Harsha Bhogle heaps praise on Aamir Jamal for his valiant effort in Sydney Test

Indian commentator Harsha Bhogle heaped high praise on Pakistani all rounder Aamir Jamal for his valiant half century to help his side recover during the third Test against Australia in Sydney. Aamir Jamal, who made his debut in the first Test of the series, played a fighting knock of 82 runs from 97 balls, laced with nine boundaries and four sixes to help his team post 313.

Jamal’s performance earned praise from Harsha Bhogle, who took to his official X (formerly Twitter) and appreciated the all rounder for his determination. “ I don’t think Aamer Jamal will bat at no 9 too many more times in his career. Got to admire his pluck but also his skill. This determination is what the fans would have wanted to see from their team,” Bhogle posted.

I don't think Aamer Jamal will bat at no 9 too many more times in his career. Got to admire his pluck but also his skill. This determination is what the fans would have wanted to see from their team. — Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) January 3, 2024 Aamir Jamal came down to bat at the loss of the seventh wicket with 220 runs on the board.

He lost his settled partner Salman Ali Agha in the next over and waged a lone war against the Australian bowling attack. Jamal produced counter attacking innings as he raised 86 runs for the last wicket with Mir Hamza, who added only seven runs to the partnership, dominated by the all rounder. Nathan Lyon got Jamal out to wrap up Pakistan’s innings at 313, with Mir Hamza remaining unbeaten at 7 from 43.

Earlier in the day, Pakistan opted to bat first after winning the toss, however, their opening batters failed to justify the decision with Abdullah Shafique and debutant Saim Ayub bagging a duck each. Skipper Shan Masood and Babar Azam then stitched a brief 35 run stand, before Australian skipper Pat Cummins dismissed Azam to reduce Pakistan to 39 3.

Saud Shakeel continued his struggling form in the series as he also fell prey to Cummins with 47 runs on the board. Masood played a cautious 35 run knock, adding 49 runs with Mohammad Rizwan for the fifth wicket before Mitchell Marsh got him out in the slips. Marsh dismissed Masood in the same way two overs earlier while he was batting on 32, however, he overstepped, giving a lifeline to Pakistan’s skipper, who could only manage to add three more runs.

With Pakistan struggling at 96 5, Rizwan and Salman Ali Agha produced a brilliant comeback for their team with a partnership of 94 runs in 101 balls during the second session of the day. Cummins returned to the attack and ended the partnership as well as Rizwan’s entertaining innings of 88 runs from 103 balls, featuring ten boundaries and two sixes.

Agha completed his half century but Mitchell Starc got him out soon afterwards at a total of 226 before Aamir Jamal took the responsibility and played a brilliant innings to push Pakistan’s total to a decent 313. READ: Kane Williamson to lead New Zealand in Pakistan T20i series.