news

Michael Hussey, Vaughan question Australian batting fragility amid ODI series defeat to Pakistan

Reflecting on the series, Australia’s stand-in captain Jos Inglis acknowledged the batting woes

Michael Hussey, Vaughan question Australian batting fragility amid ODI series defeat to Pakistan PHOTO: AFP

In a commanding performance, Pakistan sealed a historic 2-1 series win over Australia, chasing down a modest target of 140 with eight wickets to spare in Perth. This victory marked Pakistan's first ODI series win on Australian soil in 22 years, underscoring the resilience of their bowling attack and the struggles of the Australian batting lineup.

Australia, batting first, collapsed to a below-par 140, with none of their batters reaching the 50-run mark—a first for the team in a three-match ODI series or longer. Pakistan’s batters capitalized on the opportunity, comfortably chasing down the target, leaving the hosts with much to ponder.

Commentating on the match, former Australian cricketer Michael Hussey pointed to the risk-heavy style modern players favor.

“Playing a lot of T20 cricket and seeing what’s happening around the world, batters these days are going really hard – playing high-risk games,” Michael Hussey would observe on commentary during Pakistan vs Australia’s third ODI. “When it comes off, it looks great and it’s exciting for everyone to watch. But when it doesn’t in the face of high-quality bowling, you can get exposed.”

“You’ve got a bit of time, you can build that innings … turn that 20-30 into a 50-60 and then hopefully an 80-100, but that’s part of the development. 50 overs is sort of that in-between game … you do have a bit more time,” he added.

Former England captain Michael Vaughan echoed these sentiments, noting the fragility of Australia’s batting.

“Let’s be honest, for three games I don’t remember seeing an Australian batting lineup look so exposed.” Three games on the trot against a bit of pace, a bit of movement – it’s not express, it’s not rapid. But they’ve been completely exposed.”

“I’m just looking at the whole series, the Australian batting line up have been six down at the MCG inside the 21st over, six down at the Adelaide Oval inside the 26th over. And six down here inside the 21st over again,” he said.

Reflecting on the series, Australia’s stand-in captain Jos Inglis acknowledged the batting woes.

“The batters just didn’t get the runs on the board in the last couple of games. Guys have their own way of batting, but it’s important to put together runs, stay out there and take the innings deep, and get the results,” he said.