Mir Hamza keeps Pakistan in the hunt by 'fulfilling' MCG Test dream

In a recent turn of events at the MCG, Pakistani pacer Mir Hamza emerged as the unsung hero, breathing life into a seemingly deflated side with a brilliant display of fast bowling. 

After a lacklustre performance in recent games, Hamza's determination to prove himself on the international stage was evident. His stellar bowling spell has undoubtedly kept the Pakistan team alive in the ongoing second Test.

"It was a dream for me to play at the MCG against one of the best teams, and to provide us two breakthroughs in one over. I was telling myself I have to prove myself if I want to play international cricket for my country. If you look at my last few matches, I bowled well but didn't take wickets. So I wanted to change that," Hamza said at the post-match press conference after the third day's play. 

Facing a formidable Australian lineup, Hamza kept it simple, relying on his ability to swing the ball. His near-unplayable inswinging delivery dismissed Travis Head for a golden duck, showcasing the kind of skill that can change the course of a game.

"Since the match started, I tried to keep things simple because there's something in the pitch for fast bowlers. It's seaming and swinging. I thought if I can swing the ball, I'll have a great opportunity because the batter isn't set at the time. I thought that way and believed Travis Head was waiting for my outswinger, but I brought it back in. It was my favourite Test dismissal," he added.

This will be memorable if we win the Test - Hamza

Reflecting on his journey, Hamza acknowledged the challenges he faced to secure his spot in the team. With six years of first-class cricket under his belt, he understands the rarity of such moments.

"Bowlers know about their quality. Some bowlers are known for seam and swing, and others for pace. What matters is that you disrupt the batter - whether you do it with seam and swing, or whether you do it with swing doesn't matter," he added.

Despite Australia's resurgence by the end of the day, Hamza's instrumental role in breaking crucial partnerships, including the 153-run stand between Mitchell Marsh and Steven Smith, kept Pakistan in the game.

"Our aim is to win, and we've taken 16 wickets. We'll try and take 20 as soon as possible, and come out with the win. This will be memorable if we win the Test, and what I hope is we win and my performance is crucial to it," he concluded, echoing the positive spirit within the team.