Pakistan v Australia 2022

Watch: Azhar Ali dismissed LBW in bizarre fashion after Cameron Green bouncer stays low

by Wisden Staff March 15, 2022 - 9:50am 2 minute read

Azhar Ali was dismissed in bizarre fashion on day four of the second Test between Australia and Pakistan at Karachi.

The batter tried to duck a Cameron Green bouncer, only to see it keep low and strike him in front of the stumps, with the umpire ruling in the tourists’ favour.

The incident occurred from the second ball of the 23rd over of Pakistan’s second innings. Green dug the ball in short and Azhar, on 6 off 54 balls, tried to duck out of the way. But on a wearing pitch producing wide cracks, the ball stayed low. Australia went up in a LBW appeal and the umpire had no hesitation in raising his finger. Azhar failed to review the decision.

To compound Pakistan’s woes, Ultra Edge showed a spike as the ball passed the glove before striking the thigh pad. If Azhar had reviewed, he would have survived. Pakistan’s No.3 had a conversation with his partner Abdullah Shafique too. Yet, neither could arrive at a decision on the DRS, with Azhar ultimately running out of time.

As things stand at tea on day four, Australia find themselves in the ascendancy at Karachi despite resistance from Babar Azam and Abdullah Shafique and are only eight wickets away from victory. With the pitch expected to deteriorate further, Australia will fancy their chances of surging ahead in the series.

Watch the dismissal here: