Australia vs Pakistan: Ricky Ponting explains how Aussies should face Shaheen Afridi's pace and bounce - watch

Pakistan speedster Shaheen Afridi’s chances of claiming his first wicket of the second Test against Australia were shattered after Abdullah Shafique dropped David Warner. The Aussie opener was batting on two when Shafique dropped him on the opening day of the Melbourne Test. Shaheen remained wicketless on the first day of the fixture but there were moments the left-arm pacer looked dangerous. Earlier in the day, former Australia skipper Ricky Ponting advised batters on how to tackle Shaheen’s pace and bounce. The video of Ponting’s tutorial was shared by the official handle of 7 Cricket on social media platform X, formerly Twitter. “A Boxing Day treat. Ricky Ponting takes us through a batter’s point of view facing their first over in the middle from Shaheen Afridi- Decisions to be made- Reading the field - Focusing on strengths- Working through plans. A fascinating watch,” read the caption.

A Boxing Day treat.

Ricky Ponting takes us through a batter's point of view facing their first over in the middle from Shaheen Afridi.

- Decisions to be made
- Reading the field
- Focusing on strengths
- Working through plans

A fascinating watch #AUSvPAK pic.twitter.com/7DrBs6wI6O

— 7Cricket (@7Cricket) December 25, 2023

Shaheen ended the first day’s play having conceded 63 runs in his 20 overs. At stumps, Australia were at 187/3. Marnus Labuschagne remained unbeaten on 44. Travis Head was batting on the other end having scored 9. Australia kicked off the second Test on a positive note as their opening batters — David Warner and Usman Khawaja —posted a partnership of 90. Warner was the first to depart after Agha Salman dismissed him for 38 in the 28th over. Khawaja went back to the dressing room next having scored 42. This time, it was Hasan Ali who earned the wicket for Pakistan. Steven Smith was dismissed next as Aamer Jamal’s peach of a delivery did the trick. Smith departed for 26. The Australian cricket team, under the leadership of Pat Cummins, is currently leading the Test series 1-0 against Pakistan. The hosts clinched a convincing 360-run victory in the Test series opener.