Australia commenced an eventful home summer with a dominant display against Pakistan at the Optus Stadium, led by an aggressive innings from David Warner, who scored an impressive 164 runs.
The first day of the three-Test series showcased the typical Australian elements: a fast and lively pitch, thrilling fast-paced bowling, and remarkable shot-making.
Alongside these familiar aspects, there were some new additions in broadcasting, notably with Ravi Shastri expanding his role as a neutral commentator.
Shastri, a former Indian player and coach, was entrusted with overseeing the toss ceremony for the West Test. However, things didn’t go as planned for the 61-year-old.
— Virat Sharma (@ViratSharm39743) December 14, 2023
Known for his unwavering passion and candid commentary, Shastri addressed the audience in Perth by highlighting the distinctive nature of Australian pitches. “The pace,” Shastri began before losing his train of thought, resulting in an awkward pause. His attempt to recover only exacerbated the situation as the seasoned broadcaster concluded, “The pace…of bounce and pace.”