Azhar Ali survives nasty blow to his head from Matthew Wade

12/29/2016

While fielding at short leg, Pakistani cricketer Azhar Ali suffered a big blow to his helmet from a Matthew Wade pull shot on the fourth day of the 2nd Test between Australia and Pakistan. Ali received treatment on the field before leaving the ground on his feet to warm applause from the MCG crowd.

In the 109th over, Yasir Shah bowled a long hop and Wade was quick to pounce on it. He played a powerful pull shot which stuck Azhar Ali’s helmet at short leg before the ball popped up in the air and was caught by Babar Azam. The Pakistani batsman, who remained unbeaten at 205 in the first innings to help his team post a total of 443, received immediate treatment before receiving an apology from Wade and walking off the ground to a round of applause from the small crowd gathered at the ground.

Meanwhile, the Australian batsman was given not out by the umpire despite Babar Azam completing the catch off Azhar Ali’s helmet as the existing rule prevents catches being taken after deflection off the helmet of a fielder. The rule, however, will be amended in the new year with the MCG’s cricket committee approving this change in a meeting earlier this month.

The Boxing day Test is heading for a tame draw with Australia batting at 465/6 in their first innings with just one more day left to play at the MCG.

Who is your Test opening pair of 2016?