Can you notice the VERY unusual element as Aussie cricket skipper Pat Cummins poses together with his Pakistani rival simply earlier than the beginning of the summer time of cricket?

A photograph of Australian skipper Pat Cummins posing with Pakistan rival Mohammad Rizwan has caught the attention of cricket followers in the course of the first ODI on the Melbourne Cricket Floor.

Chasing simply 204, Australia crumbled to 6-139 within the twenty first over as Rauf skittled the middle-order when the hosts had been making an attempt to finish the sport as shortly as doable.

However captain Cummins (32*), taking part in his first ODI since final 12 months’s gorgeous World Cup closing triumph, was once more there on the finish in a decent chase as Australia received residence with 99 balls to spare.

Nevertheless, earlier than the match received underway, the skippers posed for {a photograph} with the trophy and Rizwan’s hand may very well be seen positioned on prime of the Aussie captain’s.

Followers on social media had a discipline day with the weird picture.

‘Friendship targets,’ posted one X person.

‘Love is love,’ replied one other

‘Bromance in Melbourne,’ mentioned a 3rd.

Pat Cummins saved Australia from an embarrassing defeat by guiding them to a two-wicket ODI win in opposition to Pakistan

Cummins saved Australia from an embarrassing defeat within the match, coming in with Australia reeling at 7-155 chasing simply 204.

However simply as he did twice throughout final 12 months’s World Cup in India, and in Take a look at wins at Edgbaston in 2023 and Christchurch in March, Cummins confirmed he’s extra than simply among the finest quicks of his era.

He scored an unbeaten 32 off 31 balls to steer Australia to victory with 99 balls left.

The 31-year-old has this 12 months undergone corrective eye surgical procedure, one thing Starc believes has helped his batting.

‘Now he is received his eyes fastened,’ Starc mentioned.

‘We have been arguing for a pair years, effectively, I have been arguing that he ought to be batting above me.

‘So he is cemented that, I hope.

‘However, a incredible manner for him to carry it residence.

Pat Cummins confirmed as soon as once more he’s extra than simply among the finest quicks of his era

‘Clearly the intent in the beginning from the fellows (with their batting) was what we’re after, clearly just a few too many wickets, however a optimistic begin to the summer time.’

Australia’s shot choice allow them to down as they tried to safe the win as shortly as doable.

Matt Quick, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne, and Aaron Hardie all fell in cavalier style they might be regretting.

Pakistan tearaway Haris Rauf renewed his love affair with the MCG, dismissing Labuschagne and Glenn Maxwell in consecutive balls to show what seemed to be a simple run chase on its head.

Australia can wrap up the three-game sequence by beating Pakistan on Friday night time on the Adelaide Oval.

The groups will then play three Twenty20s, earlier than Australia start their Take a look at summer time in opposition to India in Perth on November 22.