In an impressive Test debut, Aamer Jamal showcased his prowess by claiming six wickets against Australia, becoming the sixth-best Pakistani bowler to achieve such a feat. The hosts were bowled out for 487 runs on the second day of the first cricket Test.
Aamer’s figures of 6 for 111 mark the sixth-best bowling performance by a Pakistani player on their Test debut. He joins the ranks of esteemed bowlers such as Arif Butt, Mohammad Nazir, Shahid Nazir, Mohammad Zahid, Shahid Afridi, Mohammad Sami, Shabbir Ahmed, Yasir Arafat, Wahab Riaz, Tanvir Ahmed, Bilal Asif, Nauman Ali, and Abrar Ahmed, who also claimed five-wicket hauls on their Test debuts.
The day saw Mitchell Marsh falling short of a century as Pakistan fought back after lunch. Pacer Khurram Shahzad dislodged his middle stump soon after play resumed, limiting Marsh to a notable 90 runs embellished with 15 fours and one six off 107 balls.
Aamer Jamal emerged as a standout performer for Pakistan, dismissing Alex Carey (34) and Mitchell Starc (12) with figures of 4-108. The hosts, having resumed at 346-5, dominated the opening day with David Warner’s defiant 164.
Marsh, Australia’s T20 captain, exhibited his batting prowess with consecutive boundaries off debutant Khurram Shahzad. Despite the challenging conditions, Marsh continued his aggressive approach, steering the hosts past 400 and securing a brisk 50 with a classy pull to the ropes.
However, Aamer Jamal’s introduction brought a shift in momentum, breaking a dangerous 90-run partnership between Carey and Marsh. Starc also succumbed to Jamal’s pace, providing the debutant with another crucial wicket. The day witnessed an intriguing battle, with Pakistan striving for their first Test victory in Australia since 1995.
