Tag: Australia vs Pakistan

Australia’s Usman Khawaja on Friday claimed that the black armband he wore in the first Test against Pakistan was for a “personal bereavement” and not politically motivated after the star batter was reprimanded by the International Cricket Council (ICC).

The 36-year-old donned the armband during the team’s 360-run victory in Perth, a move seen at the time as support for people in Gaza, where thousands have been killed.

He had wanted to wear shoes emblazoned with the hand-written slogans “Freedom is a human right” and “All lives are equal” during the match, saying he had been hit hard by the Israel-Hamas conflict.

But Pakistan-born Khawaja, who is Muslim, was told that it flouted ICC rules on messages that relate to politics, religion or race.

When Cricket Australia (CA) expressed their hopes that the opener would uphold the rules, Usman Khawaja covered the slogans with a semi-transparent tape.

However, the words written on his shoes remained partially visible — only in close-up — in the colour of the Palestinian flag.

Khawaja insisted he told the ICC during the match that it was for a personal bereavement and had no hidden meaning.

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However, the ICC said it breached their clothing and equipment regulations.

“Usman displayed a personal message (armband) during the first Test match against Pakistan without seeking the prior approval of Cricket Australia and the ICC to display it, as required in the regulations for personal messages,” the ICC said late Thursday.

“This is a breach under the category of an ‘other breach’ and the sanction for a first offence is a reprimand.”

Khawaja said he would not wear an armband during the second Test in Melbourne next week but remained defiant.

“No, I’m not wearing it again. As I said to the ICC, the armband was for a personal bereavement,” he told reporters in Melbourne.

“The armband was different to my shoes. The shoes were very obvious. At the end of the day, I didn’t wear the shoes. I respected the rules and procedures and left it at that.”

He added that being reprimanded for the armband “makes no sense” and pointed to other players who had previously put stickers on their bats and names on their shoes without approval and escaped punishment, urging the ICC to be more consistent.

“I will just be asking and contesting that they (ICC) make it fair for everyone and they have consistency in how they officiate. That’s all I ask for, and from my point of view, that consistency hasn’t been done yet,” he said.

READ: Saud, Rizwan, Salman hit half-centuries on day one against Victoria XI

MELBOURNE: The 17-member Pakistan squad partook in the full-fledged training session here at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) ahead of their must-win Boxing Day Test against Australia.

According to the details, all members of the Pakistan squad except for the injured pacer Khurram Shahzad engaged in a lengthy practice session.

The national players participated in several fielding drills and carried out robust batting and bowling sessions.

Some of the members of the Pakistan squad also interacted with the fans on the sidelines of the training session, signed autographs and took selfies with them.

Prepping for the second game of the series 🏏#AUSvPAK pic.twitter.com/Sp2zwlcvDB

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) December 21, 2023

The Greenshirts will then play a two-day practice match against Victoria XI on December 22 and 23.

After the game against Victoria XI, the Pakistan team will take a day to rest before resuming their training at the MCG on December 25.

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Meanwhile, the Australia team will report to Melbourne on December 23 and partake in the training session for two days before kicking off the Boxing Day Test on December 26.

Australia also made a tweak to their squad for the second Test match against Pakistan as right-arm pacer Lance Morris has been omitted from Australia’s squad.

His omission was the only tweak made by the Australian selectors, trimming the 14-player squad they had in Perth to 13 for Melbourne.

Notably, Australia’s first-choice pacers Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood did well in the first Test against Pakistan as they troubled the visitors’ batting unit, which led them to a thumping 360-run victory.

Their impressive performance in the Perth Test also indicates the possibility that skipper Cummins will opt for the same Playing XI for the second Test.

Australia Test squad

Pat Cummins (c), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitch Marsh, Steve Smith, Mitch Starc, David Warner.

Pakistan Test squad

Shan Masood (c), Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Shafiq, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Khurram Shahzad, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Nauman Ali, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Shaheen Afridi, Saud Shakeel, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Sajid Khan.

READ: Usman Khawaja charged for wearing black armband in Perth Test

Former cricketer Junaid Khan expressed his concerns over the fitness of young right-arm pacer Khurram Shahzad ahead of Pakistan’s second Test against Australia in Melbourne.

Khurram Shahzad bowled 38 overs, conceded 128 runs and ended up with five wickets in the Perth Test.

Things did not get better for Pakistan following their hammering 360-run defeat in the series opener as the pacer became doubtful for the upcoming fixture.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) stated that he complained of discomfort in his left side during the game and was sent for an MRI scan after the match.

Meanwhile, Pakistan’s former ace pacer Junaid Khan acknowledged Khurram Shahzad’s performance in the Perth Test before highlighting a technical flaw in the latter’s bowling action.

“Everyone is saying that Khurram Shazad bowled outstandingly. No doubt, he bowled well, but, his bio-mechanic is not right,” asserted Junaid.

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The former pacer then highlighted a significant decline in Shahzad’s pace before expressing his concern that the emerging star could get injured if the management makes him play another fixture.

“In the first innings, he was bowling 135 [kph] and in the second 130 [kph]. But, if he plays a Test or two then he might get injured,” he added.

Pakistan, who were at the top of the World Test Championship (WTC) points table with a perfect, record, got another blow to their campaign when the International Cricket Council (ICC) penalized them for maintaining a slow over-rate during the Perth Test.

Pakistan were fined 10 per cent of their match fee and docked two ICC WTC points.

The sanction after a hammering defeat, consequently resulted in them slipping to the second spot with a winning rate of 61.11.

Two-time runners-up India benefitted from Pakistan’s demotion and reached the summit with a winning percentage of 66.67.

Australia squad:

Pat Cummins (captain), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitch Marsh, Steve Smith, Mitch Starc, David Warner

Pakistan’s squad:

Shan Masood (captain), Sarfaraz Ahmed, Imam-ul-Haq, Abdullah Shafique, Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Salman Ali Agha, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Aamir Jamal, Khurram Shahzad, Sajid Khan, Abrar Ahmed.

READ: Pakistan suffer injury scare amid Australia Tour

Australia batter Marnus Labuschagne said Monday that he was “definitely” right to feature in the Boxing Day Test against Pakistan despite suffering a painful blow to his right hand while batting in the recently concluded Perth Test.

Australia were sweating on Marnus Labuschagne’s fitness after a knock to his little finger saw him sent for scans.

During the sixth over of Australia’s second innings at Perth Stadium, Pakistan debutant Khurram Shahzad produced a jaffa that jumped off a good length and struck Labuschagne on the right hand.

He eventually continued batting after the team doctor and physiotherapist had a lengthy examination of his right small finger.

But, having faced just seven more balls before being dismissed by the same bowler, he continued to receive treatment from the medicos before being sent for X-rays at the close of play.

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The scans, however, revealed no visible fracture but Marnus Labuschagne admitted that he felt discomfort while facing express pacer Lance Morris in the nets prior to the fourth-day action in Perth.

The prognosis on Marnus Labuschagne’s finger can’t be too dire. Here he is facing the Wild Thing in the nets before play. Green and Boland also going full tilt at him #AUSvPAK pic.twitter.com/01UEsEoC0V

— Louis Cameron (@LouisDBCameron) December 17, 2023

 

Labuschagne further revealed that he was initially afraid of sustaining structural damage to his hand, but not of an extent to the hand injury copped by Travis Head, which kept him out of the action for more than a month.

“It hit me more on the knuckle side and jammed up my hand, so I was a bit nervous out there,” Labuschagne told reporters in Perth.

“I’ve had a lot of finger blows but this felt a bit different.

“Overnight it was a little bit sore but (Sunday) morning was fine, I had a hit and it was all right.”

“I wasn’t necessarily thinking about Trav’s finger hit, but it just got me in a bit of an awkward spot.

“There was no padding on that side of the glove, and it got me sort of underneath and jammed it so it didn’t feel that good.

“But I’ve actually got some really good range in it, so all good.”

For the unversed, Marnus Labuschagne was retained in the “trimmed” Australia squad for the upcoming Boxing Day Test against Pakistan, which saw the omission of right-arm pacer Lance Morris.

The lanky pacer will return to Perth Scorchers, who next face Hobart Hurricanes on Wednesday.

Australia squad: Pat Cummins (c), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitch Marsh, Steve Smith, Mitch Starc, David Warner.

Pakistan squad: Shan Masood (c), Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Khurram Shahzad, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Noman Ali, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Sarfaraz Ahmed (wk), Saud Shakeel and Shaheen Shah Afridi.

READ: Pakistan penalized for slow over-rate after Perth Test debacle

MELBOURNE: Cricket Australia (CA) on Monday, made a tweak to their squad for the upcoming Boxing Day Test against Pakistan, scheduled to commence on December 26 in Melbourne.

Right-arm pacer Lance Morris has been omitted from Australia’s squad for the Boxing Day Test against Pakistan and will return to Perth Scorchers.

His omission was the only tweak made by the Australian selectors, trimming the 14-player squad they had in Perth to 13 for Melbourne.

Notably, Australia’s first-choice pacers Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood did well in the first Test against Pakistan as they troubled the visitors’ batting unit, which led them to a thumping 360-run victory.

Their impressive performance in the Perth Test also indicates the possibility that skipper Cummins will opt for the same Playing XI for the second Test.

“I don’t think injuries are going to be an issue, so I dare say it will be a pretty similar line-up at this stage,” Cummins said of the XI who will play in the Boxing Day Test.

“I think all the bowlers are pretty fresh after (the win in Perth). It’s basically the ideal start to the summer.”

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Set to chase 450, Pakistan’s batting lineup unfolded for a skimpy 89 in just 30.2 overs on Sunday and thus handed Australia a flying start to the three-match series.

Meanwhile, Pakistan will have an opportunity to sharpen their claws ahead of the Boxing Day Test as they take on Victoria in the two-day practice match at the Junction Oval, starting Friday.

The two-day practice match will be a timely opportunity for opening batter Marcus Harris to strengthen his case to replace David Warner, who has announced to bid adieu to Test cricket after the ongoing series against Pakistan.

Australia squad: Pat Cummins (c), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitch Marsh, Steve Smith, Mitch Starc, David Warner.

Pakistan squad: Shan Masood (c), Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Khurram Shahzad, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Noman Ali, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Sarfaraz Ahmed (wk), Saud Shakeel and Shaheen Shah Afridi.

READ: Pakistan penalized for slow over-rate after Perth Test debacle

DUBAI: The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Monday, penalised Pakistan for maintaining a slow over-rate in the recently-concluded Perth Test against Australia.

Consequently, Pakistan have been fined 10 per cent of their match fee and penalised two ICC World Test Championship (WTC).

Match Referee Javagal Srinath imposed the sanction after Pakistan were found to be two overs short of the target despite considering time allowances.

In accordance with Article 2.22 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to minimum over-rate offences, players are fined five per cent of their match fee for every over their side fails to bowl in the allotted time.

In addition, as per Article 16.11.2 of the ICC World Test Championship playing conditions, a side is penalised one point for each over short. Consequently, two WTC points have been deducted from Pakistan’s points total.

Pakistan captain Shan Masood pled guilty to the offence and accepted the proposed sanction, so there was no need for a formal hearing.

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On-field umpires Joel Wilson and Richard Illingworth, third umpire Michael Gough and fourth umpire Donovan Koch levelled the charge.

Notably, Pakistan were on top of the WTC standings with a perfect record, however, a hammering 360-run defeat against Australia and a two-point penalty saw them slipping to the second spot with a winning rate of 61.11.

Two-time runners-up India benefitted from Pakistan’s demotion and reached the summit with a winning percentage of 66.67.

Australia are currently leading the Test series 1-0 after thumping Pakistan by a huge margin of 360 runs in the first Test match at Perth Stadium.

Australian bowlers bowled the Pakistan team for a meagre 89 runs in the second innings after setting a mammoth target of 450 runs to register a dominant victory.

READ: Pakistan Women defeat New Zealand in a super over thriller

Australia batter Marnus Labuschagne suffered an injury scare after a ball hit his little finger ferociously on day three of the first Test against Pakistan in Perth.

Earlier, the visitors’ batting lineup unfolded before lunch on the third day at Optus Stadium after they slipped from 3-188 to 271 all out.

However, the hosts’ plans of leaving Pakistan with an insurmountable total were hurt late when firebrand left-armer Shaheen Shah Afridi and debutant Khurram Shahzad wreaked early havoc.

Australia succumbed to 5/2 in the eighth over when Khurram Shahzad removed David Warner (0) and Marnus Labuschagne (2) in quick succession.

After having a disastrous start to their second innings, the hosts recovered to 84/2 at the stumps on Day 3 with Steve Smith and Usman Khawaja firm at the crease.

Australia were sweating on Marnus Labuschagne’s fitness after a knock to his little finger saw him sent for scans.

During the sixth over of Australia’s second innings at Perth Stadium, Pakistan debutant Khurram Shahzad produced a jaffa that jumped off a good length and struck Labuschagne on the right hand.

He eventually continued batting after the team doctor and physiotherapist had a lengthy examination of his right small finger.

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But, having faced just seven more balls before being dismissed by the same bowler, he continued to receive treatment from the medicos before being sent for X-rays at the close of play.

“He was just with the doc and physio for the last hour just chatting through it, doing a few tests on the finger,” paceman Josh Hazlewood told reporters at stumps with Australia leading by 300 runs.

“I daresay there might be a scan … he was pretty sore I think.”

A Cricket Australia spokesperson confirmed a full diagnosis was expected in the morning.

Usman Khawaja, who was at the non-striker’s end when Marnus Labuschagne was hit, admitted his concern.

“It didn’t look pretty,” Khawaja said, adding: “Marnus is a pretty tough character. When he takes his glove and starts to do that I get a bit worried, because he’s a pretty tough guy.”

Hazlewood labelled Smith “incredibly brave” for soldiering on after he too required treatment before stumps when Shaheen Shah Afridi landed a blow to his left arm.

But Smith insisted at stumps: “It’s all right. Bit of a bruise, but I’ll live.”

With Australia already holding an imposing lead, signs of the pitch breaking up have encouraged the hosts’ bowlers.

Groundstaff had hoped the drop-in wicket at the cavernous stadium would show more signs of wear and tear after it largely held together for their Test against West Indies last summer.

Their approach looks to have succeeded, with temperatures in the mid-thirties helping to bake out and open up small cracks.

“Batting got really tough there at the end,” said Hazlewood. “As the game goes along I think the cracks will come more into play, another hot day tomorrow I believe.

“I think it’s probably going to be tougher to play the short ball than (it was) the first innings.

READ: Smith, Khawaja power Australia to 300-run lead against Pakistan

Australian opening batter Usman Khawaja will not wear shoes with messages highlighting the plight of people in Gaza when the first Test against Pakistan begins on Thursday, captain Pat Cummins said.

During training this week the 36-year-old opening batsman Usman Khawaja had hand-written slogans “Freedom is a human right” and “All lives are equal” on his shoes.

The Pakistan-born Khawaja had reportedly said he would wear the shoes for the opening Test in Perth.

But Cummins told reporters on Wednesday: “I spoke to him just quickly and he said he won’t be.

“Just kind of drew attention to the ICC rules, which I don’t know if Uzzie (Khawaja) was across beforehand.

“Uzzie doesn’t want to make too big of a fuss.”

Governing body the International Cricket Council bans any messages during matches that relate to politics, religion or race.

Four days ago, Khawaja shared a video on Instagram from the children’s charity UNICEF from Gaza.

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In the post, Khawaja, who is Muslim, commented: “Do people not care about innocent humans being killed?

“Or is it the colour of their skin that makes them less important? Or the religion they practise?

“These things should be irrelevant if you truly believe that ‘we are all equal’.”

Speaking earlier Wednesday, Australian Sports Minister Anika Wells said she believed Khawaja’s shoes did not break ICC rules.

“I think he has done it in a peaceful and respectful way,” the Sydney Morning Herald quoted her as saying.

Cricket Australia said in a statement that it supported “the right of our players to express personal opinions.

“But the ICC has rules in place which prohibit the display of personal messages, which we expect the players to uphold.”

In 2014 the ICC banned England all-rounder Moeen Ali from wearing wristbands saying “Save Gaza” and “Free Palestine” during a home Test.

READ: Pakistan’s Playing XI for First Test against Australia unveiled

Veteran opener David Warner kept his spot in Australia’s squad to face Pakistan in the first Test this month for what is expected to be his farewell series.

Warner was in scintillating white ball form at the recently concluded ICC World Cup 2023, but he has scored just one Test century since early 2020 and averages only 28 since the 2019-2020 summer.

It has sparked questions about whether he should retain his place at the top of the order alongside Usman Khawaja, with the likes of Cameron Bancroft, Marcus Harris and Matt Renshaw knocking on the door.

That trio will all play for the Prime Minister’s XI against Pakistan in a four-day red ball warm-up this week in Canberra, widely seen as an audition for Warner’s job.

“This group, led by Pat Cummins, has built a strong resume over an extended period,” chairman of selectors George Bailey said of the squad, which was named only for the Perth Test.

“We believe they have earned the opportunity to start in our first home Test match at the beginning of the new World Test Championship cycle.”

Australia will open the three-Test series against Pakistan in Perth on December 14, before the traditional Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, then Sydney, beginning January 3.

David Warner, 37, has indicated he plans to quit the five-day game after the Test at his home Sydney Cricket Ground against Pakistan but continue in white ball cricket.

Australia also have Tests against the West Indies later in January at Adelaide and Brisbane.

“As ever, there will be opportunities in the short- to medium-term to break into this squad,” said Bailey.

“We look forward to seeing the continued strong performances from players who have been performing domestically, many of whom will get a tremendous opportunity in the PM’s XI fixture against Pakistan later this week.”

The only change for Perth from the team that started Australia’s last Test against England at the Oval in July is likely to be the return of fit-again spinner Nathan Lyon in place of Todd Murphy, who did not make the squad.

Lyon has 496 Test wickets and is on the verge of joining just seven other Test bowlers to breach the 500 mark, including fellow spin kings Muttiah Muralitharan, Shane Warne and Anil Kumble.

Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood are again set to spearhead the pace attack with Scott Boland and firebrand Lance Morris — on the comeback from a back stress injury — waiting in the wings.

All-rounder Mitchell Marsh and Cameron Green were both included in the 14-men Australia squad to face Pakistan, but Marsh has moved ahead in the pecking order.

Australia squad for the first Test against Pakistan

David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood, Scott Boland, Cameron Green, Lance Morris.

READ: Fatima, Shawaal lead Pakistan women to historic win over New Zealand

RAWALPINDI: Pakistan’s newly-appointed Test captain Shan Masood scored a brisk century on the first day of the scenario-based practice match amid the team’s training camp for the upcoming Test tour of Australia.

Pakistan’s batting prodigy Saim Ayub depicted his sublime form and laid a solid foundation alongside Shan despite the early dismissal of Abdullah Shafique.

Saim and Shan batted with utmost domination but the former failed to convert his brilliant knock into a big one and walked back after scoring 35.

Shan Masood was then joined by Babar Azam and the pair found themselves among runs. The left-handed batter went on to score a century before opting to retire on 101.

Babar, on the other hand, scored a well-crafted 71 before also opting to retire to pave the way for the other batters to seize the opportunity to boost their preparations.

Day 1️⃣ of the two-day scenario match at Pindi Cricket Stadium 🎥

Pakistan Batters made 298-2 in 63 overs with Shan Masood (101 retired) and Babar Azam (71 retired) top-scoring. Saim Ayub made 35 while Saud Shakeel (44*) and Sarfaraz Ahmed (19*) were the unbeaten batters at… pic.twitter.com/rGx3w0LiZy

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) November 25, 2023

The middle-order batters responded well by adding valuable runs in the middle with Saud Shakeel scoring an unbeaten while the experienced wicketkeeper batter Sarfaraz Ahmed remained not out on 19.

Pakistan batters finished the day at 298/2 in just 63 overs at a decent run rate of 4.7.

The two wickets to fall on the day belonged to Khurram Shahzad and Aamer Jamal.

For the unversed, this was the third day of Pakistan’s training camp for the upcoming three-match away series against Australia.

The week-long camp will run until November 28 while the team will take off for Australia on November 30th.

Opening batter Imam-ul-Haq and all-rounder Faheem Ashraf will miss the entirety of the training camp due to their wedding festivities.

They are expected to join the squad in Lahore just before the team’s departure to Australia.

Pakistan’s quest for their first Test series victory over Australia in their backyard will commence on Dember 14.

It will be a tough challenge for left-handed opener Shan Masood, who became the Test captain after Babar Azam relinquished the role from all formats after his side’s dismal show in the recently concluded ICC World Cup 2023.

The Green Shirts will get an opportunity to get used to the testing Australian conditions as they will take on the Prime Minister’s XI in the four-day red-ball fixture at Manuka Oval from 6-9 December 2023.

Pakistan squad

Shan Masood (c), Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Shafiq, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Khurram Shahzad, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Nauman Ali, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Shaheen Afridi, Saud Shakeel, Sarfaraz Ahmed

Schedule of Pakistan’s Test tour of Australia

First Test: December 14-18, Perth Stadium

Second Test: December 26-30, Melbourne Cricket Ground

Third Test: January 3-7, Sydney Cricket Ground

READ: Hasan Ali plays Kabaddi with team masseur Malang Ali amid training