Sandpapergate to the Great Escape: Aussies restore pride with display against Pakistan in Dubai

THOSE sandpaper scars run deep and will take time to heal, but six and a half months later Australian cricket followers rediscovered what it’s like to climb out of bed again with pride.

Tim Paine has plenty to smile about after Australia’s impressive showing.

• Great escape! Aussies hold on for draw
• Player ratings: Uzzy spares twin Marsh failures
• Five things: Can Aussies pull a ‘reverse Smudge’

On Sunday morning March 25, a nation woke up ashamed.

Those sandpaper scars run deep and will take time to heal, but six and a half months later Australian cricket followers rediscovered what it’s like to climb out of bed again with pride.

It wasn’t the ball tampering act in itself that was the real issue in South Africa, but the profound and lasting damage Australia’s arrogant actions and attitude had done to the country’s rich sporting fabric of always striving to play hard but fair.

On a deteriorating day five pitch in Dubai, a new-look Australian team proved over the course of 140 overs in the blazing desert sun that the culture of the baggy green is something worth fighting for.

PAT CUMMINS ON THE BALL-TAMPERING SCANDAL, SELECTORS AND JUSTIN LANGER

Tim Paine has plenty to smile about after Australia’s impressive showing.

Justin Langer said the draw that felt like a win was what the Australian cricket public deserved after a year of turmoil.

“I’m being consistent saying this, whether we win or lose we’ve got to keep making Australians proud of how we go about our business,” said Langer.

“I’ve said it since day one and I really mean it.

“I hope to think our behaviour out on the field was outstanding throughout this game. The spirit between Australia and Pakistan was outstanding throughout the game.

“The way we kept fighting was outstanding.

“Aussies love a battler and an underdog so hopefully we’ve put some smiles on (people’s) faces … because that’s really important for Australian cricket right now that we do that.”

The fact Australia lost 10-60 in the first innings showed that a greenhorn team missing David Warner and Steve Smith is vulnerable and raw and there is likely a rocky road ahead.

But after producing the quintessential captain’s knock against Pakistan to secure Australia one of Test cricket’s great escapes, Tim Paine declared that the foundations have now been set for a new era.

“That’s exactly the brand of cricket we want to play,” said Paine.

“We know that to become a good team we first have to be hard to beat.”

Justin Langer has certainly left a favourable impression. Picture: Getty.

Langer spoke to his players on the final morning about Australia’s famous back-from-the-dead victory over Pakistan in Hobart in 1999, inspired by he and Adam Gilchrist’s extraordinary partnership.

But by tea Langer told his troops that even if they fell short, they had achieved something special.

“I’m so proud of the boys,” Langer said.

“That’s why it feels like we’ve had a win. Because it really was. There’s been some amazing achievements in the last five days.

“I’ll give them a pat on the back and say well done, (and) certainly recognise what a great job they’ve done.”

Earlier this week luminaries and key stakeholders gathered at the SCG for the official launch of Fox Cricket where up to 13 shows were announced and the game given a new dedicated home.

At about the same time Australia was collapsing in a heap and more than one voice was heard whispering that it’s all well and good to have the bells and whistles, but they have to be attached to something.

Cameron Bancroft and the infamous sandpaper incident earlier this year.

But in the face of incredible pressure, the new beating heart of the baggy green stood up to be counted in a stirring display.

In the dead of night, Australia once again had the attention of the cricketing world but for all the right reasons.

Australia did so by simply returning to playing hard and fair.

Cricket has visited the north and south poles in the past six months and both pillars ought to leave a lasting impression on Paine’s team.

It’s just not cricket! It’s every Australia home Test, ODI, T20I Match LIVE and ad-break free. SIGN UP TODAY!

Originally published as Sandpapergate to the Great Escape: Aussies restore pride with display against Pakistan in Dubai