The third ODI of the Australia versus Pakistan series will be played at the Adelaide
Oval on Australia's National Day; 26th January. It will be a do or die game for
the Pakistanis, who are down 0-2 at this stage. They have already lost five games
in succession on the tour after losing the three Tests and these two ODIs as well,
and will need to find out ways to be able to stop this losing streak.
Click for Live Score Card of Australia Vs Pakistan
The Aussies did not have a great bowling day in the first IDI, but it was to
do with the pitch there at Brisbane. However, for the second game in succession
in Sydney, there was something in it for the bowlers, and it was exploited to
the hilt by the bowlers; making it difficult for the Pakistanis who were batting
first.
The issue with the Pakistani batting is more to do with the fact that even
when they fire, not all of them contribute in one or the other way. There are
far too many non-existent partnerships which chip away at the balls, and make
it difficult for the next batsman coming in. Umar Akmal's start to the career
had been good, and he looked talented. However, after that, he has struggled
to come to grips with the whole thing; especially after the fiasco related to
the exclusion of his brother, where he had supposedly thrown a tantrum around.
One hopes that the selectors do not discard him away and allow him to nurture
his talent.
The bowling, on the other hand, is alright for Pakistan. But, for some reason,
Umar Gul has failed to regain his form, and that means the pressure is totally
on the likes of Mohammad Asif, Mohammad Aamer and ICL-returnee Rana Naved.
For the Aussies, the batting has been clicking rather well. Cameron White has
been their flag bearer in this series so far, and has had an enjoyable time
with a century and a half century. Despite his injury, Michael Clarke had played
in the second game, and without too much gap between the first three matches,
it remains to be seen whether his ribs will hold up enough to see him through
the rest of the games as well.
Amongst the bowling, the Australia did perform well in the second game; but
one gets the sense that the best way forward for them would be to put the runs
on the board and then have the bowlers doing the job for them. After all, the
inexperienced line-up of Australian bowling may just be a worry for them.
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