Entertaining. Exhilarating. Heart-stopping. Unforgettable.

Few could have predicted those words would describe the first Test between Australia and Pakistan after such a lopsided opening three days. The series was headed into another forgettable affair between these teams, who have disappointingly never built a competitive rivalry over the years.

After the opening three days, with Australia in such a commanding position, the only interest was how early the match would finish. Journalists covering the match were making alternate travel arrangements in readiness. The Test's outcome had become but a formality.

Even traditionalists, who bemoan the glitz and glamour of the Twenty20 format, were acknowledging, that, like last year, there was going to be much more interest in the Big Bash League (BBL), with the Test series likely to be laborious and an afterthought.

Somehow, almost magically, the Test match woke from its slumber during a protracted night session under lights on day four. Through some audacious batting and an unwavering attitude, Pakistan lit a fuse under the series. No one could quite believe what was unfolding before their eyes.

Eventually, Pakistan fell short but they were undoubtedly the moral victors. More than gaining a psychological edge, Pakistan finally found a way into the Australian public's hearts.

Australian cricket fans can be crude and unsympathetic to lumbering tourists but, conversely, respect opponents who dish it back to their team. Pakistan not only fought back with tongue - Mohammad Amir and Mitchell Starc were engaged in a war of words at one stage - they, more importantly, fired back with blade.

By the end of the Test, most of the focus was on Pakistan's incredible comeback. It was one of those rare times when the loser felt like the victor. A sheepish Australia were more relieved than exuberant, knowing they had just escaped total embarrassment that would have undoubtedly dampened the festive season for them.

The press conferences were kind of surreal after the Test. There was positivity emanating from Misbah-ul-Haq, Pakistan's captain, who couldn't