Published: Nov 03, 2014, 03:49 PM (IST)
Edited: Nov 04, 2014, 10:05 PM (IST)
Pakistan beat Australia by 356 runs in the second Test in Abu Dhabi to clinch the series 2-0. This is their second whitewash over a top-ranked side in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). It is a victory that could mark the beginning of a new phase for a side that was down on confidence and under enormous pressure. Nishad Pai Vaidya writes about Pakistan’s historic victory over the Aussies.
Since 2009, Pakistan have had a tough time in Test cricket. Playing away from home, in the aftermath of that horrific attack on the Sri Lankan team bus, Pakistan have had to find sanctuary in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), their adopted home. Since then, they’ve played one “home series” in England, six in the UAE and had one relocated to New Zealand. This had an impact on their record — in 47 Tests since March 2009, Pakistan have won 17 and lost 20. Thus, the latest victory against Australia comes as a huge boost to Pakistan cricket as they have trumped a side that looked poised to dominate their authority.
This isn’t the first time Pakistan have whitewashed a higher-ranked side in a Test series in the UAE. Back in 2012, they beat England 3-0 with an overdose of spin. This time, their batsmen combined to pile the misery on Australia and the bowlers finished the job. Interestingly, it is only during these two series that Pakistan have looked well and truly dominant in the UAE. Out of the five Test series they have played in the UAE since 2009, they have only won two — against England and Sri Lanka. On other occasions, the oppositions have managed a draw. If one extends this back to 2002, when Pakistan played two series — against West Indies and Australia — then Pakistan have won four out of eight rubbers there.
While one may say that a 50 percent series-victory record at “home” is moderate, it doesn’t reflect the true details. Breaking it down into game-by-game record, it makes it more clear. Pakistan have won 10 out of their 19 Tests in the UAE and lost only four. Since 2009, they have won eight out of 15 and lost only two. One can say that this is an anomaly of sorts. On one hand, their series record isn’t as good, but they have the matches under their belt to show.
So, what does the latest victory mean for Pakistan? For starters, it blends that confidence into the system, that was shattered after the defeat in the One-Day Internationals (ODIs). It wasn’t so much about the defeats, but the manner in which they lost the games, none more embarrassing than the last ODI at Abu Dhabi. With this dominant performance, Pakistan would regain their confidence and believe they have the quality to come good.
Secondly, the seniors, Younis Khan and Misbah-ul-Haq, are back in business. Both have been under fire for various reasons. With their performances, they have shown that age is only a number. The old warhorses have shown great fitness levels and have delivered for their sides. Misbah has not only vindicated himself as captain, but also as an aggressive skipper. He is often criticised for playing too slowly. This series, he had the freedom and he smashed his way to the fastest Test ton, putting him at par with the great Viv Richards. This ton will also bolster his confidence ahead of some important ODI assignments.
Thirdly, Pakistan have shown that they need to play more Test cricket. If given enough opportunities, they can blend into a dangerous side. With more Tests coming their way, they will only get stronger and better. As one saw at Abu Dhabi, the crowd started coming in when Pakistan started doing well. You will only pull the crowds for Test cricket if the favoured side plays well.
This victory could mark the beginning of a new phase for Pakistan cricket. Some said the same about them back in 2012, when they beat England, but beating Australia is a different tale. Pakistan were under pressure on all counts! They rose like a phoenix, as some would say.
Complete coverage of Pakistan vs Australia 2014 in UAE
(Nishad Pai Vaidya is a Correspondent with CricketCountry and anchor for the site’s YouTube Channel. His Twitter handle is @nishad_45)
