Michael Vaughan fears “decline in bilateral series”: Australia lacked intensity

Former England captain Michael Vaughan feared the “decline of the bilateral series” after Australia's 2-1 loss to Pakistan in the ODIs. Vaughan praised Pakistan for their performance but felt hosts Australia lacked intensity. Pakistan recorded their first ever ODI series win on Australian soil in 22 years. The Mohammad Rizwan-led side won the series decider by 8 wickets, thereby securing the series Down Under 2-1. After losing the first ODI at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Pakistan made a sensational comeback, winning in both Adelaide and Perth.

“Pakistan were absolutely fantastic but I can’t remember seeing a series where Australia lacked so much intensity. I fear bilateral series are on the decline,” Vaughan wrote on Former India captain Virat Kohli was the last captain to lead the team to an ODI series win in 2019 and Rizwan replicated the record five years later.

Pakistan's historic victory

Australia vs Pakistan, 3rd ODI: Highlights

An enthusiastic Pakistani camp did a victory lap on Sunday, November 10, at Optus Stadium in Perth. Pakistan pacer Haris Rauf was named player of the match and series as he took ten wickets in three matches for Pakistan. It was an underwhelming batting performance from Australia throughout the series. There will be many question marks about the world champions ahead of the 2025 Champions Trophy.

Australia made five changes to their playing XI for the 3rd ODI. Key players such as captain Pat Cummins, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc and Marnus Labuschagne were missing from the starting eleven. Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh also did not take part in the white-ball series due to their paternity leave.

After a difficult chase of 204 runs in the 1st ODI, Australia were handed a total of 163 and 140 runs in the 2nd and 3rd ODIs. None of the Australian batsmen even managed more than fifty runs in the entire three-match ODI series.