AUS vs PAK: Not Babar Azam Or Mohammad Rizwan!! Michael Vaughan Backs This Pakistan Batsman To Be A Future Superstar
Published - 05 Jan 2024, 05:01 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 10:20 AM
Former England skipper Michael Vaughan made a bold prediction regarding Saim Ayub following the young opener???s Test debut against Australia. Michael Vaughan named Saim Ayub as the upcoming star in Pakistan despite his forgettable outing in the third Test.
Saim Ayub was benched for the first two games and replaced Imam ul Haq in the final match at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG). However, the left-handed batter had a forgettable outing in the first innings as he was dismissed for a two-ball duck by Josh Hazlewood.
Ayub played some attractive shots, including a six off Mitchell Starc and a four from Pat Cummins??? first ball. The southpaw scored 33 runs off 53 deliveries before being dismissed by Nathan Lyon. He hit three fours and a six in his knock in Pakistan???s second innings.
Saim Ayub Will Be A Superstar ??? Michael Vaughan
Saim Ayub impressed Michael Vaughan with his delightful strokes and maturity in the second innings, earning recognition as the potential next superstar in Pakistan cricket.
???Saim Ayub will be a superstar .. #AUSvsPAK .. Gone early on this one,??? Michael Vaughan wrote on X.
Ayub received his maiden Test call-up after notable performances in domestic cricket. In first-class cricket, he amassed 1069 runs in 26 innings at an average of 46.47 and a strike rate of 70. Ayub has notched up three centuries, with his highest score being 203.
The 21-year-old has already made his debut for Pakistan in T20Is. He scored 123 runs in seven innings at a modest average of 17.57 and a strike rate of 123. He showcased glimpses of excellence, notably scoring 49 against Afghanistan and 47 against New Zealand.
Pakistan Take Crucial 14-Run Lead In First Innings
Pakistan bowlers restricted the Australian team to 299 runs, securing a crucial 14-run lead in their first innings on Day 3. Marnus Labuschagne (60) and Mitchell Marsh (54) each contributed half-centuries. Young pacer Aamir Jamal claimed six wickets for 69 runs.
Pakistan encountered a disastrous beginning to their second innings, with Abdullah Shafique and Shan Masood departing for ducks, leaving the team at 1/2. Saim Ayub and Babar Azam (23) stabilized the team by adding 57 runs for the third wicket after the initial setbacks.
Nathan Lyon ended the partnership by dismissing Ayub, triggering a collapse for Pakistan. In the penultimate over of the day, Josh Hazlewood secured a triple-wicket maiden. Pakistan collapsed to 67/7 from 58/2 just before the stumps on the third day???s play in Sydney.
Mohammad Rizwan (6*) and Aamer Jamal (0*) remained unbeaten at the end of the day???s play, securing an 82-run lead for Pakistan. It is worth mentioning that Jamal (82) and Rizwan (88) played pivotal roles in Pakistan???s overall performance in the first innings.
The Shan Masood-led team entered the third and final Test of the three-match series, trailing 0-2. The visiting team experienced defeats in Perth and Melbourne in the initial two games. They suffered their 16th consecutive Test match loss in Australia.
