Ian Smith, Michael Vaughan and Harsha Bhogle were left in equal disbelief after Steve Smith halted play for five minutes to a small bundle of black tape next to the sight screen.
Smith conversed with the umpire who subsequently requested one of the groundsman to come to the wicket and handle the Australian star’s request just before the start of the 71st over.
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Several more groundsmen made their way over to the white sheets next to the sight screen, although viewers were still left in the dark as to what caused Smith to stop the game.
The camera soon showed the tape, although it wasn’t clear if that was the exact cause just yet.
“Surely it’s not that little thing there, surely not,” Vaughan said.
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Smith replied: “Don’t bet against it. Do not bet against it being a distraction.”
The Kiwi great added: “I mean, we’re guessing up here folks because we’re not out there and we’re trying to not make it sound as ridiculous as it is. That surely cannot be the reason.”
How wrong Smith was.
A groundsman, clad in athletic legwear, was forced to climb over the covered seats to retrieve the small bundle of tap, leaving the trio of commentators in stitches.
After almost stacking it while stepping over the seats, the groundsman in question lapped up the moment and dished out countless high-fives to crowd members.
“You know those days when you think you’ve seen everything?” Smith said.
Bhogle replied: “I think there’s a few people who can’t believe it, including some of the Pakistan players.”
A total of five minutes elapsed from the moment Smith stopped play and the next ball he faced.
Given several hours of play on day two were lost due to bad light and inclement weather, every minute was crucial in ensuring as much cricket was played on day three yet Smith’s demand caused an unwanted delay.
Unfortunately for Smith, the removal of tape didn’t help him as much as he’d hoped after he lazily lofted a shot to Babar Azam and departed for 38 early in the 74th over.
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