LAHORE - Australia captain Josh Inglis praised his team's resilience and tactical execution after the visitors defeated Pakistan by 41 runs in the second ODI at Gaddafi Stadium to level the three-match series at 1-1. Inglis said Australia had placed significant emphasis on improving their batting approach following the opening match and believed the side adapted well to the challenging conditions in Lahore.
Inglis on Team's Batting Improvement
“We had some good conversations around training about individual methods and how to approach the wicket,” Inglis said. “The surface looked very similar to the previous game, and I thought the boys handled it really well.” The Australian skipper described the total of 231 as competitive on a slow pitch and credited the middle-order partnerships for laying the foundation of victory.
Nathan Ellis Shines with Ball
He also reserved special praise for player of the match Nathan Ellis, whose superb spell of 4-33 dismantled Pakistan’s batting line-up. “Nathan was outstanding. His variations are exceptional, and on surfaces like these he is incredibly difficult to face,” Inglis remarked. Meanwhile, Nathan Ellis attributed his success to Australia’s willingness to adapt and execute plans according to conditions.
“One of the strengths of this group is our flexibility and willingness to try things that are a little different,” Ellis said. “There was no extra pressure; it was simply about adjusting to what the wicket demanded.” Reflecting on dismissing Pakistan star Babar Azam for the second successive match, Ellis remained modest. “I certainly haven’t worked Babar out. He’s a world-class player. But getting his wicket is always important because he’s such a key figure in Pakistan’s batting line-up,” he said.
Key Contributions with Bat
The fast bowler revealed that the low and slow surface encouraged bowlers to rely heavily on cutters, slower deliveries and reverse swing, which proved decisive during the middle and death overs. Ellis also praised the contributions of Josh Inglis and Cameron Green, whose patient half-centuries anchored Australia’s innings, while youngster Ollie Peake’s late cameo helped push the total beyond 230.
