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Pakistan cricketer Abdullah Shafique found himself under intense scrutiny following a lackluster fielding performance in the ongoing second Test of their tour to Australia. The 24-year-old’s blunder particularly glared as he dropped a crucial catch of Australian all-rounder Mitchell Marsh during the second innings. Shafique’s mishap occurred in the first slip, further magnifying the impact of the missed opportunity. Adding to the moment’s weight, Aussie cricket legend Mark Waugh, who was in the commentary box, couldn’t resist himself from delivering a sarcastic jibe aimed at Shafique.
Abdullah Shafique drops a sitter
Although Pakistan initially asserted control, claiming four Australian wickets for a mere 16 runs in the second innings, the momentum took a pivotal turn as Marsh, renowned for his counter-attacking approach, sought to relieve the pressure imposed by the pacers. In an attempt to execute a cover drive against a fuller delivery from Aamer Jamal, the right-handed batter’s shot produced an outside edge.
While the catch opportunity appeared routine, Shafique’s unexpected fumble left his teammates and bowler Jamal in disbelief, resulting in the missed chance to secure a crucial wicket for Pakistan.
"It's like a crocodile jaw trying to catch a ball."
Abdullah Shafique hands Mitch Marsh a life on 20 #AUSvPAK pic.twitter.com/NMlTKHn3t5
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 28, 2023
Also WATCH: David Warner bids farewell to MCG; gifts his batting gloves to a young fan – AUS vs PAK, 2nd Test
Mark Waugh’s remarks
Present at the commentary box during the incident, Waugh candidly critiqued Shafique’s slip-catching technique. The former expressed his lack of confidence, stating that he wouldn’t be at ease relying on the right-handed batter and humorously likened the situation to being a seagull on a hot chip. He playfully suggested that, at that moment, Shafique seemed more like a backstop than a reliable slip fielder.
“Like a crocodile jaw trying to take a catch. Get him out of there. I wouldn’t be relaxed if I was relying on Shafique! I would be like a seagull on a hot chip! There is one bloke, you wouldn’t be relaxing standing next to. Sorry Shafique! At this moment he is a back-stop,” Waugh said.
