Didn’t matter where Australia bowled, my plan was to hit them: Aamer Jamal

Aamer Jamal became the first Pakistan cricketer to pick up a five-for and hit a half-century in his debut Test series. In the third Test against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground, the 27-year-old played counter-attacking cricket, which helped the visitors post 313 runs on board in the first innings.

During his time at the crease, the all-rounder reverse-swept Lyon for a six, which the off-spinner immediately appreciated. Meanwhile, after Stumps on Day 1, Jamal revealed that he planned to take the attack to the opposition and did not care about the bouncer barrage from Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc.

“We had a discussion that whenever our number seven or eight goes out to bat, they ball a lot of bouncers. So before I went out to bat, I told the management that it doesn’t matter where they ball, my plan is to hit them. I was ready for their bouncers,” Jamal said in the press conference.

I have struggled a lot and never gave up: Jamal

After his brilliant knock of 82 runs off 97 deliveries in Sydney, Jamal mentioned that he has worked really hard to be in the Pakistan team. The all-rounder mentioned that the knock means the world to him, especially because he was out of the national team when he last came to Sydney and from then, struggled a lot but never gave up.

“Cricket is my passion. You enjoy it when your passion turns into your profession. You don’t take any stress at that time. You aim to live in the moment. So, when I bowl and bat, I try to live in the moment. See, I have struggled a lot. It’s not that I have been handed the opportunity. I have struggled a lot and never gave up. So, it means the world to me and try to contribute whenever I take the field,” Jamal said.

Meanwhile, Australia are trailing by 307 runs as they aim to start strong on Day 2 to turn the fortunes and put the pressure back on the visitors.