Neville fuming, Sancho apology, Fofana’s new deal – Monday’s sporting social
Sports stars and clubs across the world continue to provide an insight into their lives on social media.
Steve Smith Sport News
ICC won't rate Rawalpindi pitch poor: PCB source
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) does not think that the ICC will rate it 'poor' or 'not up to the mark' for Test cricket. The Test between hosts Pakistan and Australia ended in a high-scoring draw but visiting skipper Pat Cummins and top batter Steve Smith were not impressed with the quality of the strip. "Turning up to a pitch that's probably not a traditional pitch you would get here in Rawalpindi, and it's probably clear they've made an effort to try and nullify the pace bowling," Cummins said.
Pindi wicket similar to MCG 2017: Cummins
Pat Cummins has claimed Rawalpindi's dour wicket was similar to the one at the MCG in 2017, which attracted a "poor" rating from the ICC and three demerit points.
1st Test: Imam-ul-Haq gets second hundred, Rawalpindi run-feast ends in a draw
Imam-ul-Haq smashed his second hundred in the run-feast in Rawalpindi but Australia's first test in Pakistan in 24 years ended in a dull draw on Tuesday. Opting to bat on run-filled surface, Pakistan had made 476-4 before declaring their first innings at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. By the time they bowled out Australia for 459 on the final day, the chances of any team winning the contest had evaporated.
Imam-ul-Haq hits second century of match as Pakistan draw with Australia in first Test
Pakistan batsman Imam-ul-Haq hit his second century of the match as the first Test against Australia at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium ended in a drab draw on Tuesday.
Pakistan v Australia: Imam-ul-Haq scores two tons in drawn first Test
Pakistan opener Imam ul-Haq scored a century in both innings as his side drew the first Test of a three-match home series against Australia.
'Dead pitch Dead game': Wasim Jaffer reacts to Rawalpindi wicket
Wasim Jaffer has criticised the Rawalpindi pitch used for the first Pakistan-Australia Test match as it has offered no assistance to the bowlers. The 44-year old added that such dead pitches are the 'biggest threat to Test cricket'. "I find it amusing when Test matches get over inside four days yet teams lose WTC points for overrate. The biggest threat to Test cricket is not overrate. Tests rarely go to day 5 anyway nowadays. The biggest threat to Test cricket is dead pitches. Dead pitch Dead game," Jaffer wrote on Twitter.
Watch: Shaheen Afridi's Classic Celebration After Dismissing Marnus Labuschagne On 90 In 1st Test
Pakistan cricket's star player Shaheen Afridi rattled Australia when his captain needed it the most, proving once again the brilliant purple patch the fast bowler is currently going through. Although the start of Day 4 was delayed due to rain which resulted in the loss of the first session entirely, the match began post lunch. Australia batters Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne made their way to the middle with Australia on 271/2, continuing from where they left off at stumps on Day 3. Although, the Pakistan bowlers looked quite penetrative with the old ball, skipper Babar Azam pounced on the very first opportunity of taking the new ball after the 80th over, handing it to Afridi.