Cameron Green's Mockery Highlights Australia's Spin Struggles in Pakistan
Australian all-rounder Cameron Green was left visibly frustrated by the unconventional bowling style of Pakistan spinner Usman Tariq, as the tourists slumped to a comprehensive 90-run defeat in a pre-World Cup T20 international in Lahore. The match, which saw Australia bowled out for just 108 while chasing Pakistan's formidable total of 5-198, exposed significant vulnerabilities in the visiting side's batting lineup against spin bowling.
Unorthodox Action Draws Controversy and Criticism
Following his dismissal during Australia's unsuccessful run chase, Green unflatteringly mimicked Tariq's distinctive side-arm, slinging delivery method. This public demonstration of disapproval highlighted concerns about the legality and effectiveness of Tariq's bowling technique, which may attract scrutiny from the International Cricket Council (ICC) ahead of the T20 World Cup commencing on February 7th.
The unique nature of Tariq's action proved particularly troublesome for the Australian batsmen, with the spinner claiming 2-16 from his allotted overs. Green's reaction, captured by cameras at the ground, suggested the Australian believed Tariq was potentially 'chucking' – bowling with an illegal straightening of the arm – though no formal complaint was lodged during the match.
Australia's Batting Collapse Against Spin Dominance
Australia's innings unraveled spectacularly against Pakistan's five-pronged spin attack, with all ten wickets falling to slow bowling. The collapse began early when captain Mitch Marsh was trapped lbw by Abrar Ahmed in just the third over, before Travis Head was bowled the very next ball by Saim Ayub with a delivery that kept disconcertingly low.
Only Cameron Green showed genuine resistance with a brisk 35 from just 20 balls, including two sixes and a four during a sixth-over assault on Ayub. However, once Green fell to Tariq's controversial bowling, only Matt Short – recently omitted from Australia's World Cup squad – offered any meaningful resistance with 27 from 23 balls.
The comprehensive nature of the defeat was particularly concerning given that Australia fielded nine members of their announced World Cup squad, though they were missing several key players. Skipper Mitch Marsh acknowledged the shortcomings, stating: 'Pakistan outplayed us. Hopefully, we can improve and come back tomorrow.' He suggested the return of experienced players would make a significant difference, adding: 'We have got experienced guys who know that partnerships are really important in run-chases. We were not able to do that today. So some really good lessons.'
Pakistan's Dominant Performance Sets Tone
Pakistan's commanding victory was built upon a powerful batting display, with Salman Agha leading from the front after winning the toss. His explosive 76 from just 40 balls, including four massive sixes, set the platform for a challenging total. Wicketkeeper Usman Khan maintained the momentum with a rapid 35-ball half-century, ensuring Australia faced a daunting target of 199.
While Australia's bowling struggled to contain the Pakistani batsmen – Xavier Bartlett conceded 52 runs from his four overs and Matt Kuhnemann went for 10 an over – experienced legspinner Adam Zampa emerged as the pick of the attack with economical figures of 1-27. Zampa's dismissal of Babar Azam lbw for just two runs continued concerns about the Pakistani batting star's recent lean form.
Series Defeat Raises World Cup Concerns
Losing the three-match series after just the second game represents far from ideal preparation for Australia ahead of the T20 World Cup, where they begin their campaign against Ireland in Colombo in eleven days. The comprehensive nature of the defeat, particularly the batting collapse against spin, will give selectors and coaching staff considerable food for thought.
Xavier Bartlett, despite his expensive bowling figures, remained optimistic about Australia's ability to respond: 'You've got to give credit where credit's due. Pakistan played unbelievable, with both bat and ball, but we're better for the run, and hopefully we can at least make the series 2-1 tomorrow.'
The controversy surrounding Usman Tariq's bowling action adds an intriguing subplot to the final match of the series, with cricket authorities likely to monitor the spinner's technique closely as the World Cup approaches. For Australia, the immediate challenge is to address their glaring vulnerability against quality spin bowling before the tournament proper begins.
