Mir Hamza opens up about taming Australia in Melbourne Test

Pakistan fast bowler Mir Hamza showed his bowling power on the pitch, leading the charge for his team against Australia on day three of second Test of Melbourne Test on Thursday. 

Hamza's exceptional performance not only highlighted his ability to exploit favorable conditions but also demonstrated his keen understanding of the game.

The left-arm fast bowler spoke confidently about his adherence to the basics in the post-match presser as his disciplined approach successfully troubled the Australian batsmen with a combination of swing and seam movement.

"I hold to my basics. The pitch has something for the fast bowlers, and the ball is swinging and seaming. I utilized my skills," Hamza said. 

Hamza's thoughtful analysis of the opposition batsmen was evident in his dismissal of Travis Head.

“If I can swing the ball both ways, especially when there's a new batsman at the crease, it's a good opportunity for me. This was my thought with Travis Head. I thought he may be ready for the outswing so I'll try inswing,” he further added.

The bowler emphasized the importance of understanding one's strengths, stating, “I think a bowler knows his qualities and skills. Some bowlers are famous for seam and swing while some disturb batsmen with pace. I think as long as you're disturbing the batsman, that's what matters, whether you're doing it with pace or seam/swing. I am aware of my skills, and I try to stick to them,” Hamza said.

Despite a drop catch during the match, Hamza maintained a positive outlook and highlighted the fielding capacity of his teammate Abdullah Shafique. 

"Abdullah Shafique is one of the best fielders in Pakistan. Dropped catches are a part of the game. It's OK,” Hamza remarked.

Expressing his elation, Hamza remarked, "Playing at the MCG against one of the best teams in the world, Australia, and providing two breakthroughs in a single over is a dream come true for me."

Speaking about the team spirit, Hamza stated, "The body language among the boys is very positive. We are trying to go for the kill because we are still in the game. The sooner the wickets come, the smaller the target will be."

It is worth noting that left-arm fast bowling duo of Shaheen Shah Afridi and Mir Hamza found success against the experienced Australia batting line-up as both registered three wickets to push the opposition on the backfoot. At stumps, Australia’s scorecard read 187-6 after they had earlier dismissed Pakistan for 264.