Pakistan openers set unwanted record in Test cricket

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Pakistan's opening batsmen set an unwanted record in Test cricket during the New Year’s Test against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

After winning the toss, Pakistan captain Shan Masood chose to bat on a sunny day. However, Australia's new-ball pair made a strong start, claiming two wickets in the opening two overs of the third and final Test of the series.

Mitchell Starc made an early breakthrough with his second ball, dismissing Abdullah Shafique who edged a full delivery outside his off stump to Steve Smith at second slip.

The debutant, Saim Ayub, faced a similar fate, surviving only two balls before nicking Hazlewood to Alex Carey for a diving catch. This marked the first instance since the 1981-82 summer in Australia where both of Pakistan's openers departed for a duck.

Additionally, for the first time in Test history, a calendar year has started with both openers falling for a duck.

 

For the first time in Test history, a calendar year has started with both openers falling for a duck. #AusvPak

— Mazher Arshad (@MazherArshad) January 2, 2024

 

"Looks like a good wicket, the sun´s out today, but that´s fine," said Australia captain Pat Cummins, who said he would have also batted if he had won the toss.

"It´s rare that we play the same team three games in a row, but everyone´s in a good space after such a short turnaround.

"David loves batting at the SCG and I´m sure the crowd is going to be right behind him, and hopefully we can make it special for him."