Saim Ayub drops a sitter. (Courtesy: Screengrab/Cricket Australia)
Premier Australia opener David Warner got a lucky escape on Day 2 of the third Test against Pakistan at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Thursday. Warner was gifted this slice of fortune in his Farewell Test by Pakistan debutant Saim Ayub in the 14th over when the left-hander was batting on 20 runs off 38 deliveries.
Pakistan medium pacer Aamer Jamal created the chance for his side when Warner pushed hard at a length delivery with minimal foot movement edging it to Ayub at first slip. The debutant was in the position to grab the sitter as he got low and got both his hands to the ball but it popped out. His compatriot and former Pakistan captain Babar Azam, fielding at second slip, looked at him with disbelief after he dropped the catch.
Watch the video here:
It's happened again! 😲
David Warner gets a life courtesy of the debutant Saim Ayub #AUSvPAK pic.twitter.com/VAr7bBis6L
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) January 4, 2024
The lucky escape allowed Warner to add 14 more runs to his tally as he was dismissed by Agha Salman on 34 runs off 68 deliveries later in the day. His slow paced, cautious knock, was laced with four boundaries to the fence.
Warner had started his Farewell Test on a nervy note, remaining unbeaten on six runs on Day 1. He was restricted to six-ball cameo on Day 1 of the Sydney Test, following a plucky tenth wicket stand from Pakistan. He received a guard of honour and standing ovation from Pakistan when he stepped out to bat along with Usman Khawaja.
The 37-year-old has amassed 8695 Test runs in 111 appearances at an average of 44.58. He has recorded 26 centuries and 36 half-centuries, with the high score of an unbeaten 335 to cap off a stellar career.
