Veteran cricket commentator Ian Healy didn’t hold back in criticizing Australia’s batting approach during their opening ODI against Pakistan, likening it to “schoolyard” tactics and calling out their lack of patience in what became a nerve-wracking two-wicket win.
Australia nearly failed to chase down a modest score of 204 on their turf after a disastrous collapse left them at 6-139 in the 21st over before Pat Cummins’ heroic 32* helped them over the line. Pakistan’s Haris Rauf tore through Australia’s middle order, removing Marnus Labuschagne and Glenn Maxwell in consecutive deliveries, just after top-scorer Josh Inglis (49) was dismissed.
Labuschagne (16) and Aaron Hardie (10) faced criticism for their rash shot selection, with Labuschagne guiding an easy catch to third man and Hardie attempting an ill-advised square cut on a ball that clattered into his stumps. Openers Matt Short (1) and Jake Fraser-McGurk (16) also fell cheaply, showing little intent to stabilize the innings.
“Our shot selection was poor,” Healy said, “and it felt like Short and Fraser-McGurk were playing like schoolyard bullies. They ignored the conditions. Mitch Starc and the bowlers said the pitch was two-paced and unpredictable, but the batters didn’t adjust and showed no respect for the opposition… their egos got in the way. Inglis and Smith made some effort, and then Cummins had to clean it up.”
The reckless approach left Australia on the verge of an embarrassing opening defeat, until Cummins, known for his finishing touch under pressure, came through once again. With 32 off 31 balls, he and Starc forged a crucial ninth-wicket stand to bring Australia over the line.
Ian Healy will be looking for a much improved batting display from his nation during the second game on November 8th.
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