Pakistan’s 12th man Sarfaraz Ahmed joins this elusive list of greats!
The first Test between Pakistan and England kicked off on August 5 at Old Trafford in Manchester. Shan Masood’s 156 set the tone as Pakistan amassed 326 in their first innings. England went to stumps on Day 2 fighting at 92/4. But Masood’s patient hundred and Mohammad Abbas’ fiery spell of fast bowling that left the hosts reeling weren’t the only points of discussions on social media. A lot of Pakistan fans were fuming after they spotted ex-captain Sarfaraz performing 12th man duties for his team.
Sarfaraz isn’t part of the playing XI in the first Test, with Mohammad Rizwan donning the gloves. The veteran wicketkeeper also carried a pair of shoes for one of the Pakistani batsmen.
Former Pakistani players Shoaib Akhtar and Rashid Latif weren’t too pleased with coach Misbah-ul-Haq sending Sarfaraz to perform the 12th man’s duties. But Sarfaraz appeared to be in good spirits, smiling and jogging happily to help his teammates.
Unknowingly, Sarfaraz’s appointment as the 12th man put him in a league alongside other cricketing greats who performed similar duties in their career. Here’s a look at them!
Sir Donald Bradman – 1928
The only time the legendary Don Bradman was the 12th man for Australia was back in 1928. After an unhappy Test debut against England at Brisbane, Australia dropped Bradman from the playing XI for the 2nd Test in Sydney. It was the only occasion of Bradman carrying drinks for Australia in any format of the game. To add to his woes, he also had to field throughout the English innings after teammate Bill Ponsford broke his little finger.
Sachin Tendulkar – 2004 & 2005
Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar has also performed 12th man duties for Team India on a couple of occasions. In the 2004 Bengaluru Test against Australia, Tendulkar was on the bench. However, he was seen carrying drinks for his teammates who were batting the October heat to save the Test match. Then in a Tsunami relief match between ICC World XI and Asia XI, a humble Tendulkar was once again up for his duties. As soon as Ricky Ponting was dismissed, the former Indian captain strutted out with a box of drinks.
MS Dhoni – 2017 & 2018
India’s Captain Cool MS Dhoni has never shied away from doing the littlest job in the team. Even if it means carrying drinks for his team. In a T20I match against Ireland in 2018, Dhoni was sprinting to the field with refreshments, batting kits and gloves in his hand. Sporting an orange bib on his India jersey, Mahi looked unfazed in performing his duties as part of the Indian team. A similar incident happened in the 2017 Champions Trophy when India were playing a warm-up game against Bangladesh. Dhoni, who wasn’t part of the playing XI, was the designated 12th man for the day.
Virat Kohli – 2017
India captain Virat Kohli has rarely missed an international match thanks to his fitness routines and injury-free career so far. However, in 2017, Kohli suffered a freak shoulder injury that ruled him out of the Dharamsala Test against Australia. Unable to see him in action, the spectators were eager to get a glimpse of their favourite batsman. A loud roar emerged from the stands as the on-field umpire signalled a drinks break. Kohli dashed to the middle with water bottles in his hand, helping his teammates who were having a field day under the hot sun. It was probably the first time that the loudest cheer was reserved for the 12th man of a team.
