Former Australian wicketkeeper Ian Healy slammed Australia’s unconvincing batting performance in their opening ODI against Pakistan at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).
Despite securing a two-wicket win and chasing down Pakistan’s modest target of 204, Healy expressed frustration at Australia’s approach, calling it “schoolyard cricket.”
“We have a lot to learn,” Healy stated on SENQ, highlighting that Australia’s preparation for the Champions Trophy is running out of time. “We’re gearing up for the Champions Trophy, so there aren’t many opportunities left before a final team has to be selected. We should be playing these games properly, but they’re treating it like a schoolyard.”
in just 33.3 overs, but Healy was unimpressed, pointing out their lack of discipline. “The disregard for conditions was unacceptable,” Healy said, referencing the unpredictable pitch, which bowlers like Mitch Starc noted was two-paced with uneven bounce. “So what do we do? We try to slog the Pakistani bowlers all over the place. The batters didn’t learn anything from what the bowlers told them; they didn’t respect the opposition enough.”
Healy also emphasized how Pakistan’s bowlers, led by Haris Rauf, gained momentum as Australia faltered, underscoring his frustration with what he called “the Australian boys’ egos.” Healy insisted that they couldn’t “set aside [their egos] for even half an hour.”
Pat Cummins, Australia’s skipper, emerged as the hero, steadying the chase with a calm 32 off 31 balls. Coming to the crease at 155 for 7, Cummins managed the final stages with his trademark composure, adding to his record of clutch performances. Together with tailender Mitchell Starc, he led Australia to victory, hitting the winning runs in the 34th over.
Cummins also shone with the ball, claiming two wickets and demonstrating his all-round skill. Starc was awarded Player of the Match after removing Pakistan’s openers and finishing with figures of 3-42, setting the tone in the first innings.
Pakistan’s innings had mixed fortunes, as they stumbled early with Saim Ayub and Abdullah Shafique falling cheaply to Starc. Captain Mohammad Rizwan led the scoring with 44, while Babar Azam, returning after missing key Tests, added 37 before a mistimed shot saw him bowled by Adam Zampa. Late contributions from Naseem Shah (40) and Shaheen Afridi (24) pushed Pakistan past 200.
Australia’s chase, however, stumbled. Openers Matt Short and Jake Fraser-McGurk failed to capitalize, while Steve Smith (44) and Josh Inglis (49) added stability before Pakistan’s Rauf triggered a collapse, dismissing Marnus Labuschagne and Glenn Maxwell in successive balls. With Australia teetering, Cummins took control, guiding them home.
The victory secured a 1-0 lead in the three-match series, yet Healy’s comments underscore the need for improvement. “Inglis and Smith showed restraint, and then Pat Cummins had to as well,” Healy remarked, stressing that the team must bring more respect and focus in the upcoming matches.
The series will continue with the second ODI in Adelaide on Friday, followed by the final ODI in Perth on Sunday, before concluding with three T20 matches.
