With defeat in Sydney Test match, miseries of Pakistan in the series came to an end. Third victory of the series made it 12 consecutive wins for the Australians in home Tests against Pakistani touring teams as Pakistan faced four clean sweeps in a row dating back to 1999. It is also the first time in Test history that Pakistan lost 6 consecutive Tests.
Looking at the recent dismal performance of Pakistan, it is hard to imagine that same team was ranked top in the ICC rankings just few months before. After leveling series in hard condition of England, fans of Pakistan were hopeful that their team would give tough contest to the host teams in New Zealand and Australia. But the fact is hard to digest that Pakistan have lost six matches in a row and without showing any fight.
After losing series captain of Pakistan Misbah-ul-Haq while talking to media raised questions on the fitness level of players to put up a fight in Australian conditions. But it seems that players are not lacking only fitness but also the skills to play in tough conditions.
Biggest disappointment of the series was abysmal performance of bowlers. In six innings Pakistani bowlers could managed to take all ten wickets only once. In second innings of Sydney Test Australia smashed 241 for the loss of two wickets in mere 32 overs at run rate of 7.53. Scoring at a rollicking run rate was unprecedented; it was painful for Pakistani fans to witness thrashing of Pakistani bowlers. Pakistan is a country which has produced many legend bowlers of the game.
Batsmen showed some resilience in second innings of Brisbane Test but their overall performance in the series was a big disappointment too.
They could not survive only two sessions in Melbourne Test to save the match. Last Test at Sydney further proved that Pakistan need to improve immensely in bowling, batting and fielding. Australia outplayed Pakistan in all three departments of the game.
Coaching staff should also be made answerable to explain pathetic performance of the team. After series Pakistan Cricket Board, selection committee and coaches of national team are left with a lot to ponder to bring Pakistan back on winning track.
There is dire need to explore new talent, Pakistan has produced great fast bowlers over the years but now hardly any bowler in the squad can touch 150kmph mark. Same is the story of bating talent; we have seen a significant decline in this department, young batsmen despite being given number of opportunities are unable to impress with their performances. Younis Khan and Misbah ul Haq are at the end of their career, new players need to step up to grab the chance to cement their place.
Now Pakistan would play five One Day Internationals against Australia, but even before the start of series team coaches have shown their reservations on the fitness level of the players. It is a proven fact that after compromising on fitness of players no team can survive for long at international level.
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