The Shan Masood-led Pakistan cricket team celebrated Christman in Melbourne by giving gifts to the Australian players and their families.
Ahead of the Boxing Day Test match in Melbourne, both teams had a Christman celebration session on December 25. The Australian players were with their families. Pakistan players and coaches shared sweets and small gifts with the hosts. Everyone enjoyed their time and savored this experience.
Australia captain Pat Cummins was with his wife and son. Usman Khawaja could be seen with his wife, while David Warner was present with his daughters, so was Travis Head with his little daughter. Babar Azam, the star Pakistani batter, had lengthy chats with David Warner and Pat Cummins.
As the video of this celebration went viral, some fans on social media trolled the Pakistani team.
See the video below. And check out some reactions here of fans on Pakistani players celebrating Christman with Australian players and their families:
Pakistan team giving gifts to Australian players on Christmas day 🎄 🎅 pic.twitter.com/8VP6ZvSMwo
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) December 25, 2023
Pakistan drop Sarfaraz, Australia retain same XI for 2nd Test
After the just one game, Pakistan have decided to drop Sarfaraz Ahmed and bring back Mohammad Rizwan in the XI for the second Test of the series at the MCG. Sarfaraz scored only 7 runs in two innings in the first Test in Perth.
Pakistan are set to make two more changes to the side that lost heavily in Perth. Young pacer Khurram Shahzad has been ruled out of the series and has flown back home due to an injury, while allrounder Faheem Ashraf Rana is set to be dropped after a disappointing Test in Perth with both bat and ball; Pakistan have not included Faheem in their last 12-man squad. Spinners Sajid Khan, and one pacer out of Hasan Ali and Mir Hamza would come in the side on Boxing Day.
“Now we think Rizwan is ready and we can give Saifi that little bit of break to recuperate and come back,” captain Shan Masood said.