Pakistan’s Agha Salman has come to the defense of debutant Saim Ayub after he dropped a catch from David Warner on day two of the third Test against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground. The ongoing Test series has seen Pakistan miss crucial opportunities, particularly in the first slip fielding position, with Abdullah Shafique dropping three catches in the first two Tests.
Agha Salman, who replaced Shafique at first slip, justified his selection with a stunning catch in the second Test in Melbourne. On the second day of the Sydney Test, Saim Ayub was fielding at first slip when Agha Salman briefly went off the field for just one over. Unfortunately, Ayub dropped a straightforward catch when Aamer Jamal induced an edge from Warner in the 14th over.
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Despite the lapse, Warner managed to add only 14 more runs before being dismissed for 34. Speaking to the media after the day’s play, Agha Salman defended Ayub and explained that the debutant was practicing slip-catching, leading to his inclusion in the first slip position.
“Saim has been practicing slip-catching. I think there’s a problem with the 1st slip position (laughs). When I was briefly off the field, Babar thought he’d move to second slip,” said Agha Salman.
It’s happened again! 😲
David Warner gets a life courtesy of the debutant Saim Ayub #AUSvPAK pic.twitter.com/VAr7bBis6L
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) January 4, 2024
He added, “People who follow cricket know that more catches go toward second slip. Dropped catches are a part of the game. Australia also dropped catches, and it happens to anyone. There are no easy catches in the slips because you have very little time to react. We’ve also taken so many catches in the slips but no one talks about them.”
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The second day of the Test saw only 46 overs being bowled due to bad light and rain. At stumps, Australia were 116 for 2, trailing Pakistan’s first-innings total by 197 runs. Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith remained unbeaten for the home side. In the earlier part of the game, Pakistan recovered from 96 for 5, posting 313 runs in their first innings.
