Former Pakistan captain and fast-bowling legend Wasim Akram gave an unusual reaction, which fans called a “fake smile,” after star batsman Babar Azam got out for a low score of 21 runs in Pakistan’s first innings in the ongoing Perth Test match against Australia.
Pakistan needed their best batsman, Babar Azam, who has recently stepped down as their captain, to bat for a long period of time on Day 3 in Perth to keep Pakistan’s hopes of salvaging a draw alive after Australia had piled up 487 runs in their first innings.
Babar played a couple of classy strokes, but his innings was ended by local boy Mitchell Marsh on 21 runs in 54 balls. This left Pakistan in trouble at 181/4 on the morning of Day 3.
It was a brilliant length delivery from Mitchell Marsh just outside the off-stump, angling in, but seaming little away after pitching. Babar nudged at it outside the off-stump with a nothing shot really – neither a drive nor a defensive strokes – and outside edged it behind where wicket-keeper Alex Carey dived to his right to take a good catch.
Wasim Akram, who is doing commentary and radio duties for this Test in Perth gave a reaction that has gone viral on social media.
At the immediate moment after Babar’s dismissal, Wasim Akram could be seen stressing his lips, as a sign that he was disappointed and frustrated and unhappy with Babar’s dismissal at a low score of 21 runs, especially when Pakistan needed him to bat long and bat big. Just a second later, as he started to engage with his co-commentators, Wasim Akram gave a gentle smile to his co-commentators and kept nodding his head as the other commentator erupted along with the crowd who were there to see Mitchell Marsh, the home city player, perform well.
This reaction by Wasim Akram to Babar Azam’s dismissal has gone viral:
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Meanwhile, Pakistan were bowled out for 271. Australia lost Warner and Labuschagne for single-digit scores, but Khawaja and Smith took their side unscathed any further to stumps. Australia lead by 300 runs and have 8 wickets in hand.
