Pakistan succumbed to a 1-0 series defeat in a highly competitive tussle against Australia. The opening two Tests were drawn but the hosts were unable to keep Australia at bay in the 3rd Test at Lahore, ultimately losing by 115 runs. Let’s take a look at the player ratings for the home side.

Abdullah Shafique – 9/10

6 innings, 397 runs @ 79.40, HS: 136*

The youngster did everything Pakistan could have asked of him. He ground out runs against the new ball, held his own against the old ball and was perhaps a touch unlucky to finish with just a solitary three-figure score. Nevertheless, this was a series that told Pakistan that they don’t need to worry too much about Shafique, who lest we forget, began the series with minimal first-class, let alone Test, experience.

Imam-ul-Haq – 8.5/10

6 innings, 370 runs @ 70, HS: 157

Much like Shafique, there wasn’t a lot to complain about Imam. He looked at home against the pace threat of Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins. The left-hander also tried to dominate the spinners as much as possible, with his array of strokes coming to the fore in the 1st Test at Rawalpindi. He might rue the dismissal against Nathan Lyon on the fifth day at Lahore but that was only a minor blip on the road for the left-handed batter.

Azhar Ali – 7/10

5 innings, 300 runs @ 60, HS: 185

Azhar didn’t have many problems establishing himself at the crease. However, he might be slightly disappointed that he didn’t make a few of his starts count. He still scored 300 runs, including a massive century but might have been left wanting more, considering the pitches that were dished out.

Babar Azam – 9/10

5 innings, 380 runs @ 78, HS: 196;

Babar was, simply put, special throughout the series. At times, he seemed to be batting on a different planet and was pivotal as Pakistan snatched a draw from the jaws of defeat at Karachi. He seemed primed to weave his magic at Lahore too but massive batting collapses at the other end rendered his efforts moot.

Fawad Alam – 1/10

4 innings, 33 runs @ 8.25, HS: 13

Alam had a nightmare series. He batted on four occasions and could only muster 33 runs, with his highest score being 13. His technique, which has often been scrutinised for its quirkiness, was exposed mercilessly by the relentless Australian attack. And after a stellar comeback into the international fold, this is arguably the first time his resolve was tested in such fashion.

Iftikhar Ahmed – 3/10

1 innings, 13 runs, HS: 13*

Iftikhar played a solitary game in the series, the opener at Rawalpindi. He bowled three overs and conceded 20 runs at an economy rate of 6.66. He also batted just once and remained unbeaten on 13 as Pakistan declared their first innings on 476-4.

Mohammad Rizwan – 6/10

5 innings, 140 runs @ 46.66, HS: 104*

Rizwan was crucial as Pakistan heroically saved the game at Karachi. Along with Babar, he ensured that the door was shut on Australia. Having said that, he might be a shade disappointed that he could only score 150 runs across five innings (of which 104 came in the second innings at Karachi). As always, he was tidy behind the stumps and tried to keep the hosts’ spirits high.

Faheem Ashraf – 5/10

2 innings, 4 runs @ 2, HS: 4; 2 wickets @ 34

Ashraf failed to make a notable contribution with the bat, tallying only four runs across two innings. With the ball, he was enterprising and accounted for two Australian batters, and pulled off an exceptional catch to send Steve Smith packing at Karachi.

Sajid Khan – 3/10

4 innings, 41 runs @ 10.25, HS: 21; 4 wickets @ 119.25

A lot was expected of Sajid, considering his recent exploits against Bangladesh. Throughout the series, though, Australia handled him pretty well and he didn’t look penetrative enough to force a mistake. A slightly underwhelming display from the off-spinner.

Nauman Ali – 6/10

4 innings, 21 runs @ 21, HS: 20*; 9 wickets @ 42.22

Nauman was the pick of the two Pakistani spinners. He bagged a six-wicket haul in batting-friendly conditions at Rawalpindi but he probably wasn’t as potent as Pakistan would have wanted him to be. His outside the leg-stump line to the right-handed batters, despite getting the better of Smith once, was uninspiring.

Hasan Ali – 2/10

3 innings, 13 runs @ 13, HS: 13; 2 wickets @ 96

Hasan bowled four times across two Tests but was able to bag only two wickets. While Naseem Sham and Shaheen Shah Afridi were making the old ball talk, he lacked the necessary zip and control to trouble the visiting batters. And, he had an ugly hack across the line when Pakistan were trying to cling onto a draw at Lahore.

Shaheen Shah Afridi – 7/10

3 innings, 24 runs @ 12, HS: 19; 9 wickets @ 36.44

Just like Starc, Shaheen had his moments during the Test series. On occasions, he looked unplayable, especially when he started reverse-swinging the ball. There was also an exceptional opening spell at Lahore, which saw David Warner and Marnus Labuschagne being dismissed in quick succession. The volume of wickets wasn’t as high as it has been in the recent past. But Shaheen certainly did his reputation no harm.

Naseem Shah – 8/10

2 innings, 1 run @ 0.5, HS: 1; 6 wickets @ 28.33

Naseem had the ball on a string at Lahore. Once Smith and Usman Khawaja had set out their stall, it seemed that Australia would cruise. That was until Naseem got the old ball to move around corners. He also bowled with pace and was one of the few bowlers who hurried the batters on relatively docile surfaces. Pakistan’s Test fast bowling seems to be in safe hands.