Pakistan's Short-Pitch Strategy Faces Challenge at Adelaide Oval

Pakistan's aggressive short-pitch bowling on a lively MCG pitch almost turned the tide in their favour during the first ODI against Australia, but as the series moves to Adelaide, the tactics could face a sterner test on a very different surface.

In a tense and low-scoring contest that harked back to the classic days of 50-over cricket, Pakistan's pace attack, spearheaded by the fiery Haris Rauf, caused plenty of problems for Australia. Rauf’s blistering spell—especially his consecutive dismissals of Marnus Labuschagne and Glenn Maxwell—had the pro-Pakistan crowd roaring and nearly set up a famous upset. However, despite Pakistan's bowlers turning the game on its head with their relentless short-pitched assault, Australia, led by captain Pat Cummins, managed to claw their way back to a two-wicket win, securing a thrilling victory as they chased down a modest 204.

While Pakistan’s short-ball approach unsettled the Australian batters at the MCG, that strategy may not be as effective at the Adelaide Oval for the second ODI. The Adelaide pitch is traditionally more batting-friendly, and the shorter square boundaries at the venue contrast sharply with the vast expanses of the MCG. Bouncers, which had caused trouble in Melbourne, can be risky on the shorter ground at Adelaide, especially with the smaller square boundaries that could make it easier for batters to play aggressive shots.

Australia's opening batsman Matt Short, who will be hoping to bounce back after a disappointing start to the series, said Pakistan may need to rethink their approach. "We saw Pakistan's tactics [in Melbourne] bowling pretty short," Short explained. "But I think they may have to change that a little bit at this ground with the shorter square boundaries, which are the complete opposite to the 'G. It’s always a nice ground to bat on."

Short, who made just one run in the opening ODI before top-edging Shaheen Shah Afridi, will be looking forward to returning to his home ground at Adelaide, where he has enjoyed great success in the Big Bash League (BBL) with the Adelaide Strikers. "It's going to feel quite comfortable down there opening the batting, that's for sure," he said. "It's my favourite ground in the world to play at, and I've played there quite a number of times, so I should be pretty familiar with it."

Short entered the series with high expectations, aiming to secure the opening spot in the 50-over team, particularly as a potential long-term replacement for David Warner. His strong performance in England, where he scored a match-winning 58 off just 30 balls in the series-decider at Bristol, had given him a strong claim for the role. "I came into this series with high aspirations to try to cement my spot in the team," Short said. "I'm going to go out there and keep trying to be positive and play aggressive cricket. It should pay off at some stage."

With Travis Head on paternity leave, Short has been paired with Jake Fraser-McGurk at the top of the order, although both openers fell cheaply in the first ODI. Fraser-McGurk, known for his aggressive batting style, made 16 off 14 balls in a whirlwind innings that showed his intent. While there has been some discussion around whether Short should temper his approach to complement Fraser-McGurk’s audacious style, the Australian coaching staff has backed their openers to play with freedom and take an attacking approach.

“The coaching staff give us both the licence to be free and play our shots,” Short explained. “Batting with Travis Head as well, if he goes [off] then I let him go and I do my thing. It’s similar with Jake. It probably didn’t come off last night for him, like myself, but if he is seeing and hitting them well then I probably won’t say much to him and just let him go. And just focus more on myself.”

Short also spoke about the importance of adapting to partnerships, saying that helping each other through tough moments was key. “The more important thing in a partnership is that if he is struggling a bit then working through whatever the issues are,” he said. “It’s really exciting to bat with him... nice to watch from the other end.”

As the series shifts to Adelaide, all eyes will be on how Pakistan adapts their tactics to the conditions and whether Australia's openers, particularly Short, can make a strong impact at a ground they know well. The second ODI promises to be another exciting chapter in this tight series