Tale of play: Pakistan win first session, Australia win first day

When Azhar Ali won the toss and opted to bat on day one of the opening Test against Australia, the decision was pretty much predictable. 

Pakistan batting looks in good touch so why not give it a go? Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah and Imran Khan Sr, though lack in experience, but do offer promise of big or at least better things. 

One questionable call was the exclusion of Mohammad Abbas who has troubled Aussie batsmen and hunts at average of just 10.58 runs in Tests against the hosts.

Azhar and Shan Masood started the proceedings and played quite well. They gave the due respect to experienced and attacking Australian pace battery, and by lunch had helped Pakistan reach 57 for none, which can be considered as more than a decent start. 

It is worth noting that it’s the first time ever that Australia failed to take a wicket in the first session of a Test match at Gabba when bowling first. 

Azhar and Shan’s 75-run stand is the highest by any away team's openers in the first innings of a Test in Brisbane. The record was previously held by New Zealand's Bruce Edgar and John Wright, who had shared an opening partnership of 64. 

Of course, it’s tough to score on Gabba for openers, but Australian pacers attacked mostly on good length post-lunch and got the rewards. 

First, Cummins disturbed Shan's rhythm with short balls and change of angles, eventually getting him caught in the second slip for 27. 

A few balls later, Azhar faltered after he had contributed a well-made 39. This time it was Hazelwood who bowled an excellent delivery outside the off stump to Azhar, which he edged to the first slip. 

Haris Sohail continued his uninspiring run and was caught behind on the bowling of Mitchell Starc. He never looked settled. His habit of playing away from the body and a lack of footwork is creating massive problems for him. 

Wonder boy Babar Azam slashed too hard to a very wide delivery early in his innings and became the second victim of Hazelwood. That's five times Hazlewood has dismissed Babar in seven innings.

Since the start of 2018, Azam has attacked 25 per cent of the first 20 deliveries of pace he has faced, which is pretty high. 

At one point, Pakistan had lost four wickets for just three runs over 39 balls. Then Lyon joined the party and grabbed a wicket with the first ball of his spell. He got Iftikhar Ahmed caught by Labuschagne (7 off 18).

Asad Shafiq was looking in great touch and played some beautiful shots. He is generally considered a strong player of full-pitched bowling but today he played some delightful pull shots as well. 

In the second session, Australia took five wickets and Pakistan made 68 runs. That’s how Pakistan failed to make the most of their solid start to the day. 

Rizwan counter-attacked and tried his best to keep the scoreboard ticking. During his innings, he scored 13 runs off one Pat Cummins over. 

Unfortunately he fell to a bizarre decision by umpires when he was judged caught behind on a clear no ball by Cummins. He made a brisk 37. 

Yasir Shah also chipped in with a 26-run cameo. Azhar, meanwhile, made 76 with seven delightful boundaries. He was bowled out by Cummins on a beautiful delivery which jagged back and hit the top of the middle stump.

Starc, Cummins and Hazelwood took four, three and two wickets respectively. They came back pretty strongly after a decent start by Pakistan in the first session.

From none for 75, to four for 78 and then all-out for 240 tells the story of Pakistan’s seesaw innings. We can safely say that Pakistan won the first session but lost the other two badly. 

Australia are now in the driver’s seat and there is a huge responsibility on Pakistan’s fast bowlers. If Pakistan can dismiss the Australian top order in the first half tomorrow, only then a match can be made of this. 

Otherwise, its pretty much game over for team Pakistan. Let’s hope for a spirited fightback from Pakistani bowlers and a better performance from batters in the second innings.