PAK vs AUS: Watch - Marnus Labuschagne, Hasan Ali Try To Shoo Away Pigeons During Boxing Day Test 

Australian batter Marnus Labuschagne and Pakistani pacer Hasan Ali added a touch of humor to the second Test match between the two sides. Marnus Labuschagne attempted to shoo away pigeons that had landed on the field during the Boxing Day Test match.

Following a 360-run loss in the series opener, the Shan Masood-led team opted to field first at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Tuesday. The home team posted a total of 187/3 before the stumps on Day 1, with Labuschagne (44) and Travis Head (9) at the crease.

Watch – Marnus Labuschagne And Hasan Ali Try To Shoo Away Pigeons

The lighthearted moment occurred in the 48th over of Australia’s first innings. Both Marnus Labuschagne and Hasan Ali attempted to shoo away the ground’s pigeons. Labuschagne, equipped with his bat, made a running attempt to encourage the pigeons to leave the field.

However, the pigeons returned to the field again. Subsequently, Hasan Ali took his turn and successfully removed the pigeons from the ground. Cricket Australia captured the lighthearted moment and shared it on the social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter).

Got to get the pigeons away somehow ?#AUSvPAK pic.twitter.com/TVAJ2YytZk

— 7Cricket (@7Cricket) December 26, 2023

Marnus Labuschagne had a subpar performance in the Test series opener against Pakistan, managing scores of 16 and 2. The right-handed batter will be aiming to bounce back and contribute significantly with the bat in the ongoing second Test in Melbourne.

Pakistan Managed To Pick Just Three Wickets On Day 1

In the Boxing Day Test against Australia, Pakistan opted for changes in their playing XI, bringing back Hasan Ali along with Mohammad Rizwan and Mir Hamza. Sarfaraz Ahmed and Faheem Ashraf were dropped after their disappointing performances in the last game.

Australian openers Usman Khawaja and David Warner provided a solid start, forming a partnership of 90 runs. However, Warner was dismissed just before lunch break on Day 1. He scored 38 runs from 83 deliveries before being dismissed by spinner Agha Salman.

In the second session, Pakistan exerted pressure and dismissed Khawaja, who scored 42 runs. Khawaja attempted to play the cut shot off Hasan Ali, but it took a thick outside edge due to an extra bounce. Agha Salman comfortably completed the catch at second slip.

Aamir Jamal claimed the crucial wicket of Steve Smith in the 58th over. The batter was caught behind, giving Pakistan a favorable position. Although there was initially a modest appeal from Rizwan, the captain trusted the bowler’s judgment and reviewed the decision.

Pakistan’s quest for a Test win in Australia continues as they aim to end the drought. The team suffered 15 consecutive Test match losses, marking a historical record for sustained setbacks in the history of Test cricket.

Australia vs Pakistan Playing XI

Pakistan: Abdullah Shafique, Imam-ul-Haq, Shan Masood(c), Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan(w), Agha Salman, Aamer Jamal, Shaheen Afridi, Hasan Ali, Mir Hamza

Australia: David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Alex Carey(w), Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins(c), Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood

Also read: AUS vs PAK: Shaheen Afridi Sledges Marnus Labuschagne During Boxing Day Test