Pakistan’s cricket history spans 71 years, marked by victories, failures, and scandals. Since Pakistan played its first Test in October 1952, a total of 259 cricketers have had the honor of receiving the national Test cap. Among them is left-arm fast bowler Mir Hamza, Test cricketer number 235 for Pakistan. For the 31-year-old Hamza, the 2023–24 tour of Australia turned out to be personally successful, even though the national team, under the leadership of Shan Masood, suffered defeats in all three Test matches.

In the first Test at Perth, Director of Cricket Mohammad Hafeez was keen to include Mir Hamza in the playing XI, but captain Shan Masood favored all-rounder Faheem Ashraf. However, Faheem’s underwhelming performance in that match paved the way for Hamza to be selected for the second Test in Melbourne. Having taken only two wickets in the first two Tests, Hamza was under pressure to perform in the iconic Boxing Day Test.

In domestic cricket in 2023, representing the Karachi Region, Hamza played eight matches, bowled 1,324 deliveries, conceded 668 runs, and claimed 32 wickets. On the rain-affected first day of the Melbourne Test, where only 66 overs were bowled, Hamza displayed exceptional control and discipline, giving away just 27 runs in 15 overs with four maidens. His efforts paid off on the second day when a short delivery took the edge of Mitchell Starc’s bat and was safely caught by Salman Ali Agha at second slip.

During the Australia tour, Hamza bowled 379 deliveries in two Tests, conceded 145 runs, and claimed seven wickets at an impressive average of 20.71. He maintained a tight line and length, not allowing the Australian batters to dominate him. Hamza has expressed that with consistent opportunities, he has the ability to make a mark. It is unfortunate that he has only played five Test matches in five years—an average of one Test per year—which makes it hard for any player to prove themselves. However, Hamza’s relentless hard work and refusal to give up have finally started to bear fruit. His performance on the Australian tour has once again made a strong case for his continued inclusion in Pakistan’s Test team.

Born on September 10, 1992, in Karachi, Hamza made his first-class debut at the age of 20 under the captaincy of Mohammad Sami, representing Karachi Whites against Lahore Shalimar in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy at the National Stadium, Karachi. After eight years of persistence in domestic cricket, Hamza earned his Test debut in 2018 at the Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi, under the captaincy of Sarfaraz Ahmed, against Australia. Pakistan won that match by 373 runs. In the first innings, Australia was bowled out for 145, but Hamza failed to take a wicket, conceding 27 runs in nine overs. In the second innings, he dismissed Shaun Marsh to claim his first Test wicket.

Despite showing promise, Hamza had to wait until December 2022 to play his second Test match, this time against New Zealand at the National Stadium, Karachi, under Babar Azam’s captaincy. In two Tests (four innings), he bowled 59 overs, gave away 197 runs, and claimed only one wicket—that of Devon Conway—averaging 197.00 in the series.

Pakistan has a rich history of fast bowlers, and for Mir Hamza to secure a permanent spot among them, there is no doubt he needs to continue his hard and tireless efforts. While his pace has often been questioned, it is equally true that his strength lies in his fitness and precise line and length. Despite limited chances, Hamza has capitalized on his opportunities. Representing Karachi Kings in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), he impressed with his controlled bowling with the new ball, maintaining the best economy rate among Pakistani bowlers. His performances even drew praise from legendary fast bowler and former Test captain Wasim Akram, who couldn’t help but commend Hamza’s disciplined approach.