In a heartwarming gesture, the Pakistan team generously offers Christmas presents to Australian players.
During the indoor practice session for the upcoming second Test in Melbourne, the members of the Pakistan cricket team visited the Australian nets, offering warm wishes, and presenting gifts to the Australian players and their families at the MCG.
Pakistan’s new skipper Shan Masood led the warm gesture along with his predecessor Babar Azam and the Pakistan coaching staff. The gesture was captured in a heartwarming video that went viral on social media.
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Former leader Babar Azam was also seen in the video, in a conversation with David Warner and Pakistan’s interim bowling coach Umer Gul.Pakistan’s head coach and selector Mohammad Hafeez was also present, and can be seen talking to Usman Khawaja.
Watch: The video showcased the camaraderie between the players, with the Australian skipper, Pat Cummins, visibly touched by the thoughtful presents.
Cummins holds one of the gifts, expressed his appreciation, saying, “That was just great. Just Merry Christmas gifts and lollipops for the kids. So that was great. We’ve got a good relationship with the Pakistan side. That tour a couple of years ago was really special as well. So really kind and thoughtful of their group to think of us.”
Separately, the Pakistan Cricket Board also hosted a Christmas dinner at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, attended by the Chairman Management Committee Mr Zaka Ashraf along with top PCB officials and Christian employees.
Pakistan have named a 12-man squad for the upcoming Boxing Day Test at the MCG. Pakistan have kept only one frontline spin option in their squad, while four pacers are a part of the setup. The selectors have made a number of selection changes, based on injuries and form.
Though Khurram Shahzad impressed during his debut in Perth, the pacer picked up a stress fracture in his ribs and an abdominal tear while playing the Test. This ruled him out of the series.
Sarfaraz Ahmed and Faheem Ashraf, both of whom featured in the Perth game, don’t make it to the XII for the MCG Test.
The incoming players in the squad are Sajid Khan, Mohammad Rizwan, Hasan Ali, and Mir Hamza. Rizwan is expected to take gloves in Sarfaraz’s absence.