The first Test saw a shocking development when Pakistan‘s seamers were criticized for lacking true speed, a move that surprised both the Australia camp and home supporters alike. Mitchell Starc, an Australian fast bowler, said he was surprised by Pakistan’s bowlers’ slower pace, saying everyone was anticipating speeds in the 150s [kph].
Speaking to the media at the MCG, Starc said, “I think everyone was slightly surprised at the lower pace of the Pakistan bowlers, when you’re generally used to some guys getting in the 150s [kph].”
Mitchell Starc emphasized the importance of pace in the game by saying, “I don’t think that pace is the be all and end all, but it certainly plays a part and can help.” Haris Rauf’s decision to sit out the series and Naseem Shah’s injury limited Pakistan’s high-speed options. The principal fast bowler, Shaheen Shah Afridi, found it difficult to return to his prior level of speed following his recovery from a knee injury.
Afridi’s average pace dropped to a low of 130 kph during the first test, which was a considerable decline from his best days. Unlike their Australian counterparts, the remaining seam alternatives in the Pakistani squad lacked express speed. On a lively pitch in Perth, where the Australian spinners were hitting frequently in the mid-140s, this disparity was very noticeable.
While acknowledging that speed plays a part, Mitchell Starc hinted that it might not be as important at the MCG.
He used the example of Scott Boland, who bowls at a decent pace on his own field but isn’t a really good bowler. Starc emphasized how the Australia assault is complementary, with bowlers contributing varying skill sets.
“As an example, consider Scotty Boland. He bowls OK, but not as quickly as some of your other bowlers. However, he creates a lot of sideways movement in Melbourne, which is undoubtedly his hometown. He’s been doing it for a while, as we saw clearly against England, when each ball he bowled had the potential to result in a wicket,” he continued.
In the past, spectators would flock to see Pakistani speed bowlers run in forcefully and bowl 150 clicks. Waqar Younis
The previous captain of Pakistan, Waqar Younis, expressed similar worries about the team’s lack of speed and emphasised that the enthusiasm around Pakistan’s fast bowlers was absent.
“Watching Pakistani speed bowlers run in hard and bowl 150 clicks used to draw large crowds. Younis stated on ESPN’s Around the Wicket, “That’s what I’m not seeing, and that’s what worries me.”
With Shahzad out due to a stress fracture, Pakistan must reevaluate their speed options for the remaining games as they face difficulties in their bowling lineup. Fans and pundits alike are concerned about Pakistan’s future performances since the series against Australia has shown a possible hole in the team’s fast-bowling reserves.
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