The pitch wasn't an excuse for us not being able to get over the line in the second Test vs Pakistan: Australia coach Andrew McDonald

Australia could have been 1-0 up in the ongoing three-match Test series against Pakistan. After settling for a draw in the opening Test in Rawalpindi, they created a few chances to seal the deal in the second Test in Karachi, but failed to grab them. One big potential turning point was in the 168th over when Usman Khawaja dropped Mohammad Rizwan off Mitchell Swepson's delivery, The wicket-keeper batsman went on to score an unbeaten ton to help the hosts salvage a draw. Rizwan, who scored an unbeaten 104 in Pakistan's second innings after Babar Azam's majestic 196 put Pakistan in control, was dropped on 91 by Khawaja. Australia fell short of a win by three wickets on the final day.

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Many former cricketers, including Mark Taylor and Wasim Akram slammed the pitches which have been prepared in Pakistan for this series. The pitch in Rawalpindi, where the first Test was played was rated below-average by ICC Match Referee Ranjan Madugalle. This match saw as many as 1187 runs being scored and only 14 wickets fell. According to the ICC website, in his report, Madugalle said: “The character of the pitch hardly changed over the course of five days and that there has been no deterioration apart from the bounce getting slightly lower. The pitch did not have a great deal of pace and bounce in it for the seamers nor assisted the spinners as the match progressed. In my view this does not represent an even contest between bat and ball. Therefore, in keeping with the