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[Watch] Saim Ayub Records A Forgettable ODI Debut As Mitchell Starc Cleans Him Up At MCG

Debashis Sarangi

Saim Ayub was castled by Mitchell Starc for 1 [Source: @cricketcomau/X]Saim Ayub was castled by Mitchell Starc for 1 [Source: @cricketcomau/X]

Pakistan's promising opener Saim Ayub had a poor start to the ODI series against Australia, as ace speedster Mitchell Starc dismissed him cheaply in the opening game at Melbourne Cricket Ground. Opening the batting alongside Abdullah Shafique, Saim Ayub could score only a run before Starc castled him with a beautiful delivery. 

The incident occurred during the third over of Pakistan's innings after Australian captain Pat Cummins won the toss and invited the visiting team to bat first. Opening the bowling for Australia, Cummins and Starc kept Shafique and Ayub quiet before dismissing the latter in the third over. 

From over the wicket, Mitchell Starc initially hit the back-of-the-length, pushing Ayub on the back foot. He cleverly pitched his fourth ball slightly up, drawing the southpaw onto his front foot. 


As Ayub went for a half-hearted drive to break the shackles, the ball took the inside edge of his bat before shattering the timber. Thus, Ayub couldn't live up to the hype, making his way back to the hut for an unimpressive five-ball 1. 

Babar Azam Joins Abdullah Shafique In The Middle

After Saim Ayub's departure, Pakistan's talismanic batter Babar Azam joined Shafique in the middle to steady the ship for his side. Considering they have lost an early wicket, the visitors must be hoping for a game-breaking knock from their most reputed batter. At the time of writing, Pakistan were nine for one in 4.4 overs, with Babar and Shafique batting on 5* and 3*, respectively.