Watch: In an amusing momeny during the Pakistan-England Multan Test, Babar Azam and umpire Marais Erasmus recreated a viral social media meme involving the two, on the field.

In a day and age when live cricket is deeply intertwined with social media humour, cricketers don’t shy away from embracing – and being at the centre of – viral trends themselves. On day two of the Multan Test, Babar and Erasmus decided to do an on-field rendition of a popular photo of the two doing the rounds.

The picture, circulating on social media, captured on day one of the Test, has Babar talking to his batting partner Abdullah Shafique. With Erasmus standing right behind, it appears as if the contour around Babar’s midsection has changed, perfectly aligning with the umpire’s torso behind him…

On day two – during England’s innings – Imam-ul-Haq’s throw from point bounced off non-striker Zak Crawley and pinged into Erasmus’s belly. With the over complete, Babar realised it was the perfect opportunity to create round two of the meme.

Babar stood next to Erasmus, as if to mimic their positions in the picture, and stuck his belly out in perfect sync with the umpire while sharing a giggle with him.

Watch Babar and Erasmus recreate the meme here:

Recreating the meme 😅

Babar Azam 🤝 Marais Erasmus #PAKvENG | #UKSePK pic.twitter.com/wY8Xryd9fb

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) December 10, 2022

And, for reference, here’s the picture:

Babar Erasmus! When you see it😂😂#PAKvENG #abrarahmed pic.twitter.com/asEuMxJHvw

— Affan Ahmed (@Affancan7Ahmed) December 9, 2022