Pakistan’s recent rise in performance during the ongoing tour of Australia continued as disciplined bowling efforts restricted the hosts to 116/2 at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Day 2, halting play due to bad light. The Australian team could only manage a run rate of 2.46 per over, staying considerably behind Pakistan’s total of 313.
Sajid Khan and Aamer Jamel took crucial wickets, dismissing both openers. This accomplishment added to Jamel’s recent success, following his impressive 82 runs with the bat in a challenging situation the day before. Moreover, the fast bowling all-rounder showcased a moment of comedic brilliance on Thursday.
In the 46th over, after removing Usman Khawaja in his prior over, the right-arm fast bowler approached the crease, sporting a mischievous grin before starting his run-up. However, as he neared the delivery stride, he comically shrugged his shoulders, extending his arms to reveal that he didn’t have the ball (Kookaburra) in hand.
Despite Marnus Labuschagne being ready to face the delivery, he played along with the prank, mimicking a defensive shot while Jamal couldn’t contain his hearty chuckle.
— Travis Head (@TravisHead8441) January 4, 2024
This playful action by the bowler bore semblance to West Indies speedster Kenneth Benjamin’s similar antics during a Test against England in 1995, which caused a stir among cricket fans on Twitter.