Australia win Test series against Pakistan: Here're the key takeaways
Australia overcame Pakistan by an innings and 48 runs to seal the Day-Night Test at the Adelaide Oval. With this win, the hosts pocketed the Test series 2-0. The likes of David Warner and Marnus Labuschagne were superb with the bat in the series. The Aussie bowlers executed their plans well. Here are the key takeaways from the series.
How did the Day-Night Test pan out?
Australia batted first and scored immensely to declare at 589/3. David Warner (335*) was the master in batting. He was supported by centurion Marnus Labuschagne (162). The two shared a match-winning 361-run stand for the second wicket. In reply, Pakistan were helped by Babar Azam (97) and Yasir Shah (113) to post 302. Mitchell Starc (6/66) was top notch. Pakistan managed 239 next.
Warner redeems himself after Ashes low
Warner was superb in the series and notched two centuries. After hitting 154 in Brisbane, he smashed a triple century at the Adelaide Oval. This was the opener at his absolute best. We all know what the southpaw is capable of and he slammed two match-winning partnerships across the two Tests. After a dismal Ashes 2019, Warner found his rhythm back to deliver.
Labuschagne the new Mr. Consistent for Australia
Labuschagne came into the Aussie side as a concussion replacement for Steve Smith in the second Ashes Test against England. Since then, the right-handed batsman has been highly consistent. He has already piled up the most Test runs in 2019. Labuschagne excelled in Ashes 2019 and continued in the same vein against Pakistan. He slammed two tons to be a real force.
Aussie bowlers deliver as a unit
Australia's pace-bowling unit made the difference once again. They accounted for 32 wickets in the Test series and caused all sorts of issues. Mitchell Starc bowled with a lot of energy and was supported by Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood. The three of them hardly gave anything away and bossed the show. Spinner Nathan Lyon claimed a fifer in the Day-Night Test as well.
Pakistan have a series to forget about
For Pakistan, nobody went on to get the big scores. Babar Azam (104 and 97) showed some character. The rest of the batting didn't offer much substance. There were too many rash shots in both Tests and wickets often tumbled. Bowling wise, Pakistan were way too inexperienced. The presence of too many youngsters didn't help their cause. They have a tough road ahead.
