Pakistan's left-arm fast bowler Mir Hamza has come to Abdullah Shafique's rescue after the latter's shoddy fielding on Day 3 of the second Test against Australia. In the Boxing Day Test at the MCG, Shafique missed a catch off Mitchell Marsh during Australia's second innings. Shafique dropped catch saw Marsh adding 76 runs after being dropped for 20. Hamza highlighted that Shafique is among the top fielders in the Pakistan Cricket Team, and he acknowledged that dropped catches are an inevitable aspect of cricket.
“Abdullah Shafique is one of the best fielders in Pakistan. Dropped catches are a part of the game. It’s OK,” Hamza said.
During the first Test at Optus Stadium in Perth, Shafique also missed a key chance. He failed to grab an easy catch, inadvertently allowing Australian opener Usman Khawaja to continue his innings. Positioned at first slip, Shafique couldn't properly handle a straightforward running catch.
Shafique's fielding challenges continued in the second Test, where he missed a chance to catch David Warner in the first innings. He was unable to make the most of an opportunity presented by a delivery from left-arm fast bowler Shaheen Afridi that deviated from the left-handed Warner. Mir Hamza reflected on his own performance in the second Test, focusing on sticking to fundamental techniques and making the most of the conditions that were favorable to fast bowling. He stressed the importance of understanding and leveraging one's own strengths as a bowler.
“I stuck to my basics. The pitch has something for the fast bowlers, and the ball is swinging and seaming. I utilized my skills,” Hamza said.
“If I can swing the ball both ways, especially when there’s a new batsman at the crease, it’s a good opportunity for me. This was my thought with Travis Head. I thought he may be ready for the outswing so I’ll try inswing,” he added.
“I think a bowler knows his qualities and skills. Some bowlers are famous for seam and swing while some disturb batsmen with pace. I think as long as you’re disturbing the batsman, that’s what matters, whether you’re doing it with pace or seam/swing. I am aware of my skills, and I try to stick to them,” he further said.
During the session after lunch, Hamza claimed the wickets of David Warner and Travis Head in back-to-back deliveries, restricting the opposing team to 16/4. Mitchell Marsh then played a pivotal role in stabilizing the innings with his 96 runs. Just before the close of play on Day 3, Hamza managed to dismiss Marsh. Both Shaheen Shah Afridi and Mir Hamza proved to be impactful, each taking three wickets and exerting pressure on the seasoned Australian batting order. At the end of the third day of the ongoing Test match, Australia's score stood at 187/6.
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