AFP, Melbourne :
Pakistan say they have the momentum heading into the Boxing Day Melbourne Test after giving Australia a mighty fright during an epic run-chase in the opening clash of the series.
The tourists fell just 39 short of a mammoth 490-run target on the fifth and final day of the Gabba Test, led by a magnificent 137 from Asad Shafiq.
Steve Smith was a relieved captain as his Australia team fell over the line after the last five Pakistan wickets piled on 230 runs to get within sight of a world-record Test run chase.
The gruelling 145-over fourth innings has taken its toll on the Australian bowlers with selectors adding bowling all-rounder Hilton Cartwright to the squad as a precaution while their recovery is assessed.
The tourists’ batting coach, Gary Flower, said the Australians can expect another hard slog on an abrasive drop-in Melbourne Cricket Ground wicket in expected sweltering conditions as Pakistan fight to level the three-match series.
“The confidence they have gained since that last innings and that momentum will definitely help carry them on into this Test,” former Zimbabwean Test batsman Flower said.
Pakistan say they have the momentum heading into the Boxing Day Melbourne Test after giving Australia a mighty fright during an epic run-chase in the opening clash of the series.
The tourists fell just 39 short of a mammoth 490-run target on the fifth and final day of the Gabba Test, led by a magnificent 137 from Asad Shafiq.
Steve Smith was a relieved captain as his Australia team fell over the line after the last five Pakistan wickets piled on 230 runs to get within sight of a world-record Test run chase.
The gruelling 145-over fourth innings has taken its toll on the Australian bowlers with selectors adding bowling all-rounder Hilton Cartwright to the squad as a precaution while their recovery is assessed.
The tourists’ batting coach, Gary Flower, said the Australians can expect another hard slog on an abrasive drop-in Melbourne Cricket Ground wicket in expected sweltering conditions as Pakistan fight to level the three-match series.
“The confidence they have gained since that last innings and that momentum will definitely help carry them on into this Test,” former Zimbabwean Test batsman Flower said.
