The Boxing Day Check between Australia and Pakistan reached an exhilarating crescendo on Day 3 on the Melbourne Cricket Floor (MCG). The day was marked by fierce competitors, with each groups displaying dedication to realize management.
Among the many many highlights, Agha Salman‘s brilliant catch to dismiss Mitchell Marsh became a defining moment in the game. The catch not only showcased Salman’s fielding prowess but in addition marked an important turning level in a day crammed with intense cricketing motion.
Pakistan’s morning surge
The day started with Pakistan resuming their innings at 194/6, aiming to construct on their in a single day complete. Nonetheless, the Australian bowlers, led by Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon, had different plans. Aamer Jamal‘s lower-order contribution proved crucial, adding valuable runs to Pakistan’s complete. Regardless of the resistance, Cummins secured a superb fifer, supported by Lyon’s four-wicket haul, as Pakistan have been ultimately bowled out for 264.
Australia’s turbulent begin and Mitchell Marsh’s resilience
In response to Pakistan’s rating, Australia discovered themselves in a precarious place early on, dropping wickets to the fiery tempo of Shaheen Afridi and Mir Hamza. Nonetheless, the duo of Steve Smith and Marsh displayed resilience, steering the house facet right into a extra beneficial place. Marsh, specifically, showcased his prowess with the bat and appeared destined for a well-deserved century till he fell sufferer to Salman’s brilliance.
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Agha Salman’s second of brilliance
The defining second of the day unfolded within the forty ninth over when Marsh, batting on a superb 96, confronted size supply from Hamza and acquired a thick outdoors edge whereas trying to push the ball. The pink cherry then went straight in the direction of Salman at wide-ish first slip, who dove to his proper, executing an excellent one-handed low catch.
As Marsh was disheartened on lacking his century, the MCG crowd erupted in appreciation for the extraordinary effort, recognizing the tip of what might have been a match-winning innings.
Right here’s the video:
Mitch Marsh gone for 96 – to an absolute belter at first slip from Agha Salman! #AUSvPAK pic.twitter.com/KNUP3kDr3j
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 28, 2023
Salman’s catch not solely dismissed a well-set Marsh but in addition swung the momentum in Pakistan’s favour as Australia additional additionally misplaced Smith and completed the day at a rating of 187/6. The brilliance exhibited by the Pakistan fielder showcased the significance of outstanding fielding in essential moments of a Check match.