Earlier this month, in Perth, Australia played Pakistan in the opening of a three-match Test series, and there was no love lost. With a commanding 360-run lead, the hosts destroyed Pakistan’s aspirations of winning a Test match on Australian soil for the first time ever.
Before the second Test at the storied Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), which starts on December 26, the Pakistani players and their support staff surprised the Australian players and their families with a pleasant surprise. Off the field, though, the two teams have a great deal of camaraderie. The Pakistani contingent came in with gifts and candy for the kids while the Australians were training at the MCG’s indoor facilities with their families in tow.
The supporters were quite appreciative of the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) touching gesture, which was captured on camera. “Warm wishes and heartfelt gifts for the Australian players and their families at the MCG indoor nets,” the caption read.
Warm wishes and heartfelt gifts for the Australian players and their families at the MCG indoor nets 🎁✨ pic.twitter.com/u43mJEpBTR
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) December 25, 2023
Speaking with Shan Masood, his opposite number, Australian captain Pat Cummins, was spotted carrying a gift basket. In attendance was Babar Azam, the former captain of Pakistan, who was observed conversing with David Warner.
“That was excellent. Merely cheery Christmas presents and lollipops for the children. So that was excellent. With the Pakistani side, we get along well. It was also really special, that tour from a few years ago. So incredibly sweet and considerate of their group to consider us,” a visibly moved Cummins told ESPN Australia.
To recap, for the series to continue, the visitors must win the second Test. With multiple injuries to its players, Pakistan will have an uphill battle to defeat the World Test Champions, who have been a formidable force under Pat Cummins.