Babar Azam becomes instant ‘doctor’ on the field for Shaheen Shah Afridi after injury
Babar Azam rapidly became a “doctor” on the field for Pakistani bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi during Sunday, November 10’s third and final ODI against Australia in Perth. During the game, Afridi was struck on the thumb of his bowling arm and seemed to be in discomfort. Adam Zampa and Sean Abbott were at the crease when the incident happened on the third ball of the 26th over.
A throw from the deep took an unexpected bounce off the grass as Abbott had finished a run, landing Shaheen squarely on his left thumb. The medical staff would have to care to the pacer when he fell on his haunches. Babar rescued his friend before the physiotherapists arrived and was shown rubbing Shaheen’s thumb. The pundits also praised the great batter’s kind gesture.
The whole video is available below:
Dr Babar is on the case! 👨⚕️#AUSvPAK pic.twitter.com/FupHfqon3p
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) November 10, 2024
As refreshments were brought to the field, the physio would do his duties, and Shaheen could resume bowling as the Pakistani bowlers continued to hammer the Australian batsmen.
Australia bundled out for 140
Similar to Adelaide, Pakistan had won the toss and placed the hosts in the batting order. Jake Fraser-McGurk’s bad form continued, as he was removed for only seven runs, making it difficult for all the batsmen. Josh Inglis, the captain, was unable to make an impression with the bat, while Aaron Hardie’s move to No. 3 in the redesigned team was unsuccessful.
Only five batters reached the double-digit mark that day, with Sean Abbott’s 30 being the highest, while Cooper Connolly’s injury added to Australia’s suffering. Mohammad Hasnain took one wicket, Haris Rauf took two, while Shaheen and Naseem both took three.
Pakistan is poised to make history if they successfully chase down 141 in Perth on Sunday, ending a 22-year wait for a series victory in Australia.
