By Faraz Shaukat
October 14 2002

Pakistan did not show up to the second test against Australia as the latter strolled to a resounding victory and taking a unbeatable lead in the three match series. To say that Australia actually "played" in this test would be praising the Pakistan team, whch is the last thing they deserve!

For those of you who are still in shock, let me quickly remind you exactly what happened, Pakistan 59 & 53 lost to Australia 310 before the end of the second day! Yes, that’s right! Not only did Pakistan score nothing at all, but Australia managed to take 20 wickets and score over 300 runs all inside 180 overs!

So, how does a international team, playing the game at the highest level, go from nearly winning a test match, to being disgraced, humiliated, destroyed, out-bowled, out batted, out thought in the space of three days? I’m sorry Mr Younis and the PCB, I do NOT buy the theory that this is a young and inexperienced side.

Do these players know how to bat, well I presume so because I remember our chairman of selectors proudly saying "This is the best talent we have in Pakistan" Have these players ever played at Sharjah? Yes they most certainly have, as this is Pakistan’s "second home"

Just to point out, that it wasn’t too far back that we suffered more humiliation against the Australians in Kenya, what did Pakistan score in the 5^th Match against Australia? Yes that’s right 117 all out in 32 overs.

The more obvious reasons for such a pathetic display are, no professionalism, no ownership, no patience, no forward thinking, in aura of the opposition and finally, plain and simple giving up (as was clearly the case in the second innings). If there is one thing that Pakistan batsmen will never learn, is to think and read the situation. After watching the Australians bat for well over a day, it was pretty obvious that the new ball is the only threat, once you see off the new ball, the heat and slowness of the wicket would have suited the Pakistani batsmen more, but none of these boys hung around long enough to find out!

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