Follow UsFor three straight days, Australia were in total control over the proceedings in Karachi, as they gained a handsome lead of 408 runs, after dismissing Pakistan for just 148 at their own home. But things took a weird turn when the Australian openers walked out to bat, as they set the hosts a target of 506, having batted just 23 overs in the second innings.
Australian skipper Pat Cummins, when asked about the decision to declare, stated that the visitors felt that they had enough overs to topple Pakistan in Karachi on that surface which still aided the batters. The all-rounder also insisted that the visitors failed to grab the opportunity as they came their way.
“I think so, I think we had enough overs, it was a pretty good wicket even on day 4 and day 5. We created a few chances, but we failed to grab them. Mitch Swepson was fantastic on debut, his figures don't do justice to the way he bowled. Nathan was impressive towards the end, as he always does on day 5,” admitted Cummins post the thrilling draw in Karachi.
Despite conceding the draw, Cummins was proud of the batting efforts, where the visitors batted for two days after winning the toss. Usman Khawaja starred with the bat, scoring a 369-ball 160, followed by a great innings from Alex Carey, who narrowly missed his maiden Test century.
“For an Australian team to bat over two days at the start of a Test match, I don't think we've done that for a long time. Lots of positives from this match and so far in the series. The way we batted was fantastic, the way we hunted and took those wickets on day 3 with reverse swing, that was brilliant as well. And we were always ahead in the game, so really proud of the boys.”
The draw did not affect the visitors in their pursuit of reaching the final of the World Test Championship, leading the table, with 71.42% PCT as Pakistan find themselves second.