Australia’s brave declaration as Pakistan eye victory

Abdullah Shafique and Imam-ul-Haq ensured Pakistan didn't lose any wickets on Day 4.

It has been a very exciting day of cricket as Australia declared after having the lead of 350 and giving Pakistan the chance to come out to bat on Day 4 as they played 27 overs before the close of play.

Australia has plenty of chances today to take the catches but Steve Smith was not able to grab the chances from the Pakistani batsmen and they will have to make sure tomorrow to concentrate more as this test match will require to be focused and concentrate otherwise the Australian may crack the wall.

Pakistan need 279 runs to win the test with 90 overs in hand tomorrow morning although it is expected that the pitch will be more difficult to bat on the final day in Lahore than it was in Karachi.

The decision of Australian captain Pat Cummins has been labelled as “Brave” and “bold” knowing that in the previous match that was saved by the Pakistan batmen where they battled it out for the draw, they can actually win this.

It’s going to be very hard to bat on the last day

Khawaja said “It’s going to be very hard to bat on the last day. I batted out there today, and the wicket is starting to roll. Once the ball gets soft, if we can get it reversing like we did in the first innings and like Pakistan have done all game, we’re right in this contest. 

It’s really, really hard to score against the pace bowlers. Our pace bowlers will probably bowl a bit more tomorrow, and when they do the scoreboard will shut down.

I’m not really too worried about Pakistan chasing the total. I mean it’s very possible – anything’s possible – but if we bowl consistently well it’s a very hard wicket to actually push the scoreboard moving forward. 

As soon as you try, the wicket – there’s a lot of cracks running through it.   Today Nath (Lyon) and the (other) spinners were all spinning it a fair bit, there’s rough on both sides of the wicket.  Day-five wicket, I feel like this is a tougher type of wicket than what Karachi was.  Fingers crossed if we do everything right tomorrow, we could be right in with a sniff to win this Test match. 

If Pakistan can win this Test match, then hats off to them. But I’m looking forward to the fifth day, it’s what you want Test cricket to be. All opportunities are remaining – Pakistan winning, us winning, the draw.  It’s a good place to be.

Pakistan batting coach Mohammed Yousuf admitted that it was a surprise at the timing of the Australia’s declaration shortly after tea and he said “It is a brave decision without any doubt, It is a bold step and we will try our best to win this match.  Our first priority will be to win the match and play good cricket session by session and get a good grip on the match.”

Pressure will be on Pakistan as well to try to win as they need over 3 runs per over, although it doesn’t look difficult but as we saw in the 1st innings of Pakistan where they lost 7 wickets for 20 runs and as the pitch is not going to be easy to score runs, they will have to battle it to win.

Results are either way possible as the final day of the last 14 days will come to decide the series end either of the teams have the chance to win the game and incase it is a drawn, still both sides have entertained the crowd.

TN Media News