Aus vs Pak: Mir Hamza reveals plan behind Travis Head’s dismissal

Pakistani pacer Mir Hamza opened up on how he tried to trap Australia’s batter, Travis Head, as the left-handed batter was removed by the 31-year-old’s peach of a delivery on first ball duck.

Talking to the media after the end of day three, Hamza revealed that the pitch was supportive of fast bowlers and he took advantage of that by trying to swing the ball both ways to get Head’s wicket.

“I stuck to my basics. The pitch has something for the fast bowlers, and the ball is swinging and seaming. I utilised my skills. If I can swing the ball both ways, especially when there's a new batsman at the crease, it's a good opportunity for me. This was my thought with Travis Head. I thought he may be ready for the outswing so I'll try inswing,” Hamza said in a post-match presser.

The pacer then talked about how every bowler is aware of his skills and the main goal is to trouble the batter whether one is doing it with pace or with line or length.

“I think a bowler knows his qualities and skills. Some bowlers are famous for seam and swing while some disturb batsmen with pace. I think as long as you're disturbing the batsman, that's what matters, whether you're doing it with pace or seam/swing. I am aware of my skills, and I try to stick to them,” the left-hander added.

Day two belonged to Pakistani pacers as Shaheen Afridi and Hamza picked three wickets each and gave Pakistan a bright start that helped them set the tone of the game.

Australia were 16-4 after facing the wrath of Shaheen and Hamza, Shan Masood-led unit could’ve gotten another big breakthrough but Abdullah Shafique dropped Mitchell Marsh on 20, who then went on to score 96 runs before he was finally removed by Hamza.

Steve Smith and Marsh helped the home side to reach 187-6 at stumps with a lead of 241 runs.