One can be forgiven for believing that Australia took on Bangladesh in the first Test at Perth when in fact the latter was battling it out against India at home. To say that Pakistan were humiliated would be an understatement. Such was the magnitude of Pakistan's loss. 251 runs for the loss of 20 wickets was all that the visitors managed to garner against the champion side in a Test that lasted barely three days and a session.

Inzamam-Ul-Haq would not have anticipated such a debacle in his worst nightmare, more so after Shoaib Akhtar's great opening burst. The dangerous top order of Australia was ripped apart by the Pakistani speedster on the first morning. But as always, the Aussies fought back and took the attack to the opposition camp. Justin Langer led the fight back with a counter attacking 191. He got excellent support from vice-captain and wicket-keeper Adam 'Dasher' Gilchrist. The duo helped Australia post a competitive total on board after being precariously placed at one stage. Shoaib Akhtar was the wrecker-in-chief for Pakistan with five wickets.

After failing to capitalise one their great start, things went downhill for Pakistan. None of the batsmen had any answer to Kasporwicz accuracy and Warne's guile. The former continued his great comeback trail with yet another five-wicket haul while Warne inched further away from Muralitharan as the highest wicket-taker with a three scalps. For Pakistan, only Younis Khan provided some resistance with a defiant 42. After that, it was only the fast bowling duo of Akhtar and Sami who put up a reasonable show. Both made vital contributions but couldn't save Pakistan from the follow on.

The Aussies, though, still seem to be having an Eden Garden hangover and refused to enforce the follow-on. But that did not mean any respite for the Pakistanis. Shoaib Akhtar once again started off well getting rid of the dangerous Matthew Hayden. But that was about it for the 'Rawalpindi Express' as he later injured his shoulder while fielding and couldn't bowl in the match. With a beleaguered attack in front of them, the Aussies took full toll of the Pakistani bowling. First innings centurion Justin Langer continued from where he left off. But this time, the left-handed opener fell three short of the three-figure mark. Ricky Ponting also looked in ominous touch smashing the bowlers around. Like Langer, though, he too fell in the nervous 90's.

If things couldn't get any worse for Pakistan, Damien Martyn only aggravated their agony racing to his century in quick fire time. The stylish middle-order batsman has been in superlative form this season and this century only reiterated his growing status in world cricket.

Chasing an improbable target of over 500 and two full days for the Australian bowlers to pick up ten Pakistani wickets, it seemed only a miracle could save the visitors. But the Pakistanis seemed resigned to their fate and caved in meekly.

Glenn McGrath was at his devastating in the second innings returning with his best figures ever. The Aussie great ran through the Pakistanis in no time picking up eight wickets. In fact, at one stage it seemed emulating Jim Laker's and Anil Kumble's feat of 'All Ten' was a realistic possibility until Michael Kasporwicz spoiled the party cleaning up the tail. In the end, Pakistan were bowled out for 72 handing Australia one of their easiest victories in recent times.

The visitors never seemed in the game except when Shoaib Akhtar had the ball in hand. The 'Speed King's' five scalps in the first innings was the only positive to come out for Pakistan from an otherwise disastrous Test. The fact that only two batsmen managed to reach double figures in the second innings is a striking indication of Pakistan's apathy.

Inamam and his troops now have their work cut out prior to the 'Boxing Day' Test at Melbourne. Though the loss was anticipated, what was disappointing to see was the lack of fire and zeal that has been reminiscent of Pakistan cricket for two decades. Playing against Australia, any team must have the heart for a fight. And Pakistan certainly did not show any.

The visitors now have a week to introspect on their catastrophic opening Test and set things right before the Melbourne challenge. Bob Woolmer will have to pep up the team and get them in the right frame of mind before the second Test. There is no doubting the amount of talent this Pakistan team has. But then as it is often said, cricket is a mind game. And what goes on in between the ears is equally important as the contest between bat and ball.