At the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Pakistani batsman Babar Azam and Steve Smith had a lighthearted giggle during the last innings of the Boxing Day Test.
Babar Azam engaged in a lighthearted conversation with Steve Smith while the players warmed up. He was up against off-spinner Nathan Lyon. Grinning, Babar held out his bat to Smith, who made a funny clasping motion with his hands to politely decline the offer.
Incredible banter!
Look at how Babar asks Smith only to bat, when he is getting ready to take guard and Smith goes 🙏
😂 😂 😂#AUSvPAK pic.twitter.com/SYnsDFP7ao
— Nikhil 🏏 (@CricCrazyNIKS) December 29, 2023
Prior to the game, Pakistan was behind 79 runs in the Test match against Australia. Although Shan Masood (60) and Babar Azam (41) made significant contributions, the visiting squad was unable to reach the hosts’ target of 317. Pakistan’s pursuit was halted when Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood destroyed the middle order.
As he reflected on the triumph, Australia captain and Player of the Match Pat Cummins said he loved playing in the Boxing Day Test because he thought it was the biggest match of the year.
I enjoy coming here to play. The most important test match of the year is Boxing Day. I enjoy the build-up to Christmas. The last few years have seen some excellent wickets. The goal was to score more than 300 because we felt we had enough bowling left, albeit not quite enough. According to Cricbuzz, Cummins stated, “Steve and Marsh’s partnership really got us back in the game.”
For a short while, we were behind because they were bowling brilliantly, had their tails up, and the pitch was difficult. We were able to regain our lead and have something to defend thanks to that fantastic partnership. The dressing room was quiet, even at 4/16. We had no doubt that someone would stand up. Genuine confidence and mutual support in the changing area. There seems to be a new matchwinner every week. Extremely successful year in the field. I believe that 2023 will go down in history as one of the unique ones. Take advantage of the extra day off, relax, and prepare for the upcoming test,” he continued.
India
