Cricket News

WATCH: Babar Azam entertainingly runs at Mohammad Rizwan with bat after Pakistan Wicket keeper attempts Bairstow-like run out

 

Following a disappointing ODI World Cup campaign, Pakistan implemented a captaincy overhaul last week. Babar Azam relinquished his captaincy role in all formats, with Shan Masood appointed as the Test captain and Shaheen Afridi assuming leadership in T20Is. The board has not yet announced the ODI captain, and there is no immediate need as Pakistan is not scheduled to play in the fifty-over format in the near future. The team is set to resume action next month in Tests against Australia, initiating a new era in Pakistan cricket with these changes.

Babar Azam remains an integral part of the squad, and ahead of the team’s tour to Australia, a video from the side’s practice game gained popularity. In the video, the former Pakistan captain is seen sharing a lighthearted moment with the wicketkeeper, Mohammad Rizwan. Babar casually walks out of his crease after the delivery, and Rizwan humorously aims at the stumps. The wicketkeeper’s throw hits the stumps, and he jokingly appeals for a run-out.

Persisting with his appeal, Rizwan is joined by Babar, who amusingly chases the wicketkeeper with a bat. The scene unfolds hilariously as the umpire replaces the bails on the stumps. These light hearted moments are sometimes necessary when the team is gearing up for such mega series coming up. It is also be kept in mind that the Pakistan team have never won a series against Australia in Australia.

 

Watch the video here;

Babar 😭😭 pic.twitter.com/OnLIv1t4A7

— Hassan (@HassanAbbasian) November 25, 2023

 

Johnny Bairstow was run out in similar fashion against Australia

Notably, a similar incident occurred during the Ashes series when Alex Carey dislodged the stumps after Jonny Bairstow left his crease following a delivery. The Australians persisted with their appeal, leading to Bairstow being eventually declared out, much to the disappointment of England players and fans. Pakistan’s upcoming Test series against Australia marks their return to the format after a hiatus of over four months, with their last Test series against Sri Lanka in July. The recently appointed chief selector, Wahab Riaz, announced the squad for the Australia Tests last week, while Mohammad Hafeez will serve as the team’s coach.

Meanwhile, Australia is currently engaged in a five-match T20I series in India, having secured the World Cup title on Sunday (November 19) by defeating Rohit Sharma’s team in the final.