Watch: Babar Azam turns 'physio' in Perth; fixes Shaheen Afridi's dislocated thumb

Former Pakistan skipper Babar Azam has turned into a new avatar during the ongoing third and final ODI match against the Australia national cricket team. Babar Azam became the Pakistan cricket team physio and fixed left-arm pace bowler Shaheen Afridi's dislocated thumb during the match in Perth.

Pakistan started the series with a two-wicket loss in the closely-fought encounter in Melbourne. The team bounced back with a comfortable nine-wicket victory in the second game to level the ODI series. The visiting team is currently taking on Australia in the series decider match on Sunday, November 10.

Watch: Babar Azam Fixes Shaheen Afridi's Dislocated Thumb

The incident took place on the third ball of the 26th over in Australia's innings. Shaheen Afridi was seen in pain after a throw from deep mid-wicket hit his left thumb. He winced in discomfort, and Babar Azam rushed to assist him. The veteran Pakistan batter tried to pull Shaheen's thumb back into place.

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Shaheen Afridi Takes Three Wickets As Australia Bowled Out for 140

Shaheen completed the over despite taking a blow on his thumb. The left-arm pacer also continued his spell without any discomfort. He picked up his second wicket of the match by dismissing Sean Abbott, who scored 30 runs off 41 balls. Australia lost their eighth wicket for just 140 runs in 31.3 overs.

Shaheen removed Lance Morris to bowl out the Australia team for 140 runs in the final match. Cooper Connolly retired hurt after being hit by Mohammad Hasnain in the 17th over. Meanwhile, Babar Azam will be hoping to add more runs in the second innings to help his team secure a series victory.

They've Been Completely Exposed - Michael Vaughan

With Australia struggling, Michael Hussey, who was commenting, was critical of the home team's batting approach during the series-deciding encounter. He added that sometimes cricket requires a patient, methodical approach, even if it feels boring.

“Do they hang in there and bat some time and try to build a partnership or do they say ‘let’s just get as many as we can as quickly as we can’?” he asked.

“Get them before they get us. Let’s try to bat as many balls as we can and get up to a score we’ve got a chance to defend. Might sound boring, sometimes in cricket you have to just do the hard slog, get boring for a while, knock it around.”

Marcus Stoinis was dismissed after edging a ball to wicketkeeper Rizwan. Michael Vaughan stated he hadn’t seen an Australian lineup so vulnerable, adding that they’ve been completely exposed against pace and movement in three matches.

“Let’s be honest, I don’t remember seeing an Australian batting line-up looking so exposed. Three games on the trot against a bit of pace, a bit of movement, they’ve been completely exposed,” Vaughan said.

Also read: Australia Test squad for India Border-Gavaskar Trophy announced!! Openers finalized