In the wake of a disappointing end of the Rawalpindi Test match largely due to a flat pitch, Australia may go for two spinners for the remainder of the Test series.
In a post-Test media conference on Tuesday, Australian skipper Pat Cummins suggested using two spinners in the series. The best strategy ahead now is to include two spinners for the rest of the series, Cummins said.
“Though it would hardly have made any difference on this placid pitch, the best way forward now is to include two spinners for the rest of the series, Cummins added.
“Which two spinners to play would be decided once we see the pitch at the National Stadium for the second Test.”
The Australian media, however, has reported that spinner Mitchell Swepson is likely to make his debut in the Karachi Test.
Cummins stated that the pitch was unsuitable for bowlers.”Draw looked like the only possibility on a pitch where there was nothing for the bowlers.”
One positive coming out of the Test, Cummins said, was the batting practise his leading batters got.
“Majority of the Australian batters stayed long at the wicket, having good look at the wicket and conditions they will be facing for the rest of the series.”
He said that it was never a traditional Pindi pitch. “What we have learned and seen, the pitch here was not the one this stadium is known for.”
Cummins did not agree with the opinion that Lyon would be low in confidence as he failed to impress.
“He is an experienced bowler, knowing when to get into the top groove. The next Test will be a new beginning for the bowler.”
He praised the Pindi spectators as respectful and the ones that kept the Test lively. “Crowd played its part. Good supportive crowd, we have got throughout. That is great to see such a noisy and lively crowd.”
Cummins also had a word of praise for Pakistan batters, saying that they made the most of the opportunities coming their way.
“After winning the toss, they made the best of the opportunity, scoring big. The same thing happened in the second innings. The two openers scored centuries to fully utilise the nature of the pitch.”
He said that drawing as an outcome was a fair conclusion. “We are not worried about the draw. It was a fair outcome in the end.”
