In Sydney’s ongoing third Test against Australia, Pakistan’s Aamer Jamal emerged as a standout figure, securing a remarkable six-wicket haul in the first innings.
This feat catapulted him into an exclusive club within Pakistan’s cricket history, being the first bowler to bag 18 wickets in a debut series spanning three matches or fewer.
Most wickets in a series by a Pakistani in Australia:
- 19 – Azeem Hafeez (5 Tests, 39 avg)
- 18 – Aamer Jamal (3 Tests, 19 avg)
- 18 – Mushtaq Ahmed (2 Tests, 21 avg)
- 18 – Imran Khan (3 Tests, 29 avg)
He also achieved a rare distinction, being the sole Pakistani cricketer since Imran Khan in 1983 to notch up a score of 80+ runs and claim a six-wicket innings haul in a single match.
Adding to his accolades, Jamal now shares a prestigious honor with only two other touring players in a three-Test series on Australian soil, joining England’s Ian Botham and Pakistan’s Wasim Akram in the 125+ runs and 15+ wickets club.
The thrilling third Test saw Australia trailing Pakistan by a mere 14 runs after being dismissed for 299 in their first innings. However, the hosts’ fortunes took a downturn post-tea, collapsing spectacularly by losing four wickets for just 10 runs, with Aamer Jamal wreaking havoc, claiming 6-69.
The state of the Sydney Cricket Ground pitch is a pivotal factor, characterized by dryness and fragmentation, setting the stage for a closely contested Test match with over two days still left to play.
The context of the series holds immense significance, especially after Australia’s narrow 79-run victory in the second Test in Melbourne during the festive season.
Reflecting on history, Pakistan’s performance in Australia has been lackluster, marked by a disheartening streak of 16 consecutive Test losses since their last triumph in 1995.
