Pakistan vs Australia: Azhar Ali opens up about his comical run-out

Azhar Ali, Pakistan’s prolific no.3 batsman, was involved in one the most comical and bizarre run-outs during the second Test against Australia in Abu Dhabi. Azhar was batting with Asad Shafiq at the other end on Day three of the Test when he edged a Peter Siddle delivery wide of the slips cordon. As far as the batsmen were concerned, they were convinced it had trickled to the ropes. They hence decided to stop in the middle of the pitch for a glove-tap and a bit of a chat.

The only issue for the two Pakistani batsmen was that the ball was still a few inches from the ropes. Mitchell Starc ran down to the third man boundary and picked up it cleanly. A rocket throw straight into Tim Paine‘s gloves meant the keeper had enough time to whip the bails off without alarming the batsmen, while the duo cluelessly stood in the middle of the pitch.

While the Australians celebrated, Azhar Ali and Shafiq began wondering who would have to make the long and embarrassing walk back. After a brief discussion as to which batsman was actually dismissed, Azhar had to go.

In the aftermath of the incident, there have been many who’ve said that this is quite certainly the most bizarre run-out they’d ever witnessed, one which everyone would have to see to believe. However, others have questioned Australia‘s sportsman spirit for having run the batsman out in such fashion. The point of contention was whether the boundary rope was pushed back from its original position, which would mean that the ball should have technically fetched four runs.

I take full responsibility for it

While the debate remains ongoing, Azhar Ali himself has come out to take the blame for this hysterical incident. In his statement after the end of day’s play, he ruled out the question of unsportsmanlike conduct by the Aussie captain to take the bails off knowing that the batsmen in the middle were clueless about what happened.

“No, I don’t think it was bad sportsmanship [by Australia]. I take full responsibility for it. I was a little bit ignorant. No one came in my way. No one distracted me. It is my own fault. I think they did the right thing.” he said.

“You shouldn’t be not watching the ball for [that] long. It was one of those things where neither Asad or I had a sight of it…even when the throw was coming back I thought he’s just thrown it after the ball hit the [boundary]. When Tim Paine started to run towards the stumps then I thought a little bit something funny about it, then it was a shock after that…it’s my own fault,” he added.

The hosts have set a target of 538 for the Australians, with two full days of play still left in Abu Dhabi. At Stumps on Day 3, the visitors were 47/1, with Aaron Finch and Travis Head still at the crease.

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