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Australia vs Pakistan 2016: 1st Test - 5 Talking Points

Australia a spirited Pakistani batting effort to clinch the first Test of the series

A nail-biter at Gabba saw Australia edge out a determined Pakistani line-up, which seemed overawed at the fag end after having done the bulk of the hard work to get close to a huge target. Resuming on Day 5 with 108 needed, Asad Shafiq had another tailender with grit in Yasir Shah. The duo made runs at will putting immense pressure on Australia to find a breakthrough.

But with 41 needed for victory, Starc found the bouncer that makes him such a threat in world cricket. Even a settled Asad Shafiq could not find any answer to the short ball directed right at his head and gloved to Warner at gully to leave Pakistani fans heartbroken.

While Australia would be chuffed to bits for winning the match, Pakistan will be happy for coming back into the Test in spectacular fashion. None could have fathomed the proceedings of the most exciting Test match played so far with the pink ball.

Here are the talking points from the 1st Test.


#5 Peter Handscomb answers Australia's call

Peter Handscomb
Handscomb scored a brilliant century in the first-innings

With Adam Voges and Mitchell Marsh woefully out of touch, Australia needed their no. 5 batsman to be able to make vital runs. In came Peter Handscomb, who provided the much-needed stability down the order. 

If he showed his hunger for runs at Adelaide against the Proteas, at the Gabba against three left-arm seamers and a world class leggie, Handscomb showed shrewd judgement outside his off-stump and played some real classy shots. His handling of Yasir Shah will make him an important person in the line-up when Aussies tour the spin-friendly tracks in India next year.

His hundred was the biggest plus point for Australia in the Test. He showed that he could accelerate when required with a rapid fire 30 in the second innings to quicken the declaration.

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