Can you spot the VERY strange detail as Aussie cricket skipper Pat Cummins poses with his Pakistani rival just before the start of the summer of cricket?
- Cricket fans spot unusual details in a pre-match photo
- Aussies beat Pakistan in thriller at MCG
- Cummins saved Australia from an embarrassing defeat
A photo of Australian skipper Pat Cummins posing with Pakistani rival Mohammad Rizwan has caught the attention of cricket fans during the first ODI at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
Chasing just 204, Australia crumbled to 6-139 in the 21st over as Rauf rounded the middle order as the hosts tried to end the match as quickly as possible.
But captain Cummins (32*), playing his first ODI since last year’s stunning World Cup final win, was there again in a tight chase at the end as Australia got home with 99 balls to spare.
However, before the match started, the skippers posed for a photo with the trophy and Rizwan’s hand could be seen on top of that of the Australian captain.
Fans on social media had a field day with the unusual photo.
“Friendship goals,” one X user posted.
“Love is love,” replied another
“Bromance in Melbourne,” said a third.
A photo of Australian skipper Pat Cummins posing with Pakistani rival Mohammad Rizwan caught the attention of cricket fans due to the placement of the player’s hands
Pat Cummins saved Australia from an embarrassing defeat by guiding them to a two-wicket ODI win against Pakistan
Cummins saved Australia from an embarrassing defeat in the upcoming match with Australia at 7-155, chasing just 204.
But just as he did twice at last year’s World Cup in India, and in test wins at Edgbaston in 2023 and Christchurch in March, Cummins showed he is more than just one of the best fast drivers of his generation.
He scored an unbeaten 32 off 31 balls to steer Australia to victory with 99 balls remaining.
The 31-year-old underwent corrective eye surgery this year, something that Starc believes has helped his batting.
“Now he’s got his eyes fixed,” Starc said.
“We’ve been arguing for a few years, well, I’ve argued that he should hit over me.
“So he confirmed that, I hope.
“But a fantastic way for him to bring it home.
Pat Cummins once again showed that he is more than just one of the best racers of his generation
‘Obviously the intention from the boys at the start (with their batting) was what we were looking for, obviously a few too many wickets, but a positive start to the summer.’
Australia’s shot selection let them down as they tried to secure victory as quickly as possible.
Matt Short, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne and Aaron Hardie all fell in arrogant ways they would come to regret.
Pakistan-bound Haris Rauf renewed his love affair with the MCG, dismissing Labuschagne and Glenn Maxwell in successive balls to turn what looked like a simple chase on its head.
Australia can end the three-match series by beating Pakistan at the Adelaide Oval on Friday evening.
The teams will then play three Twenty20s before Australia begin their summer Test against India in Perth on November 22.