Shakib Al Hasan's Outburst In Rawalpindi Test Reminds Fans Of Mohammed Siraj Vs Steve Smith Battle

Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan cut a frustrated figure in the recently concluded first Test against Pakistan at the Rawalpindi Stadium. The moment unfolded in the 32nd over of Pakistan’s second innings. Shakib was bowling to Mohammad Rizwan, who backed out moments before the delivery.

The veteran left-arm spinner couldn’t control his anger and threw the ball towards the batting end. It, however, didn’t hit Rizwan and landed into the gloves of Bangladesh wicketkeeper Litton Das. Shakib’s gesture didn’t go down well with the on-field umpire, Richard Kettleborough, who immediately warned the bowler for his behaviour.

Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto later came forward and exchanged some words with the official. Shakib Al Hasan also appeared to have apologised for his act before preparing for his run-up. Many cricket fans criticised Shakib for his reaction, while there were some people, who felt Mohammed Rizwan was unnecessarily delaying the proceedings.

Recently, a video went viral where a couple of fans were seen showing their support for Shakib Al Hasan. They reckon Mohammed Rizwan has a habit of backing out during his batting. “He always sees someone on the side screen. This was the perfect response to his acting,” the angry fans could be heard saying in the clip.

The video was reshared by an Indian fan on X (formerly Twitter). He sarcastically said that Shakib Al Hasan should learn from India pacer Mohammed Siraj, who once threw the ball towards Australian batter Steve Smith during the 2023 World Test Championship (WTC) final at the Kennington Oval in London.

Siraj was about to deliver the ball when Smith suddenly moved away from his mark. The Indian bowler was visibly irked by the hindrance. He angrily threw the ball towards the stumps. Smith was disappointed. The right-handed batter tried to explain that the spider-cam which was moving over his head, caused a distraction.

Coming back to the Rawalpindi Test, Bangladesh notched a commanding ten-wicket victory in the match after Pakistan’s batting collapse in their second innings. Shakib Al Hasan picked four wickets, becoming the highest wicket-taker among left-arm spinners across formats with 706 scalps. The previous record was held by New Zealand legend Daniel Vettori.