAN:
* Did the fightback in Dubai simply paper over the cracks?
Take nothing away from Australia's remarkable comeback in the first Test. Usman Khawaja, Tim Paine and Travis Head all showed true grit in the toughest of circumstances to grind out an improbable draw. But concerns remain after the tourists lost 10 wickets for just 60 runs in the first innings and suffered another mini-collapse in the second dig. Getting out of jail once is hard enough. The Aussies simply have to bat long this time to give themselves a chance of victory.
* Where do the Marsh brothers fit into the equation?
The logic behind having the Marsh brothers, who combined for just 19 runs in Dubai, at No.3 and No.4 is sound. Shaun Marsh is the only obvious candidate to bat as high as No.3 with Khawaja opening the batting. It also allows for a mix of left and right-handers to disrupt Pakistan's bowlers. But it's hard to see Mitch Marsh remaining at No.4, a position he seems unsuited for with a first-class average of just 32. Head looms as the man to promote after making 72 on debut in Dubai.
* Can Mitchell Starc find the right ingredients?
Punishing heat and a docile pitch combined to dampen Starc's lethal strike bowling in Dubai, where he managed just one wicket. The left-armer was able to conjure some reverse swing but not nearly to the same extent as Pakistan seamer Mohammad Abbas, who claimed seven scalps. Either way, it's unlikely there'll be as much on offer in the series decider.
* Have the Aussies found the key to restricting Yasir Shah?
Pakistan's ace legspinner made a frustrating return to Test cricket with Khawaja and Head both employing the sweep shot against him to great effect. One of the best spinners in the world on his day, Yasir went wicketless in the first innings. The dimunitive tweaker lifted late to finish with four wickets but couldn't do enough to end Paine's valiant stand. The Aussies will nonetheless remain wary of Yasir and offspinner Bilal Asif.
