Pakistan Cricketers Hope to Regroup in Melbourne After Perth Debacle, Hafeez Expects More Adaptation and Applicability from Seniors

Pakistan’s cricket team arrives in Melbourne reeling from a crushing defeat in Perth and facing a desperate uphill battle to save the Test series against Australia.

Crushed by 360 runs in the opener, and burdened by a record 15th consecutive Test loss on Australian soil, Pakistan in pretty much in a state of entanglement.

Star fast bowler Shaheen Afridi, a shadow of his usual menacing self in Perth, faces personal redemption. Overshadowed by debutants Shahzad and Jamal, Afridi needs to rediscover his venom, his pace, his bite. Lately, we haven’t seen Shaheen being the aggressor for Pakistan like he used to be in home conditions.

Pakistan’s batting, too, requires a drastic reawakening. Skittled for a paltry 89 in their second innings at Perth, their forgettable display highlighted a lack of execution, application, and perhaps, even desire to stay long at the crease was missing.

Coach Hafeez’s blunt words sting, “The guys wanted to, but they never applied themselves.”

Melbourne offers a chance to break free from the Perth nightmare. A pitch resembling the MCG, their test battleground, beckons, a welcome contrast to the searing pace of Perth. However, for a visiting team, the MCG can lay unseen challenges.

Pakistan will Play Two-day Match Against Victoria XI

Yet, a flicker of hope remains – a hastily arranged two-day match against a Victorian XI, their chance to rediscover rhythm and rebuild confidence.

Pakistan will face experienced Victorians like Handscomb, Harris, and Pucovski and it will be a valuable test ahead of the real clash. The return of spinner Noman Ali adds a welcome dimension, adding a new dimension to bowling attack that lacked variety in Perth.

But the burden of expectation rests heavily on senior shoulders. Masood and Azam, Pakistan’s batting stalwarts, must rise to the occasion. Without their significant contributions, Hafeez’s confident words about conquering Australia may ring hollow.

“I’ve seen the talent these guys have,” he insists, “There is no doubt they can beat Australia here.” Belief is one thing, reality another.

The two-day Melbourne match is more than just practice match for Pakistan; it’s a crucible, a chance to rediscover themselves or succumb to a 16th consecutive defeat. The clock is ticking, and Pakistan’s cricketers stand at a crossroads.