'Even under-10s could have taken that catch' - Mark Waugh slams Abdullah Shafique's fielding blunder

In a surprising turn of events during the opening Test between Australia and Pakistan in Perth on Day 1, former Australian cricketer Mark Waugh expressed astonishment at Abdullah Shafique's dropped catch. Shafique missed a straightforward opportunity when Usman Khawaja, on 21, attempted a pull shot off debutante Aamer Jamal's short delivery. Despite running to position himself under the ball, Shafique failed to secure the catch, allowing the ball to cross the boundary.

Waugh, now a cricket commentator, didn't mince his words on-air, stating, “That was regulation, on any level of cricket, park cricket, under-10s. It looked like the first catch he’s ever tried to take. You can’t do that. Not against any team, let alone Australia.”

Later in the day, another debutante, Khurram Shahzad, missed a crucial chance to dismiss David Warner for 104 just before tea, adding to Pakistan's fielding woes.

Michael Hussey unimpressed with Shan Masood's captaincy

Meanwhile, former Australian cricketer Michael Hussey took the opportunity to criticise Shan Masood's captaincy debut for Pakistan. Hussey expressed disappointment with Masood, stating, “It’s regrettable, and as captain, you’d be disappointed with that because … you want to set the standards right from the word go. But it happens. And it shouldn’t define the whole day."

Hussey acknowledged that Masood isn't responsible for individual performances on the field, emphasising, "He’s not the one out there bowling the balls. He’s not the one dropping catches. It’s not something that he would have been happy with. But it happens. You can’t make that as an excuse for Australia having a great day.”

David Warner's 164 was the highlight of Day 1 as he silenced the critics with a brilliant century and a half to take Australia into a commanding position. Pakistan would look to get a grip on the game with a good bowling performance on Day 2. At the end of Day 1 Australia are 346/5 with Mitchell Marsh (15) and Alex Carey (14) in the middle.