Video: Azhar Ali Escapes Nasty Injury After Being Hit On Helmet At MCG
Dec 29, 2016 at 2:12 PM
The game of cricket has itself witnessed several nasty injuries to the players on the field which were horrible, to say the least. From the Raman Lamba to Phillip Hughes – the bat and ball game has been brutal too at the same time when it’s not your day on the field. Thanks to the good medical facilities and upgraded cricketing gears that had saved many in the past.
Pakistan opening batsman and first innings’ double centurion Azhar Ali on Thursday at the MCG was floored to the ground when a powerful pull shot from wicket-keeper batsman Matthew Wade hit to his helmet at short leg region when Australia’s score was 447 for 5. The incident took place in the 109th over.
His teammates and the team physio Shane Hayes rushed on the field to have a look at Azhar, who seemed lost for a while as Wade slapped Yasir Shah’s delivery which land onto his helmet.
The 31-year-old Azhar tried to duck, but the ball went straight into the hands of Babar Azam as close-in fielders asked the question to umpire which was turned down while being called a dead-ball.
“It is not a fair catch if at any time after having been struck by the bat and before a catch is completed the all has touched a protective helmet worn by a fielder,” states law 32.3 (d) which often seems having a liking for the batters.
The opener received on-field treatment with his teammates covering him under a piece of cloth as it was hot and humid.
Australia’s sports doctor Peter Brukner, who’s believed to have strict approach to player concussions gave Azhar concussion assessments before being declared fit for the day. He has to undergo another test in the morning.
“He’s fit and he’s alright – he’s being monitored by the medical staff and he should be alright,” said Pakistan bowling coach Azhar Mahmood.
Fox Sports Cricket Reporter Tweeted:
Great news – I'm told Azhar Ali is ok. Has passed a concussion test.
— Neroli Meadows (@Neroli_Meadows) December 29, 2016
After a couple of minutes, Azhar was up on his feet to see Wade patting him on his back and in response his counterpart [Azhar] gave him a thumb up before leaving the field for further treatment – to see the scattered crowd cheering which was a quite fascinating thing to watch.
Azhar, who has become first Asian batter to score a double century at the MCG and first Pakistan to do so on Australian soil in the first innings respectively.
Watch the video here:
Azhar Ali hit on helmet during fielding at short leg.
According to PCB, he is absolutely fine now.#AUSvPAK pic.twitter.com/aWVVd3EQFi— Akber Ali (@AkberAli1214) December 29, 2016
In a recently held MCC’s meeting, members suggested approving a few change in the rules of the ‘Laws of Cricket’ which also includes catches to be made acceptable even the ball hits a helmet worn by a fielder.
“It is felt that balls rebounding off a fielder’s helmet could equally help or hinder the fielding side and so the suggestion that rebounds off the helmet make catches easier should be disregarded,” read the statement, earlier in this month.