Glenn Maxwell scored a quickfire 37 for Australia in the second Test against Pakistan, just what one might expect from a Twenty20 star.
Maxwell hit two fours and one six in his 28-ball knock on Saturday before advancing against left-arm spinner Zulfiqar Babar and trying to smash it over mid-on.
Beaten by the spin, Maxwell lost his off-stump bail.
Playing his first Test in 2014 and third overall, the 26-year-old Victorian was picked to bat at No.3.
Nathan Lyon’s nightwatchman role with Australia 1-22 overnight meant Maxwell came in at No.4 at 2-34.
Immediately he looked to attack in response to Pakistan’s first innings of 6-570 declared.
Australia coach Darren Lehmann and captain Michael Clarke spoke pre-match about the need for a positive outlook and playing attacking cricket.
Pakistan’s Younis Khan made two centuries in last week’s first Test in Dubai against Australia and followed that with 213 off 349 balls in the second Test.
His innings lasted over eight-and-a-half hours.
A patient knock, you might say. Making good use of the conditions and minimising the risks.
Aggressive shot-making has worked for Maxwell at Shield level and yielded two centuries last summer.
He’s likely to get another chance to test himself at international level in Australia’s second innings.
His approach will be interesting to see.
Certainly if it comes off it will be spectacular.
Asked on Friday night about whether Australia could learn from Younis’ approach, Australia vice-captain Brad Haddin said: “Our guys have to find a way to bat long periods of time.
“If we bat long periods of time, naturally the scoreboard will be ticking.
“If one of our batters batted eight hours it would be pretty good to watch.”