AUS vs PAK: Pakistan present Christmas gifts to Australian players ahead of Boxing Day Test

There was no love lost when Australia faced Pakistan in the first of a three-match Test series in Perth earlier this month. The hosts crushed Pakistan’s hopes of their first-ever Test on Australian soil as they emerged victorious by a comprehensive 360-run margin to take a 1-0 lead.

However, off the field, the two teams share great camaraderie and that was on full display as the Australian players and their families were given a pleasant surprise by the Pakistani players and their support staff ahead of the second Test at the historic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), beginning December 26. As the Aussies were practising at the indoor facilities at the MCG, with their families nearby, the Pakistan contingent entered with gifts for them and candies for the little ones.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) shared a video of their heartwarming gesture and it received a lot of praise from the fans. “Warm wishes and heartfelt gifts for the Australian players and their families at the MCG indoor nets,” PCB wrote in the caption.

Australian captain Pat Cummins was seen talking to his opposite number, Shan Masood while holding a gift basket. Former Pakistan captain Babar Azam was also present and was seen having a conversation with David Warner.

“That was just great. Just Merry Christmas gifts and lollipops for the kids. So that was great. We’ve got a good relationship with the Pakistan side. That tour a couple of years ago was really special as well. So really kind and thoughtful of their group to think of us,” an overwhelmed Cummins told ESPN Australia.

Coming back to the second Test, the visitors will have to win it to keep the series alive. The World Test Champions have been a force to reckon with under Pat Cummins, and beating them will be an uphill task for the Pakistan side, which has been hit with several injuries.