Don't be afraid (or Afridi) of Aussies
Looking back at the first Test between Australia and Pakistan in Lord's, Stephen Brenkley of The Independent draws two conclusions
Akhila Ranganna
25-Feb-2013
"It is Australia's bowling that usually arouses scrutiny because it no longer contains either superstars or geniuses" • PA Photos
Looking back at the first Test between Australia and Pakistan in Lord's, Stephen Brenkley of The Independent draws two conclusions. Firstly, Pakistan's disintegration was predictable. And secondly, the evidence of Lord's suggest that England should not be too worried looking ahead to the Ashes.
Pakistan were bowled out twice by different part-time bowlers, Shane Watson in the first innings and Marcus North in the second. It is difficult to decide which was the greater transgression.
If the match told plenty that was already feared about Pakistan, it also gave something away about Australia, another source of limitless fascination because of the Ashes this winter. Bar a tweak here or there – the return of Brad Haddin behind the stumps, the replacement of the spinner – this is the team that Australia want to play against England. The evidence of Lord's is that England should not be afraid. Australia simply do not emanate the power that once seemed destined to last forever. They remain tough, capable cricketers but in almost every case it does not go beyond that.
Akhila Ranganna is assistant editor (Audio) at ESPNcricinfo