PAK vs AUS: Mohammad Rizwan comes to assistance as Marnus Labuschagne gets hit by ball in Rawalpindi Test

The ongoing first Test between Pakistan and Australia is heading towards a draw as bowlers had a tough time in the first three days. The track at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium has so far been a batting paradise as only six wickets fell in the first three days. As rain delayed the start on Day 4, any other outcome of the match, besides draw, is highly unlikely.

Meanwhile, the game holds great significance as it marks Team Australia’s first assignment on Pakistan soil since 1998.  Besides the on-field battle, the game has also witnessed some light moments. One of them was Mohammad Rizwan giving a gentle rub on Marnus Labuschagne’s right arm. The incident took place on the third day of the contest after the Aussie batter was struck by a delivery from left-arm spinner Nauman Ali.

Fans laud Mohammad Rizwan’s sportsmanship

As the ball pitched outside the leg stumps, Labuschagne went down on one knee to execute a sweep shot. However, the ball turned and bounced off the surface and foxed the top-ranked Test batter. As Labuschagne wasn’t wearing an arm guard, the ball hit his right forearm. Wicketkeeper Rizwan, who was behind the stumps subsequently stepped in to help the Aussie cricketer.

Rizwan gave the 27-year-old a gentle rub on his right-arm before the play resumed. Sharing the video of the incident, the official Twitter page of Pakistan Cricket Board wrote: “Rizwan is more than happy to help.” The clip went viral in no time as fans lauded the wicketkeeper’s sportsman spirit.

Rizwan is more than happy to help😄#BoysReadyHain l #PAKvAUS pic.twitter.com/yV9H595UAo

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) March 6, 2022

Speaking of how the game panned out, Pakistan, after winning the toss and electing to bat, declared at 474/4 with the likes of Imam-ul-Haq and Azhar Ali slamming centuries. The Aussies, however, have made a fight back with the bat with openers David Warner and Usman Khawaja adding 156 runs for the first wicket. Coming to bat at number three, Labuschagne also showcased remarkable resilience and was unbeaten at 69 at stumps on Day 3.