Every wicket is special, but Smith's was different: Hasan

The first day of the Darwin Test against Australia was nothing short of a dream for Hasan Mahmud. The pacer became one of the key architects in bowling Australia out for 198, claiming career-best figures of 6 for 55. While he described each of his wickets as special, he singled out the wicket of Steven Smith as particularly significant.

Even after Australia had lost six wickets, Hasan did not deviate from his plan towards the end of the innings. He made a slight adjustment in length and tested Smith with a well-directed bouncer. The Australian star fell into the trap, mistiming his pull shot and offering a catch behind the wicket to depart for 71.

Speaking about his bowling at the end of the day's play, Hasan said, "All the wickets are special to me. You don't get a five-wicket haul without picking up five. But I must give credit to my teammates for the energy they showed from the morning and the effort everyone put in on the field."

When asked specifically about Smith's wicket, he said, "The way our captain supported us on the field, Alhamdulillah, we were able to finish well. If I had to single one out, I would definitely mention Steve Smith's wicket. He was unsure. I felt he was going to try something, so I bowled a bouncer and he missed it."