Australia’s ODI squad criticized for ‘lack of intensity’ after being ‘outplayed’ by Pakistan following disappointing series defeat
The Australian ODI team was ‘outplayed’ by Pakistan on Sunday afternoon.
The tourists claimed a comfortable eight-wicket victory and their first series win against the Aussies in Australia in 22 years.
Josh Inglis took charge from Pat Cummins, who was not present for the match, but his side succumbed to a barrage of bowling from Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah, both of whom took three wickets each.
In the absence of key stars Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Mitchell Starc and Cummins, Australia failed to impress with the bat, posting a first innings score of 140-9.
Jake Fraser-McGurk, Inglis and Glenn Maxwell all failed to reach double figures, while Cooper Connolly was taken off the field injured after taking a punch to the hand from Mohammad Hasnain.
Australia slumped to a series defeat against Pakistan on Sunday afternoon after losing their ODI match by eight wickets
Stand-in captain Josh Inglis said his side were ‘outplayed’ by Pakistan after ‘disappointing’ defeat
Pakistan claimed their first series win against Australia on Australian soil in 22 years
Australia largely failed to fulfill its potential during the three-match series, with captain Pat Cummins salvaging a win in the first ODI, before Haris Rauf would cut through Australia’s batting order to lead Pakistan to victory in to inspire the second match.
“Quite a disappointing performance,” said alternate captain Inglis after Sunday’s defeat.
“I think we were completely outplayed after the first three quarters of the game (of the series). Not enough runs on the board in games two and three.”
He added: “It is up to us to get through difficult times. Really cool experience captaining Australia, but a pretty disappointing series.”
“Pakistan was absolutely fantastic, but I can’t remember seeing a series where Australia lacked so much intensity,” he wrote on X.
“Bilateral series are on the decline, I’m afraid.”
Speaking on Fox Cricket’s post-match analysis of the match, Vaughan said: ‘Let’s be honest, I can’t remember ever seeing an Australian batting line-up look so exposed.
“Three races at the trot at a little bit of pace, a little bit of movement, they’re completely exposed.”
Journalist Daniel Cherny also said: ‘This is brain-dead cricket.’
He was followed by former England star Kevin Pietersen, who praised Pakistan after their excellent win.
“Pakistan wins in Australia,” said the ex-England batsman.
“This is why they MUST clear out all the negative ‘noise’ and help the talent showcase their skills.
‘Put politics aside and let the cricket speak!’
Other fans praised Pakistan for their performance in Australia.
Until today, they had not won a series in Australia since 2002.
Several former players responded to the result on social media, with Michael Vaughan criticizing Australia’s performance
“Aussie Aussie Aussie… Moye Moye Moye #PAKvsAUS,” Mohamed Hafeez said on Twitter.
Former Pakistan coach Wasim Akram added: Congratulations Team Pakistan…beating World ODI champions in a series is a big achievement.
“Having witnessed and commented on this series, I feel honored.
“This win will give immense confidence to the players, new captain Rizwan, the cricket board and most importantly, the fans. It will greatly improve Pakistan’s cricketing image.”
Despite their ODI woes, Australia still have some time to redeem themselves, with Pat Cummins’ side now taking on Pakistan in a three-match T20I series before taking on India at the end of this month.
