Pakistan pulled off an incredible tactical play to dismiss Australia’s rock Steve Smith on the third day of the third cricket test in Sydney on Friday.
After Smith and Marnus Labuschagne had made a steady start to day three, Pakistan skipper Shan Masood decided to employ two short covers at the start of the 73rd over, bowled by quick Mir Hamza.
After the first ball, Masood then moved a third catching cover into position, a sight rarely seen at any level.
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Mir Hamza celebrates the wicket of Steve Smith.
Incredibly, the move paid immediate dividends as the very next ball Smith advanced down the pitch, attempted to loft a drive over the men in close, but succeeded only in hitting a catch to Babar Azam.
Smith was on his way for 38, and when offspinner Salman Agha bowled Labuschagne through the gate for 60, it left Australia at 199-4 at lunch, trailing Pakistan’s first innings total of 313.
