The MCG Test between Australia and Pakistan witnessed some heated moments surrounding delays caused by Mohammad Rizwan’s injury after being struck by a Pat Cummins bouncer. Former Australian player Mark Waugh sparked a debate by voicing his disapproval of the break, arguing it unnecessarily disrupted the flow of the game.
Waugh expressed frustration, stating, “It’s just part of batting, isn’t it? What’s the physio going to do? He’s got to say ‘No, off.’” He highlighted the concern over lost overs and diminishing entertainment value, pointing out over 12 overs already sacrificed due to rain.
Michael Vaughan and Ian Smith echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the responsibility to respect the spectators who deserve a gripping match.
“We talk about over rates and value for money and entertainment … it’s ridiculous. 12 overs were lost yesterday, and that gets put to one side and nobody bats an eyelid,” Michael Vaughan said on-air.
Pakistan’s opening Test against Australia in Perth wasn’t just a cricketing nightmare; it also left them facing penalties and a diminished World Test Championship (WTC) standing.
Already reeling from a hefty 360-run defeat, the visitors were further docked two crucial WTC points for falling two overs short of the required rate, despite time allowances. This penalty pushed them down a spot in the WTC rankings, from first to second, and chipped away at their percentage points, dropping them from 66.67 to 61.11. Adding to the woes, the match referee imposed a 10% fine on their match fee.
The slow over-rate issue highlighted a concerning aspect of Pakistan’s performance, adding a bitter aftertaste to the already painful loss. As they look ahead to the remaining Tests, not only will they need to contend with the formidable Australians, but also focus on improving their pace of play to avoid further WTC repercussions and keep their championship aspirations alive.
Waugh didn’t hold back when Shafique dropped a sitter
Pakistan’s hopes of a triumphant Test match were cruelly dashed in a matter of minutes, transforming what could have been a victory into a gut-wrenching nightmare. Aamer Jamal’s tireless bowling efforts seemed destined for glory, only to be tragically undermined by Abdullah Shafique’s inexplicable fumble in the slip cordon.
The dropped catch, a simple “dolly” as commentator Mark Waugh put it, was met with frustration and bewilderment. Waugh likened the attempt to “a crocodile trying to catch the ball with its jaws,” highlighting a familiar failing in Pakistan’s fielding – a tendency to let crucial catches slip through their fingers at the most critical moments.
After a 150-run partnership, Mitchell Marsh finally found his way back to the pavilion thanks to a stunning one-handed catch by Agha Salman. Diving to his left, Salman snagged the ball just above the ground, a masterpiece of athleticism and a testament to Mir Hamza’s persistence.
This remarkable catch was a rare beacon of brilliance in a sea of fielding woes, but it wasn’t enough to erase the sting of Shafique’s earlier drop.
