AUS vs PAK 2024: Babar Azam and Mitchell Starc engage in a verbal tussle at the SCG
In the context of Test cricket, it is common for players to exchange words during the passage of the play, although the level of sledging varies, depending on the circumstances or situations. While some cricketers engage in friendly banter, others may tend to be more aggressive.
At times, the sledge might as well turn into a heated exchange. This can be seen as a tactic with the intention of unsettling the opponents and gaining a psychological advantage. The cricket fraternity has seen more such incidents against the run of play as well.
While it is important to curb the emotions a bit, some players tend to lose their cool in the heat of the moment and end up exchanging words with the opposition. Recently, during the third and final Test match between Australia and Pakistan at the SCG, Babar Azam and Mitchell Starc were involved in a verbal spat.
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Babar Azam and Mitchell Starc engage in a verbal tussle in the third Test
The incident happened during the third over when Mitchell Starc pitched a fullish delivery outside the off stump, which slightly swung away. To which, the left-handed batter, Saim Ayub put his front foot across and decided to leave the ball at the last second.
Seconds later, former Pakistan captain, Babar Azam and Australian speedster Mitchell Starc were involved in a short verbal tussle. It is still not clear as to who started it first but both were unhappy at something as they vented out their emotions.
Luckily, the spat lasted for a few seconds and the video clip of the same has gone viral on the internet. Meanwhile, Australian players find themselves in a commanding position at the end of Day 3. The hosts gave the visitors a run for their money in the second innings.
Pakistan scored 68/7 in 26 overs at the end of the third day’s play. The visitors who lost the first two Tests and the series managed to take a lead of 82 runs. They will have to play quite sensibly on the subsequent day to stand a slight chance in the game.
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