A seven-wicket defeat was followed by a Super Over loss but the manner in which Australia won the final match sent out a reminder that Twenty20 is anybody’s game, giving a taste of things to come. Bailey was a relieved man after he saw his team slump to 10th in the ICC rankings.
“David Warner and Shane Watson set up a good foundation for us,” said Bailey. “Our bowlers backed it up. We certainly do [have a chance in the World T20]. It is about harnessing our talent. We’ve worked hard so to get the reward and see that the things we are working on are actually coming to fruition, I think that’s really important for us.”
Meanwhile, Bailey expressed his disappointment of missing out on the series-win but was confident ahead of the mega event.
“I think Pakistan are an unbelievable side, and at their best they can play some great cricket and at our best we can play some great cricket.”
Arthur pleased with show
Australia coach Mickey Arthur was also delighted by his team’s performance. The South African particularly praised fast-bowlers Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc, who took three wickets apiece, as Australia headed for the showpiece event in Sri Lanka in good spirits.
“The best way to control the run-rate in Twenty20 cricket is by taking wickets,” said Arthur. “You need guys who can do something different. Cummins and Starc with their pace, one left-arm and other right arm, are something different.
“It was extremely pleasing to see Starc and Cummins coming through exceptionally well. The pitch did not favour pace. I’ve heard it so often said that pace doesn’t play a role in the sub-continent, but pace through the air plays a role anywhere.”
Arthur added that the win in the final match was crucial.
“Throughout our training sessions we have been building and building and we wanted to go to Sri Lanka with some form under us. So this was an important win for us.”
Published in The Express Tribune, September 12th, 2012.
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