AUS vs PAK: Mir Hamza Hails Abdullah Shafique As 'One Of The Best Fielders In Pakistan'
Published - 28 Dec 2023, 04:54 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 12:24 AM
Pakistan left-arm pacer Mir Hamza has expressed support for Abdullah Shafique, who has had a challenging series in Australia as a fielder. Mir Hamza expressed confidence in Abdullah Shafique’s fielding prowess despite the missed opportunities in the two Tests.
Abdullah Shafique dropped Mitchell Marsh’s catch during Australia’s second innings in the Boxing Day Test match at the MCG. The dropped catch proved costly for the visiting team, as Mitchell Marsh went on to add 76 runs after the missed opportunity.
Dropped Catch Are A Part Of The Game – Mir Hamza
Mir Hamza emphasized that Abdullah Shafique is one of the best fielders in the Pakistan Cricket Team and acknowledged that dropped catches are a natural part of the game.
“Abdullah Shafique is one of the best fielders in Pakistan. Dropped catches are a part of the game. It’s OK,” Hamza said.
In the opening Test at Optus Stadium in Perth, Abdullah Shafique also missed a crucial opportunity. Shafique dropped a straightforward catch, giving Australia’s opener, Usman Khawaja, a lifeline. He, stationed at first slip, failed to judge a simple running catch.
The struggles persisted in the second Test, as Shafique missed an opportunity to dismiss David Warner in the first innings. Shafique couldn’t capitalize on the chance created by left-arm pacer Shaheen Afridi’s delivery moving away from the left-handed batter.
This Was My Thought With Travis Head – Mir Hamza
Mir Hamza opened up about his performance in the second Test, emphasizing his adherence to basic techniques and exploiting the favorable conditions for fast bowlers. Hamza underlined the significance of recognizing and capitalizing on one’s 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 further 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.”
Hamza took the wickets of David Warner and Travis Head on consecutive deliveries during the post-lunch session, limiting the opposition to 16/4. Mitchell Marsh (96) played a crucial role in building the innings. Hamza dismissed Marsh just before the stumps on Day 3.
Shaheen Shah Afridi and Mir Hamza demonstrated effectiveness by claiming three wickets each, putting the experienced Australian batting lineup under pressure. The third day’s play of the ongoing Test match concluded with Australia at 187-6 on the scoreboard.
