![Brains trust: Test skipper Steve Smith and coach Darren Lehmann.](/web/20161231181106im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/g/s/g/m/8/4/image.related.landscape.460x307.gtk67z.png/1483161484775.jpg)
Lehmann: Time to prosper in tougher conditions
Darren Lehmann says the challenge for his Australian team in the new year is to flourish in more unforgiving conditions, having emerged against Pakistan victorious on a flat MCG deck.
Jon Pierik is a sports writer with The Age, focusing primarily on AFL football, cricket and basketball. He has won awards for his cricket and basketball writing.
Darren Lehmann says the challenge for his Australian team in the new year is to flourish in more unforgiving conditions, having emerged against Pakistan victorious on a flat MCG deck.
Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq could take the extraordinary step of quitting ahead of next week's third Test as a result of the fall-out of the losing Boxing Day clash.
Matthew Wade has been urged to show more patience at the crease in a bid to deliver the innings he needs to lock in his spot.
Pakistan double-century hero Azhar Ali was felled by a sickening blow to the head while fielding on Thursday but was given the all clear after passing a concussion test.
Matthew Wade was unable to deliver the innings he craved at the MCG on Thursday, adding scrutiny to his spot behind the stumps.
Former Australian fast bowler Jason Gillespie has been named as an assistant coach for Australia's Twenty20 campaign against Sri Lanka in February.
Channel Nine cricket host and commentator Mark Nicholas has suffered a health setback and has been taken to hospital for the second time during the Boxing Day Test.
David Warner and Josh Hazlewood are on target to join the greats of the game, having celebrated milestones on a day when Pakistan was criticised for relinquishing their firm hold on the second Test.
Nathan Lyon is under growing pressure to save his spot and has been told he must change his line of attack if he is to have success against a Pakistan side playing him off a break.
Australian bowling coach David Saker has warned the national selectors they risk having one of their star fast bowlers break down unless a "desperate" search for an allrounder is successful.
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