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It’s just not Test cricket.
Legends of the game couldn’t believe their eyes when play stopped on Day 3 of the Boxing Day Test between Australia and Pakistan for a bizarre reason.
Pakistan’s tail wagged thanks to Mohammad Rizwan (42) and Aamir Jamal (33 not out) as the tourists cut Australia’s lead to just 54.
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But as Rizwan dodged some short pitched bowling with his unusual ducking technique, he copped a ball to the back when he was unable to evade a Pat Cummins delivery.
In pain from the blow, Rizwan called for assistance and played stopped while he received treatment from the team physio and had a drink barely half an hour into the day’s play.
“Don’t quite know why you’d be bringing drinks out. Only been going 25 minutes,” Ian Smith said on Fox Cricket.
“One guy has honestly come out to give Rizwan a drink.
“All of a sudden we’ve got three attending the Pakistan batsmen. Now the Australians are coming out with a drink as well. 25 minutes have gone.
“It’s called a Test match for that reason.”
Australian great Mark Waugh was particularly frustrated that the umpires hadn’t told Rizwan to push through the pain and keep the game moving.
“That’s where the umpires have got to say, ‘No hang on’,” Waugh said.
“He’s worried about his back. That’s just part of batting isn’t it — wearing one on the back or the shoulder.
“What’s the physio going to do for the batsman who got a ball on his back? What can he possibly do for him? You’ve just got to say, ‘Nah, off. It’s part of the game’.
“He’s getting a little massage now. Seriously, he’s banged him on the back.
“You don’t stop the game for a ball hitting him in the back. Surely.
“We talk about over rates, entertainment, value for money. Like what did he do then the physio? It’s ridiculous.”
Former England captain Michael Vaughan said: “12 overs were lost yesterday. It just gets put to one side and no one bats an eyelid.”
Australia had the last laugh when Pat Cummins showed his tactical skill as a captain when he set the perfect trap for Rizwan.
Cummins moved David Warner into a catching position at cover and Rizwan drove a full ball straight to Warner.
After recovering from 4/16 to 6/187 at stumps, the Aussies lead by 241 runs and are in a strong position after a top order collapse.
Mitch Marsh (96) fell agonisingly short of his century but he continued his excellent form, combining with Steve Smith (50) to rescue Australia’s innings.
Marsh was given a life when Abdullah Shafique dropped a sitter of a catch at first slip that would have had Australia 5/46 if he held onto the catch.
Originally published as ‘Seriously’: Cricket legends blast ‘ridiculous’ scenes as Pakistan halt Test
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