Australia vs Pakistan 2019: 3 talking points from the series

#1 Has Pakistan’s famed fast bowling prowess gone stale?

Is this the end for Wahaz Riaz?

Over the years, Pakistan have perhaps boasted one of the most potent bowling attacks across the globe. Several exciting fast-bowlers have come through the ranks and subsequently, sent ripples through the cricketing circuit, courtesy their brand of pace and swing.

However, in the past eighteen months or so, they haven’t been able to break open games as frequently, meaning that the onus has shifted onto the batsmen. And, that isn’t a particularly pleasing sight, as those acquainted with Pakistan cricket would testify.

Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Irfan and Wahab Riaz were primarily preferred but the three of them were carted all over the park by the Aussies as they made merry on the triumvirate’s predictable line and length.

More worryingly though, when confronted with such belligerence, the fast bowlers seemed devoid of any ideas. And, while going for runs in the odd game isn’t that big an ailment, not knowing how to react certainly is.

Inevitably, one is led to question if the aforementioned pacers are past their expiry date and if Wahab in particular, has anything more to offer to Pakistan cricket, considering his age and one-dimensional modus operandi. As for Amir, he is slightly younger and more skilful and might even find another avenue to prize out wickets.

Yet, for the first time in quite a while, a Pakistan bowling line-up looked clueless and that, above everything else, would be a facet they would want to rectify at the earliest.