Watch- Mitchell Starc Sends Sarfaraz Ahmed's Off-Stump Cartwheeling With Unplayable Delivery On Day 3

Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc bowled an unplayable delivery, dismissing Pakistan’s wicketkeeper-batsman Sarfaraz Ahmed on Day 3 of the first Test match. Pakistan found themselves in trouble, losing six wickets for less than 200 runs in the first innings.

The Australian team posted a total of 487 runs in the series opener at Optus Stadium. Aamir Jamal achieved his maiden five-wicket haul, taking 6 wickets for 111 runs. Khurram Shahzad claimed two wickets, while Shaheen Afridi and Faheem Ashraf each contributed one.

Pakistan opening batters Abdullah Shafique and Imam-ul-Haq provided a promising start, adding 74 runs for the first wicket. Shafique scored 42 runs before being dismissed by Nathan Lyon on Day 2. Shan Masood (30) was dismissed by Mitchell Starc just before stumps.

Pakistan, starting the day at 132-2, faced an early setback with the dismissal of night watchman Khurram Shahzad. Imam-ul-Haq (62) lost patience and departed after scoring a half-century. Star batter Babar Azam was also dismissed in quick succession, managing only 21 runs.

Also Read: AUS vs PAK Live Streaming In India Channel–1st Test, When and Where To Watch Australia vs Pakistan Live In India? 2023

Watch – Mitchell Starc Sends Sarfaraz Ahmed’s Off-Stump Cartwheeling

Mitchell Starc, with a 75-over-old ball, produced a significant swing against Sarfaraz Ahmed. His delivery nipped back, crashing through the gap between bat and pad and sending the off stump out of position. Pakistan was reduced to 195-6 following the dismissal.

SEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEED!

A thing of beauty from Mitchell Starc! #PlayOfTheDay | @nrmainsurance | #AUSvPAK pic.twitter.com/tc7VJf2zQP

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 16, 2023

The Shan Masood-led team lost their eight wickets for 241 runs in the first innings. Saud Shakeel (28) and Faheem Ashraf (9) were dismissed for low scores. The Pakistan cricket team needs to score 288 runs to avoid the follow-on in the first Test of the three-match series.

Australia vs Pakistan Playing XI

The Australian team made a single change to their playing XI, with Nathan Lyon returning to the side, replacing Todd Murphy from the Ashes finale in August at The Oval. The Pakistan team included two debutants, Aamir Jamal and Khurram Shahzad, in their playing XI.

Pakistan: Abdullah Shafique, Imam-ul-Haq, Shan Masood, Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Salman Ali Agha, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Aamir Jamal and Khurram Shahzad.

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

Also read: Mumbai Indians Would Be Gunning For Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc – Sanjay Manjrekar