Last Updated on 11 months by Charbel Coorey

Cricket News: Fans unhappy with slow over rate by Australia at the SCG against Pakistan in 2024 New Years’ Test

In a welcome change, rain did not have a say on the first day of a New Years Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG). However, the forecast suggests some rain may fall over the coming days, and matters weren’t helped by a very slow over rate on day one of the Test.

By tea, Australia had bowled just 48 overs. In the end, just 78.1 overs were bowled as Pakistan recovered to be bowled out for 313 thanks to Aamer Jamal’s magnificent 82 that took the visitors to a respectable score after falling to 227/9. Australia then faced just the one over, with David Warner, in his final Test, scoring an unbeaten six off six balls to get through to stumps.

Fans took to social media to voice their disappointment. Over rates continue to be a problem in Test cricket which hurts the format as the faster-paced T20 format continues to take preference around the world. Some called called for the captain to be suspended for a Test as the current system of docking World Test Championship points doesn’t seem to be making a difference.

Reactions: Fans disappointed at slow over rate by Australia on day one of New Years Test against Pakistan

“Don’t care how well we’ve bowled, only getting through 48 overs by Tea is embarrassing,” tweeted one fan. “Appalling but not enough is being done about it! 12th man running drinks out to the fielding team happens regularly. It shouldn’t be allowed,” tweeted another.

Here are some reactions to the slow over rate during the first day of the 2024 New Years Test at the SCG.

Australia will begin day two no wicket for six after Pat Cummins took his third-consecutive five-wicket haul. The Australian captain’s career statistics took another boost, further enhancing his status as one of Australia’s greats.

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