Watch: Mohammad Rizwan has built up a significant fan following over the last few years, with supporters flocking to him as much for his happy demeanor as for his extraordinary run-scoring feats.
Whether it’s offering an air-hug to calm a ticking Shaheen Shah Afridi, or embracing a teammate after narrowly avoiding an injury in a catch miscommunication, the Pakistan wicketkeeper is always keen to show that, despite the emotion and intensity, cricket is just a game, and he supplied another display of sportsman spirit in the first Test against Australia.
This time it was Marnus Labuschagne, another cricketer famed for his on-field antics, who was the beneficiary. The Australia No.3 attempted a sweep of Nauman Ali, only to miss and get struck on the forearm. He appeared in some pain, but Rizwan was on hand to offer a helping hand, or two.
The gloveman provided some compression with his gauntlets on either side of Labuschagne’s arm, offering a rub for good measure.
Labuschagne recovered to reach stumps unbeaten on 69, 31 runs short of what would be his first overseas Test hundred.
Rizwan and Labuschagne also shared a joke before play, with Rizwan appearing to mimic Labuschagne’s unique leaving style.
Watch Rizwan turn physio below:
Mohammad Rizwan – wicketkeeper/batter/physio 😄#PAKvAUS pic.twitter.com/aIKz21uBWR
— Wisden (@WisdenCricket) March 6, 2022
