Marnus Labuschagne's class act for David Warner after dismissal in final Test match
The Australian batsman waited for David Warner to exit the pitch before walking on to ensure he had his moment in front of a packed SCG crowd.
As David Warner exited the SCG pitch for potentially the last time in his Test career he received a standing ovation from the packed Sydney crowd. In a mark of respect, Marnus Labuschagne was seen waiting for Warner to have his moment and fully exit the ground before entering the field himself.
Upon leaving the field Warner gave a quick thumbs-up to Labuschagne, who was next to the crease for Australia, to thank him for waiting so he could take it all in. The Australian opener was dismissed for 34 from a near unplayable ball from Pakistan's Salman Ali Agha.
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The delivery turned into middle stump and bamboozled Warner, who edged the ball to Babar Azam at first slip. Warner was given a huge let-off on 20 when debutant Saim Ayub dropped a simple catch at first slip but the veteran opener failed to make the most of his lucky break.
His dismissal roughly 20 minutes before lunch on day two of the third Test against Pakistan could be the last time Warner ever bats for Australia at Test level. Pakistan made a respectable 313 in their first innings but on a good SCG wicket runs are not hard to come by. If Australia makes a big score with the bat, Pakistan would need to make a few hundred runs to give Warner any hope of a lengthy second-innings send-off.
Ricky Ponting's astounding David Warner call
Legendary Australian cricketer Ricky Ponting once again showed his incredible feel for the game of cricket, predicting exactly how Warner would be dismissed in the SCG Test. As Sajeed Khan failed to trouble the opening pair, Ponting called for Pakistan to change things up and bring Salman into the attack.
"Salman was quite impressive first couple of Test matches with his off-spin," Ponting said on the Channel 7 broadcast. "Didn't bowl many mad balls. To me, it looks like he gets more work on the ball than what Sajid does. Hasn't really turned many today, Sajid. Worth giving (Salman) a bit of a crack before the lunch break."
Pakistan captain Shan Masood appeared to be in tune with Ponting, bringing Salman straight into the attack and sending Warner packing in the first over of his spell. Justin Langer was stunned by Ponting's call at the fall of the wicket, saying: "Have you ever captained a side before?"
Ponting responded: "Once or twice JL. What a piece of bowling it was. I had the feeling. He gets a lot work on the ball. That took a chunk out of the top of the wicket. Squared Warner up. Off he goes."
- with AAP
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