Warne to Anwar’s rescue

BRISBANE, NOV 8: Pakistan batting hero Saeed Anwar publicly thanked Shane Warne after the latter saved him from an early exit in the firs...

BRISBANE, NOV 8: Pakistan batting hero Saeed Anwar publicly thanked Shane Warne after the latter saved him from an early exit in the first Test at Gabba today.

Warne appeared to catch Anwar at first slip when the opener had scored just 12 before conceding the catch may not have carried in what proved a turning point on the fluctuating fourth day’s play.

Warne suggested the umpires call for third umpire Peter Parker to rule on the catch, but two camera angles could not clearly show whether the ball had carried to Warne.

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Anwar made the most of the let-off, remaining unbeaten on 118 at the close after an aggressive knock of 20 boundaries, helping Pakistan stay in the hunt heading into the final day.

“That was good from Shane Warne and I think this is what sport needs. I think it’s a really good gesture and I thank Shane for it. He did the right thing.”

Warne said he thought he had caught the ball cleanly but still queried it after a similar scenario went against him during Australia’s World Cup triumph last June.

Said Warne: “I thought it wasn’t going to carry but it kept coming and I wasn’t quite sure whether my hands went under and the ball hit on top or whether I scooped it up on the half-volley. I thought I caught it but I wasn’t sure and it would have been nice if I did because he’s obviously playing well.”