3 changes that can help Pakistan beat Australia in the Second Test

The first Test match of the series between Pakistan and Australia saw Pakistan dominated the Kangaroos for four consecutive days, only to loosen the noose and let them slip through on the last day.

It was embarrassing not just for captain Sarfraz Ahmed, but the entire team to let an easy win slip through their hands like that and miss a chance to go 1-up against Australia.

Beginning their second innings, Pakistan already saw themselves in a comfortable position with a 280-run lead after scoring 482 in the first innings and bowling Australia out for only 202.

However, a slow progress from Pakistan in the second innings, along with a delayed declaration gave Australia an opportunity which they pounced on immediately and put on one of the bravest displays of defence in recent history.

They rode on the back of Usman Khawaja’s phenomenal knock of 141 runs in 302 in an innings that lasted 524 minutes. He was supported well by Travis Head and Tim Paine who saw the end overs through.

The drawn Test was a painful one for Pakistan, and they need to make some changes to ensure they come back stronger and better and push for a victory in the last of the two-match series.

Let’s take a look at the three changes Pakistan should make to ensure they dominate the second Test even more.

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#3 Make Azhar Ali open the innings

Azhar Ali scored his first triple-century against West Indies

Azhar Ali averages 47.25 in Tests in which he has opened the innings. This is higher than his career average of 44.27. Currently, he is surprisingly being sent to bat at No. 3, where he averages just under 42 and hasn’t been doing too well.

He’s also scored his memorable triple century against the West Indies, and a double century against Australia, both in Dubai, at the same position.

Pakistan needs to revive Azhar Ali’s form by sending him up in the opening slot once again with long-term partner Mohammad Hafeez. The two experienced men have the potential to provide Pakistan good opening partnerships.

With Imam-ul-Haq out of the second Test due to a fractured finger, it makes sense to send in an experienced man into the opening slot rather than bringing in a new face.

A strong opening partnership in the first innings is always the key to a team’s win.

#2 Rest Wahab Riaz

Wahab Riaz is past his prime

Wahab Riaz was an extraordinary bowler who could bowl fast with a lot of seam and swing. However, now Wahab Riaz is simply left with praises of his past performances and with nothing to justify his current selection.

Since the beginning of 2017, Riaz has managed only 11 wickets in eight innings at an average of 36. His last outing was in the first Test of this series where he went without taking any wickets.

Famous for his fiery spell against Australia in the 2015 World Cup, Wahab Riaz has seen that fire die down over the past 2-3 years as new Pakistani bowlers have come in and done better.

Just like Bilal Asif’s unimaginable success in the first Test, Pakistan could give a Test cap to Mir Hamza to make his debut in the second match.

While Shadab Khan remains the other option for selection, Pakistan already have two decent spinners and will need some pace which Mir Hamza could provide.

Hamza has taken 278 wickets in 56 First Class matches with an impressive average of 17.74 and 26 five-wicket hauls.

#1 Push Sarfraz Ahmed up the order

Sarfraz Ahmed needs to regain form as soon as possible

Sarfraz Ahmed has been doing extremely poor with the bat in his recent outings for the Men in Green. In 10 matches since 2017, he’s scored only 424 runs at an average of 26.50 with the highest score of 72.

This is poor for a captain who likes to lead from the front and take his team along with not only his captaincy. Now is the time for Sarfraz to change his fortunes.

If Azhar Ali is to open the innings, Sarfraz could push himself to the No.3 or No.4 position in hopes of improving his show with the bat. Pakistan currently has some solid middle-order batsmen in their lineup, and Sarfraz could use that to his benefit to regain some form.

There is no doubt that Sarfraz is a handy batsman while being a good captain and wicketkeeper, and he needs to regain batting form as soon as possible to help his team get on the winning track.

Pakistan can fill the void in the lower order with Usman Salahuddin, who’s an extremely talented middle-order batsman waiting to make his debut and has an outstanding first-class record.

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