Despite not being included in the playing XI for Pakistan’s current Test series opening against Australia at Perth Stadium, keeper-battler Mohammad Rizwan nonetheless managed to get attention.
With a paper cup perched atop his head, Rizwan was observed sitting in the dugout. His photo went popular on social media, and many admirers made the comparison between him and the character played by Indian star Bobby Deol in the newly released film “Animal.”
Sarfaraz Ahmed, the former skipper, was selected for the opening Test match against Australia instead of Mohammad Rizwan. Rizwan has been a consistent member of the Pakistan team’s white-ball squads. But it appears that the team management has moved him down the ladder in at least the longer format of the game.
Darren Lehmann, a former Australian cricket player and coach, questioned Pakistan’s strategy for selecting Sarfaraz Ahmed instead of Mohammad Rizwan to start as the keeper in the first Test series.
Lehmann tweeted in response to a journalist’s comment on Rizwan’s absence from the Perth Test’s opening session. He wrote on X expressing his disappointment over his selection. He said, “Why is he not”
Australia in pole position in first Test against Pakistan
In Perth, Australia chose to bat first after winning the toss. David Warner scored his 26th Test century to cap off an incredible farewell Test series. The veteran opener notched up a knock of 164 runs on the first day’s play at the Optus stadium.
Mitchell Marsh lost his wicket at exactly ninety, denying himself a well-earned century. Aamer Jamal, the Pakistani bowler making his Test debut, was the most successful bowler, taking six wickets.In the end, Australia was bowled out for 487 after the start of the second session.
Pakistani batters Abdullah Shafique as well as Imam-ul-Haq made sure their side got off to a strong start. They did not lose their wicket for more than 30 overs and established a vital 74-run partnership. Shafique was dismissed by off-spinner Nathan Lyon during the 37th over, ending his impressive 42-run innings. Later on, Shan Masood’s aggressive knock was ended by Mitchell Starc near the close of play.
