Cricket

Pakistan all-rounder Kamran Ghulam expressed his disappointment over not receiving his debut cap during the first ODI against Australia in Melbourne. Ghulam, who made a century on his Test debut last month, was part of the playing XI at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Monday, where Pakistan narrowly lost the series opener.Prior to his Test debut against England last month, where he replaced star batter Babar Azam, Ghulam had only played one international match. He made his ODI debut as a concussion substitute against New Zealand in Karachi on January 13, 2023, but did not get to bat or bowl.In a video shared by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Ghulam recalled the events leading up to the first ODI in Melbourne. He revealed that Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan informed him that he would not be receiving a cap as he had already made his ODI debut last year."I was eagerly waiting, hoping that I'd get my debut ODI cap. But, Rizwan told me that 'you've already made your debut, so you won't be getting a cap'. My debut was in a concussion situation, but I was neither a bowler nor a batter. Haris Sohail had a concussion, although he went on to bat after that. I fielded for 50 overs," Ghulam said.Meanwhile, Pakistan named an unchanged side for the second ODI in Adelaide, with fast bowler Naseem Shah declared fit after leaving the field during the first match with a cramp. Australia made one change, bringing in veteran Josh Hazlewood in place of Sean Abbott to join Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc.Jake Fraser-McGurk and Matt Short opened the batting for Australia in the absence of Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head. They will be keen to make an impact after falling cheaply in the opening match.

Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting has advised Pakistan's Babar Azam to emulate Virat Kohli's approach to regain his lost form. Babar has been struggling for runs in recent Tests, prompting his omission from the last two matches against England.Ponting believes that Babar should consider taking a break from cricket to recharge, similar to what Kohli did earlier this year. Kohli's break proved beneficial, as he returned to form with a match-winning knock in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 final."The biggest challenge is how they get Babar back into their side. They've got to find a way to get Babar back into form and back into their (Test) team," Ponting said in the ICC Review.Ponting suggested that Babar may be trying too hard and needs to step away from the game to clear his mind. "Maybe Babar needs to get away for a while and stop trying too hard. Lock the kit bag away for a while, and think about something else and then hopefully come back recharged," he said.Babar's Test record stands at 3,997 runs in 55 matches at an average of 43.92. However, he has not scored a half-century in his last 18 innings, dating back to late 2022.Pakistan's recent Test series victory over England, their first under Shan Masood's captaincy, has raised questions about Babar's future in the team. Ponting believes that Babar remains a world-class player but needs to find a way to rediscover his form."We know at his best he's as good as anyone going around. Hopefully, we get to see that in the back half of his career again," Ponting said.

Legendary all-rounder Shahid Afridi has lauded Pakistan's dominant 9-wicket victory over Australia in the second ODI in Adelaide, praising newly-appointed captain Mohammad Rizwan while subtly criticizing former skipper Babar Azam.Afridi took to social media to express his admiration for the team's remarkable comeback performance, emphasizing the importance of strong leadership in motivating players. He wrote, "When a captain inspires, the team fires!"Pakistan's victory was spearheaded by paceman Haris Rauf's stunning 5-29, which restricted Australia to a mere 163 in 35 overs. Rizwan, making his debut as white-ball captain, made a significant impact with six dismissals behind the stumps, equaling the world record for most dismissals by a wicketkeeper in an ODI.Saim Ayub's blazing 82 and Abdullah Shafique's steady support sealed Pakistan's chase in just 26.3 overs. Afridi praised the team's overall performance, highlighting the contributions of Rizwan, Haris, Shaheen, Saim, and Abdullah.Afridi's comments come amidst speculation about Babar Azam's leadership style. The former skipper has faced criticism for his conservative approach and lack of aggression on the field. Afridi's praise for Rizwan's inspiring leadership suggests that he believes the new captain possesses the qualities necessary to lead Pakistan to success.Pakistan's victory in Adelaide has leveled the three-match ODI series 1-1. The final match will be played on Sunday in Perth, where Pakistan will aim to secure a series victory against the world champions.

Pakistan's fielding woes have been a persistent issue, and the dropped catch by Shaheen Shah Afridi during the second ODI against Australia in Adelaide served as a glaring example. Legendary fast bowler Wasim Akram, who was commentating on the match, had just been discussing Pakistan's fielding lapses when Shaheen's error occurred.Akram explained that during his playing days with Waqar Younis, they relied heavily on LBW and bowled dismissals due to Pakistan's poor fielding. "We didn't trust our fielders (laughs). That was one of the reasons. We only heard from slip cordon... Sorry, didn't see the ball. Every time," Akram said.The dropped catch by Shaheen came in the fourth over of Australia's innings. Naseem Shah bowled a short ball to Matthew Short, who pulled it straight to Shaheen at deep backward square-leg. Shaheen attempted a reverse-cup catch, but the ball burst through his hands and rolled to the boundary.Despite the fielding error, Pakistan went on to thrash Australia by 9 wickets in the second game, taking the series into a decider. Haris Rauf (5/29) and Shaheen (3/26) starred with the ball, claiming 8 wickets combined. Openers Saim Ayub (82) and Abdullah Shafique (64 not out) then hit fifties to guide Pakistan to victory within 27 overs.Pakistan's fielding has been a major concern for years, and the dropped catch by Shaheen highlighted the need for improvement. The team will need to address this issue if they want to compete with the top teams in the world.

Pakistan's Saim Ayub has emerged as a rising star in the cricketing world, showcasing his exceptional batting skills in the second ODI against Australia in Adelaide. His remarkable six over the fine-leg fence, reminiscent of Indian legend Yuvraj Singh, left Australian pacer Mitchell Starc bewildered.Ayub's innings of 82 runs off 71 balls played a pivotal role in Pakistan's comprehensive nine-wicket victory. The 23-year-old opener, along with Abdullah Shafique (64 not out off 69), forged a formidable opening partnership of 137 runs, laying the foundation for Pakistan's triumph.Ayub's six in the 12th over was a sight to behold. He swiftly gauged the length ball and shuffled across to flick Starc over the fine-leg fence with impeccable timing. The flair, flamboyance, and follow-through of the shot drew comparisons to Yuvraj Singh, a renowned six-hitter in the white-ball format.Pakistan's bowling attack, led by Haris Rauf's fiery spell of 5 for 29, restricted Australia to a mere 163 runs. Rauf's pace and accuracy proved too much for the Australian batsmen, who were dismissed in just 33.5 overs.The victory leveled the three-match series at 1-1, setting up an exciting decider in Perth on Sunday. Ayub's performance has not only earned him praise from cricket pundits but has also raised expectations for his future in international cricket.

Haris Rauf's devastating five-wicket haul propelled Pakistan to a commanding position in the second ODI against Australia in Adelaide, giving them a golden opportunity to level the series.Rauf's incisive spell of 5 for 29 ripped through Australia's middle order, leaving the hosts reeling at 163 all out in just 35 overs. The right-arm pacer's relentless pace and accuracy proved too much for the Australian batsmen, who were unable to settle into any rhythm.Rauf's wicket-taking spree began with the dismissal of Josh Inglis for 18, followed by the prized scalp of Marnus Labuschagne for a mere 6. He then accounted for Aaron Hardie (14) and Glenn Maxwell (16), leaving Australia in tatters.Captain Pat Cummins (13) was Rauf's fifth victim, caught behind in a moment of brilliance. Steve Smith's 35 was the only significant contribution for Australia, as they were bowled out for their lowest ODI total against Pakistan since 2002.Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan played a crucial role behind the stumps, taking six catches to complete a memorable performance. Shaheen Shah Afridi also chipped in with three wickets, removing openers Matthew Short and Jake Fraser-McGurk cheaply.The victory gives Pakistan a much-needed boost after their narrow defeat in the first match. They will now look to seal the series in the third and final ODI on Sunday in Perth.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is considering appointing Jason Gillespie as the all-format head coach of the national team, according to sources. The decision hinges on the results of the ongoing white-ball tour of Australia.Gillespie, who is currently the Test team head coach, has taken charge of the white-ball side in Australia following Gary Kirsten's sudden resignation. The PCB is reportedly impressed with Gillespie's performance so far and is considering offering him the all-format role."For the moment, the Board is working on a plan to appoint Jason Gillespie as all-format head coach instead of advertising for new candidates," a PCB source told PTI. "If Pakistan performs satisfactorily in the remaining games in Australia, then in all probability, Gillispie would be asked to take over as all formats head coach."Pakistan lost the opening ODI against Australia in Melbourne but has a chance to redeem itself in the remaining two ODIs and three T20Is. The team will then travel to Zimbabwe for another white-ball series.The PCB is confident that Gillespie will agree to become an all-format head coach, at least until next April. However, the board has also drawn up a shortlist of three former Pakistan players, including ex-Test spinner Saqlain Mushtaq, as potential alternatives."But, the PCB's preference is to have Gillespie to also be white-ball head coach if he agrees," the source said.Gillespie's appointment would mark a significant change in the PCB's coaching structure. In recent years, the board has appointed separate head coaches for the Test, ODI, and T20I teams. However, the PCB believes that a single head coach would provide greater consistency and stability to the national team.

Pakistan is expected to maintain an unchanged lineup for the second One-Day International (ODI) against Australia in Adelaide on Friday. Despite discussions about introducing left-arm wrist spinner Faisal Akram, the pitch conditions favor pacers.According to a source close to the team, Pakistan will likely field the same XI that narrowly lost the first match in Melbourne by two wickets. The pace attack will comprise Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, Muhammad Hasnain, and Naseem Shah, who has been cleared to play after a minor strain in the first match.Pakistan will rely on part-time spinners Agha Salman, Saim Ayub, and Kamran Ghulam, who did not bowl in the opening ODI. Openers Abdullah Shafique and Saim Ayub will retain their roles, while all eyes will be on Babar Azam, who has been struggling for form.Despite speculation about replacing Mohammad Hasnain with all-rounder Aamer Jamal, the team management believes it would be premature to drop Hasnain after just one game, especially considering his extended absence from international cricket.

Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting has urged the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to grant newly-appointed white-ball skipper Mohammad Rizwan a "decent run" to prove his leadership credentials. Rizwan took over the captaincy after Babar Azam stepped down following Pakistan's disappointing T20 World Cup campaign.Ponting expressed concern over Pakistan's frequent leadership changes, stating that it creates instability. He believes that Rizwan's performance during the ongoing tour of Australia will provide valuable insights into his leadership abilities."He's the sort of player that I love watching. Aggressive player that takes the game on, and wears his heart on his sleeve a little bit," Ponting said of Rizwan. "I reckon you can see he gets quite emotional out on the field, out on the ground as well, which I think is a good thing. It tends to show that you really care about what you're doing and what your team's trying to achieve."Ponting emphasized the importance of giving Rizwan a fair chance to demonstrate his leadership skills. "The proof will be in the pudding. I mean, we won't know (until they) give him a decent run at it," he said. "So I think in a few months time, or maybe in a few weeks time, even here in Australia with the one-dayers, the T20Is coming up, we might have a better idea in three or four weeks time."Pakistan's second ODI against Australia will be played in Adelaide on Friday, followed by the series finale in Perth on Sunday. The two teams will then face off in a three-match T20I series starting on November 14 in Brisbane.