New Delhi: The Australian team breathed a sigh of relief on Monday as they denied the possibility of losing a Test match against Pakistan at the Gabba. The day-night match saw a nail-biting finish on the final day as no one expected the game to take such a dramatic turn.
The resilience by the batsmen not only gave hope to visitors, as they did have the chance to create history in Australia, but it also shows the character of their lower middle order batting.
Australians, who were the favourites from the beginning of the Test series, were seen losing the grip on the match after Asad Shafiq's heroics. The Aussie, who were riding on their trio pace attack of Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazelwood, and Jackson Bird saw their bowlers struggling to take wickets at the right time.
Pakistan, who were bundled out only for 142 runs in the first innings, came back strongly in the second innings and batted out of their skin against the Aussie pace attack. All their batsman showed tremendous responsibility and tried their best to save the match.
After winning the match, the Australian selectors decided to retain their squad for the boxing day Test match at Melbourne from 26 December.
Australia named an unchanged 12-man squad Monday for the Boxing Day Test after their Gabba fright against Pakistan. They also kept paceman Chadd Sayers in their squad for the second of the three-Test series at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
But Cricket Australia said selectors will assess the players over the next 24 hours and may yet call for reinforcements if required.
Australia: Matt Renshaw, David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Steve Smith (capt), Peter Handscomb, Nic Maddinson, Matthew Wade, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Nathan Lyon, Jackson Bird, Chadd Sayers.
(with AFP inputs)
