Harsha Bhogle questions Australia's approach as Aamer Jamal defies odds

Pakistan's Aamer Jamal emerged as the unexpected hero for Pakistan on the first day of the Sydney Test, notching up his maiden half-century (50 off 71 balls).

Jamal's outstanding performance took center stage and despite Australia's efforts to dismiss him, Jamal's pluck and skill shone through, as he confidently reached his fifty.

Cricket commentator Harsha Bhogle shared his insights on social media platform, highlighting the exceptional innings played by Aamer Jamal. Bhogle emphasized the significance of Jamal's fifty.

"I don't think Aamer Jamal will bat at no 9 too many more times in his career. Got to admire his pluck but also his skill. This determination is what the fans would have wanted to see from their team," Bhogle wrote on X.

I don't think Aamer Jamal will bat at no 9 too many more times in his career. Got to admire his pluck but also his skill. This determination is what the fans would have wanted to see from their team.

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) January 3, 2024

Bhogle also critiqued Australia's strategy, pointing out that merely spreading the field and focusing on one batter might not be an effective approach.

I don't think spreading the field out and only trying to get one batter out works very often. Australia didn't try hard enough to get Aamer Jamal out

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) January 3, 2024

"I don't think spreading the field out and only trying to get one batter out works very often. Australia didn't try hard enough to get Aamer Jamal out," Bhogle further wrote.

Jamal scored 82 runs off 97 deliveries when he was dismissed by Nathan Lyon. His maiden fifty included 9 fours and 4 sixes, powering Pakistan to 313 by the end of first innings.