During the opening day of the second Test between Australia and Pakistan at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on December 26, an amusing moment unfolded between Australian batsman Marnus Labuschagne and Pakistani bowler Hasan Ali.
This incident occurred during the 48th over of Australia’s first innings when both Labuschagne and Ali were observed attempting to shoo away the well-known pigeons that frequent the MCG.
Labuschagne had a relatively subdued performance in the Test series opener against Pakistan in Perth, managing scores of 16 and 2 in the match. Eager to bounce back, the right-handed batter aims to make a significant impact with the bat in the ongoing second Test. Australia secured a commanding 1-0 lead in the three-match series, securing a comprehensive 360-run victory in the initial clash.
Hasan Ali, a senior pacer, returned to Pakistan’s playing XI for the Boxing Day Test as the visiting team made several lineup changes after their demoralizing loss in Perth. Opting to field first after winning the toss, Pakistan witnessed a solid start from Australian openers Usman Khawaja and David Warner, who scored 42 and 38, respectively.
However, the 90-run partnership was broken with Warner’s dismissal in the 28th over. Hasan Ali further struck for Pakistan, claiming Khawaja’s wicket in the 34th over. Khawaja fell while attempting a cut shot off Ali’s delivery but succumbed to the extra bounce, resulting in a thick outside edge straight to Agha Salman.
Got to get the pigeons away somehow 😂#AUSvPAK pic.twitter.com/TVAJ2YytZk
— 7Cricket (@7Cricket) December 26, 2023
Australia suffered another setback in the 58th over when fast bowler Aamer Jamal dismissed Steve Smith, caught behind, putting Pakistan in a favorable position.