As expected, Pakistan failed to put on a fighting display at Sydney, as the Australians rampaged over the visitors on the fifth day to complete a 3-0 clean sweep. The loss was Pakistan’s 12th consecutive on Australian shores, a trend that began way back in late 1999. Despite a gallant knock from the veteran Younis Khan in the first innings, the visitors were bowled out cheaply on the last day, which ended their misery.
Post Australia’s series victory, skipper Steven Smith was a delighted leader as he hailed his side. Smith, however, was also quite cautious about the upcoming four-match tour of India, which is bound to pose problems for the Kangaroos.
Australia’s record in Asia has been dismal to say the least, and with Virat Kohli’s India on the charge, things look somber for Australia.
“It’s going to be a very difficult series going over there,” Smith said about the tour. “We’re under no illusions it’s going to be tough. It’s going to be a great challenge and learning curve for this group. “I think the core of this group will take part in India. A few of us have been there before and we know it’s difficult play in their own backyard. They’re a very good team. “We’re going to have to play incredibly well over there if we’re going to compete with India.”
Speaking about the series win over Pakistan, Smith reflected, “It wasn’t great times but I’m really proud of the way the guys have come in and turned it around since then.” “I think we’ve played some very good cricket and that’s the kind of cricket that I want us to play. “We’ve scored big runs in every game, every first innings. We’ve been able to build pressure with the ball, hit good areas and we’ve caught well this series, which has been a big focus of ours. It’s been a pretty good series for us.”
Smith also added that the new look Aussie Test side has been doing a good job since the third game against South Africa last year. “We’ve obviously turned the results around and we’ve been able to get some values into the group and things for the guys to sort of live by and everyone’s done that since they’ve come in and it’s been great.”