Hussey defends Steve Smith’s decision not to enforce the follow-on in Brisbane

Mike Hussey has defended Steve Smith’s decision not to enforce the follow-on in Brisbane.

Australia won the First Test against Pakistan by 39 runs after a nervous finish that nearly saw the tourists chase down 490 for the win.

The Aussies declined the chance to enforce the follow-on early on Day 3 despite leading by 287 runs, preferring to give the bowlers a rest while compiling a massive lead.

Led by Usman Khawaja (74), Australia built up a lead of 489, meaning Pakistan would have had to smash the record run-chase for victory.

Smith has come under fire for the decision after Pakistan nearly produced a miracle, but Hussey told Sports Today people shouldn’t look at the decision with hindsight.

The champion batsman said Smith made the right call at the time, hoping his bowlers could exploit the final session of the day/night Test.

‘They thought ‘we’ll put them back in under lights where the ball can do a fair bit’,’ he said.

‘That’s when they had success on Day 2.’

Hussey also threw praise at Asad Shafiq, who nearly saved the day for the visitors with a gutsy century.

‘It was one of the better innings I’ve seen in a long time,’ he said.

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