Pakistan skipper Babar Azam stayed off the field for first hour on Day 2 (December 18) of the third Test against England at National Stadium, Karachi. It was not an injury that prevented Babar from entering the field or a controversial decision by the umpire but something that took place on the night before.
As per media reports, on Saturday night (December 17), Babar the hour-long absence was a result of security personnel in Karachi not allowing Babar to go out for dinner with teammates Sarfaraz Ahmed, Azhar Ali, Shan Masood and Imam-ul-Haq with their families to a nearby restaurant.
The security personnel pointed out that the players have to seek prior clearance if they want to go outside. Both England and Pakistan have been provided President-level during the ongoing three-Test series. England are touring Pakistan for a Test series after a long gap of 17 years and the board is not willing to take any chances with players’ security.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is yet to react to the incident. Some sources also suggest that players are not fans of getting stuck in the hotel and asking for permission before going out.
On Day 3, Babar walked out to bat with the intention of posting a challenging target for Ben Stokes-led England. He followed up the 78-run knock in the first innings with 54 runs from 104 deliveries including seven boundaries.
The 28-year-old shared a 111-run partnership for the fourth wicket with in-form batter Saud Shakeel. He got dismissed by 18-year-old debutant Rehan Ahmed in an attempt to play a pull shot.
After Babar's wicket, Pakistan suffered a batting collapse and got all out for 216. Rehan went on to take a five-wicket haul. The leg-spinner also became the youngest bowler to take a fifer.
After setting a non-threatening target of 167, Pakistan bowlers were whacked by England openers. Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett shared a 87-run opening stand from just 69 deliveries.
Before the day's play ended England had 112/2 on the board with Duckett (50) and skipper Stokes (10) in the middle. England need 55 more runs to win and complete clean sweep.
