Every match is not just a battle of bat and ball but also of wits and psychological warfare, the first ODI between Australia and Pakistan on November 4, 2024, provided a moment that encapsulated this spirit perfectly. The Melbourne Cricket Ground, a venue known for witnessing some of cricket’s most memorable moments, added another chapter to its rich history. This time, it wasn’t just the runs or wickets that caught the eye but a brief, humorous exchange that unfolded in the 18th over, involving Kamran Ghulam, Steve Smith, and Pat Cummins.
Kamran Ghulam, a young Pakistani batsman known for his flair, decided to inject a bit of levity into the game. Facing Pat Cummins, one of Australia’s premier fast bowlers, Ghulam played a defensive shot back to Cummins, mimicking Steve Smith’s characteristic gesture of saying “no run” to the bowler. This gesture, often used by Steve Smith, is both a tactical move to distract and a playful taunt. Ghulam’s attempt was clear; he was trying to get under Cummins’ skin, perhaps hoping to disrupt his rhythm with a bit of banter.
Cummins wins the battle against Kamran Ghulam. 👌 pic.twitter.com/XGRksS6i5n
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) November 4, 2024
However, what followed was a masterclass in cricketing retort. On the very next delivery, Cummins, with a knowing smile, delivered a sharp bouncer. Ghulam, perhaps still in the playful mindset, attempted to fend it off but only managed to glove it to the wicket-keeper Josh Inglis. The crowd erupted not just for the wicket but for the poetic justice of the moment. Here was Cummins, not just responding with words or a gesture, but with the ball, the ultimate tool in a bowler’s arsenal.
This incident, while brief, underscores several layers of cricket’s charm. Firstly, it highlights the game’s psychological depth. Cricketers often engage in banter, not just for fun but as a strategy to unsettle opponents. Steve Smith’s “no run” tactic, while seemingly innocuous, is a psychological ploy to assert control over the game’s pace. Ghulam’s mimicry was an attempt to turn this tactic back on the Australians, showing that cricket, at its heart, is also a mental duel.
Moreover, this moment reflects the sport’s sportsmanship. Despite the competitive edge, there’s an underlying respect among players. Cummins‘ smile before bowling the bouncer wasn’t just of amusement but also of acknowledgment of Ghulam’s attempt. It’s this blend of competition and camaraderie that makes cricketing encounters memorable.
The match itself ended with Pakistan scoring 204 off 45.4 overs, showcasing a competitive spirit that went beyond individual moments of banter. While the game’s result might be recorded in statistics, moments like these add color and narrative to cricket’s tapestry. They remind fans and players alike that cricket is as much about the spirit of the game as it is about the scoreline.
Kamran Ghulam’s attempt at trolling might have backfired, it contributed to a moment that will be recounted in cricketing circles, not for its impact on the game’s outcome but for its embodiment of cricket’s playful yet competitive essence. This incident, in the grand scheme, might be a footnote in the match’s history, but in the hearts of those who witnessed it, it’s a story of how cricket, through its players, continues to entertain, surprise, and unite fans across the globe.
