(Image Source: X)
[Saba Sports News] In the final innings of the Boxing Day Test at Melbourne Cricket Ground, a cheerful moment unfolded between Pakistan’s Babar Azam and Australia’s Steve Smith. As they prepared for play, Babar, batting against off-spinner Nathan Lyon, playfully offered his bat to Smith in the slips, eliciting a humorous refusal from Smith.
Despite the light-hearted interaction, Pakistan faced a 79-run defeat against Australia. The hosts set a challenging target of 317, with contributions from Shan Masood and Babar Azam. However, the Australian bowling duo of Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood thwarted Pakistan’s pursuit.
Reflecting on the win, Cummins, Player of the Match and Australia’s captain, shared his fondness for the Boxing Day Test, acknowledging it as the pinnacle of the cricketing calendar. Quoted by Cricbuzz, Cummins praised the crucial partnership between Steve Smith and Mitchell Marsh, which swung the game back in Australia’s favor.
He emphasized the calmness in the Australian dressing room even when under pressure and lauded the team’s ability to consistently find match-winners. Cummins looks forward to the rest of 2023, anticipating it as a memorable year in Australian cricket.