Last Updated on 10 months by Charbel Coorey
Cricket News: Reactions – Pat Cummins bowls Babar Azam with a peach at the MCG | Pat Cummins dismisses Babar Azam with another beauty
Australia needed a spark with Pakistan sitting pretty at 124/1 in pursuit of 318 in the first innings. Pat Cummins, as he has done so often in recent months, delivered the goods, producing one of his classic spells to finish day two of the Boxing Day Test at the MCG with figures of 3/37.
After a wayward start to his spell, the Australian captain found his groove. First, he dismissed Abdullah Shafique, who played nicely for his 62, thanks to an excellent caught and bowled. But, he saved his best for Babar Azam once again, producing a gem of a delivery to castle Pakistan’s premier batsman through the gate.
Cummins got the ball to nip back beautifully to hit the top of offstump. What is special about Cummins is not only this one delivery, but also how he’s been able to set Babar up throughout this series so far. In the first Test at Perth, Cummins did not leave the good length in the channel, where Babar eventually nicked behind to Alex Carey. In Melbourne, Babar was beaten on the inside edge and heard timber.
The spell turned the match on its head. After Pakistan had visions of challenging the Australians in this Test, Cummins almost slammed the door shut, with the visitors to begin day three on 194/6, still 124 runs behind. With the surface offering movement and some turn, Pakistan face an uphill task to keep the series alive.
Fans react to Pat Cummins peach to dismiss Babar Azam
Fans praised Cummins for his relentless consistency and skill. However, others also criticised Babar Azam for the manner in which he played the delivery. The consensus among those is such a player should display tighter technique.
Here are some the reactions to another peach from the Australian captain.
As mentioned, Pakistan will begin day three 124 runs behind as they seek not only to keep this series alive, but break their run of 15 consecutive Test match defeats in Australia.
