AUS vs PAK | Twitter stunned as Pakistan self-destruct to endure worst possible start to Pink Test
Few things can shatter the confidence of a team hoping to renew their fortunes like an early double whammy but little else was expected with resurgent Australia on song at the SCG. The hosts struck twice in as many overs in the New Year's Test to leave Pakistan staring at doom early on Wednesday.
Pakistan's tour of Australia went from bad to worse within the first 10 minutes of the traditional Pink Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground as they slumped to 4/2 as soon as the contest started. A rejig at the top of the order allowed Saib Ayum of T20 fame to replace the out-of-sorts Imam-ul-Haq but it made little difference to the roaring new-ball duo of Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood as their pair took just two balls each to make their mark.
Starc's very first trick came up trumps after Shafique took guard to kickstart the encounter. The left-arm quick swung the opening delivery sharply into the right-handed batter to strike his thigh before angling the next one wide off the stumps with a scrambled seam. Shafique, expecting movement on this occasion as well, threw his bat at the Kookaburra only to nick the red cherry straight to Steve Smith at second slip. Ayum, on the other hand, had slightly more misfortune to contend with as his welcome hamper to the Test arena comprised of an absolute pearler. Steaming in from around the wicket, Hazlewood pitched the ball straight at length with trademark accuracy before it deviated just a hint away from the squared-up batter to catch the outside edge and fly into the gloves of Alex Carey.
Twitterati couldn't help but express their disappointment at the sheer incompetence of the touring Men in Green and took to social media to express their frustration.
Banger start!
Starc in the first over!
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) January 2, 2024
Dream start for Australia in Sydney #AUSvPAK pic.twitter.com/0QvwWTW3Mp
Dream start!
Abdullah goes out fishing once again vs Starc, this time for a duck. Second ball of the Test. Dream start for Australia 🇦🇺
— Behram Qazi 🇵🇰 🇨🇦 (@DeafMango) January 2, 2024
Duck
Abdullah Shafique faces the 1st ball of 2024,only to depart for a golden duck on the very next delivery from Mitch Starc.Meanwhile,Shan Masood marks the occasion by smashing the 1st boundary of the year with an elegant 4. Cricket action begins with a mix of fortunes.🌅#AUSvsPAK pic.twitter.com/knap2LmJyN
— Usman Shaikh 🇮🇳 (@shaikhusman_7) January 3, 2024
A duck. Once again.
ABD Golden duck once again chased a wide delivery in the first over of Starc mannnn you are better than this
— Lahori Guy (@ShortCover_) January 2, 2024
A catching legend as well!!
Steve Smith from Australia moves to 8th position on Most catches in test Matches. He took his 171th catch today. The was catch of Abdullah Shafique in slip on a ball from Starc. #AUSvsPAK #PAKvsAUS
— Adnan (@shamsispeaks) January 2, 2024
Superb
What set up starc to shafique he played the ball at 7th stump😭
— 🏏 (@hranjha92) January 2, 2024
He just crazy good!
Starc swinging at 143km😢😢😢#AUSvsPAK I #PAKvsAUS
— Dr Ahmad Rehan Khan (@AhmadRehanKhan) January 2, 2024
What a start!
1st over Mitchell Starc wicket
— Jase Carty (@Scenicflya) January 2, 2024
2nd over Hazelwood wicket#GoAussies https://t.co/jMy5WuvZqN
Poor start!
Starc strike early in first over, Hazelwood in second 🤦♂️
— Innocent Devil (@Abubakar64M) January 2, 2024
Abdullah Shafiq and Saim Ayub gone on duck after facing 2 deliveries each 😏
Poor start by Green Shirts.
Another ONE
ANOTHER ONE, PAKISTAN IN ALL SORTS OF TROUBLE AS HAZELWOOD TRAPS SAIM AYUB ON THE SECOND BALL HIS OVER, SAIM DEPARTS FOR A DUCK ON HIS DEBUT.#Australia #AUSvsPAK #AUSvPAK #PAKvsAUS #PAKvsNZ pic.twitter.com/8VK2tMy0AK
— HUMZA🇵🇰🏏 (@dope_humza) January 2, 2024