Imam, Shafique hit tons as Test ends in tame draw
Openers put together their second century stand of the Test
Openers put together their second century stand of the Test
Scorer: @Thilak_Rama | Commentator: Andrew McGlashan
And that's it. Hands are being shaken. Match Drawn. So a hugely significant occasion sadly did not have the match it deserved, although there were a number of personal milestones. The bowlers won't mind leaving this pitch behind, but Pakistan took much more from it than Australia. The visitors have a few things to think about before Karachi. I'll bring you the presentation shortly.
Australia end the match with a bowling average of 238.33, the second worst for any team in a Test match. (min: 1200 balls bowled)
Chris: "I happen to think Australia take a lot out of it. 4 wickets, even on this dead wicket isn't good enough. Starc is washed. Lyon needed another spinner and Hazlewood looked like he was back from an injury. Not good enough. Needed some gut busting bowling."
Shabd Wahal: "I think Pakistan got what they want from this wicket that is to mentally and physically drain the Australian bowlers." - Will be interesting to see what the impact is for the second Test
caspian: "Was a dead pitch and Cummins made the (fairly wise IMO) choice not to run everyone into the ground in the second innings once it became apparent it was going to be draw. Not to say that Australia doesn't have some things to puzzle over, but I don't think it's a catastrophe or anything. Just a very very very flat pitch."
Imam-ul-Haq is Player of the Match: "The most satisfying feeling to score a hundred in each innings and Australia have a good bowling attack. When you score against the top teams you go one step ahead in your career. Was trying to correct my basics and wait for the loose balls."
Pat Cummins "Just about everyone got into the series, especially the batters, and we had a good look at their line-up. Still feeling quite fresh. It's been a great week in Rawalpindi. Good to be back here after 24 years."
Babar Azam "There were some positives to take for us. The way our batters played and how Nauman bowled in difficult conditions. We have some of our fast bowlers available for the second Test so we should be stronger in that department."
Right, on that note, I'll wrap things up there. Thanks for company and comments over the last five days. Hopefully there's more in the pitch in Karachi. From Gnasher and Peter it's goodbye and thanks for joining us.
Probably the final ball of the game...
Is it going to happen?! YES, USMAN KHAWAJA WILL BOWL
Also: what's the highest unbroken opening stand in Tests?
Match referee Madugalle said the pitch did not offer an even contest between bat and ball
Displaces Jason Holder at the top after his Mohali masterclass against Sri Lanka
The PCB chairman, however, more or less confirmed that the pitch had been prepared to nullify Australia's fast-bowling strength
Stats highlights from the high-scoring draw between Pakistan and Australia in Rawalpindi