“Park cricket, under-10s” – Mark Waugh reacts as Pakistan's Abdullah Shafique drops sitter in AUS vs PAK 1st Test
Former Australian cricketer Mark Waugh was surprised to see Abdullah Shafique dropping a sitter during the opening Test between Australia and Pakistan in Perth on Day 1 (December 14). The cricketer-turned-commentator suggested that the drop looked embarrassing and that even under-10 cricketers could have completed the catch.
Shafique dropped Usman Khawaja on 21, during the 16th over bowled by debutante Aamer Jamal. Jamal bowled a short delivery outside off, and Khawaja went for the pull shot but top-edged it. The ball looped over the cordon and Abdullah Shafique ran and settled underneath the ball. But he failed to grab it, resulting in a boundary.
Waugh said on-air, as quoted by Fox Sports:
“That was regulation, on any level of cricket, park cricket, under-10s. It looked like the first catch he’s ever tried to take. You can’t do that. Not against any team, let alone Australia.”
Later in the day, just before tea, debutante Khurram Shahzad wasted a chance to send Warner packing for 104.
Meanwhile, ex-Australian cricketer Michael Hussey has criticized Shan Masood’s captaincy debut for Pakistan. He implied with his comments that Masood didn’t look in control on Day 1:
“It’s regrettable and as captain, you’d be disappointed with that because … you want to set the standards right from the word go. But it happens. And it shouldn’t define the whole day."
Hussey added:
"He’s not the one out there bowling the balls. He’s not the one dropping catches. It’s not something that he would have been happy with. But it happens. You can’t make that as an excuse for Australia having a great day.”
“Fought fire with fire” – Adam Gilchrist’s ultimate praise for David Warner's century against Pakistan
Former Australian opener Adam Gilchrist lauded David Warner for his exploits with the bat against Pakistan. The legendary wicketkeeper-batter said that Warner showed the right intent from the word go and that he made most of the scoring opportunities.
Warner slammed 164 off 211 balls, including four sixes and 16 boundaries. It was his 26th Test ton, and sixth against Pakistan.
Gilchrist told Fox Sports:
“It was an outstanding innings. He came out with his characteristic intent, with all sorts of commentary surrounding him leading into the Test. He’s continually and consistently fought fire with fire, I was thrilled that he did that.”
He added:
“He had elements of good fortune, which opening the batting in any Test match you’re going to have to have, and he’s absolutely capitalized on any opportunity to score. To make that statement puts to bed any issue. We might now get to enjoy David Warner at his finest for another couple of Test matches.”
Australia were 346/5 at stumps against Pakistan on Day 1, with Alex Carey and Mitchell Marsh at the crease.
Follow the AUS vs PAK 1st Test live score and updates here.