North’s six-appeal too much for Pakistan

Part-time spinner Marcus North stunned a record-chasing Pakistan side with a maiden six-wicket haul as Australia won the first Test by 150 runs. North took six wickets for 55 runs in 18.1 overs as Australia, in the first neutral Test played in England since 1912, won with more than a day to spare. Australia are now 1-0 up in the two-match series.

Pakistan chasing a target of 440 that would have surpassed the highest Test fourth innings victory total of 418 for seven made by the West Indies against Australia, were bowled out for 289 before tea.

Pakistan were still in the game at 186 for two with vice-captain and left-handed opener Salman Butt on 92 when North struck first ball after being brought on shortly before lunch. Butt overbalanced out of his crease and was stumped by Tim Paine.

Butt, whose 63 was the one contribution of note in Pakistan’s meagre first innings 148, had attacked when given the chance, with 15 boundaries, as well as defending correctly when required in nearly four hours at the crease.

Umar Akmal hoisted North for six but, trying to cut, edged to Michael Clarke at slip and was out for an insubstantial 22. Pakistan were 216 for four at lunch, with Umar Amin – one of four debutants in the match – 31 not out.

But the left-hander had added just two to his score when, after the interval, he was caught at short-leg by Simon Katich to give North his third wicket.

And, four balls later, 227 for five became 229 for six when Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi, on two, tried to slog North over midwicket but was instead caught on the boundary by Michael Hussey. Even allowing for the fact this was Afridi’s first Test in four years and his preference for big-hitting, the shot appeared highly irresponsible, especially given his role as captain of a largely inexperienced side.

The match was all but over as Pakistan now needed 211 more runs with only wicket-keeper Kamran Akmal remaining at the crease.  He added 54 with Mohammad Aamer before he was bowled by Smith while Aamer gave North his first five-wicket Test haul.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 17^th, 2010.