Australia vs Pakistan: Australia and Pakistan are set to lock horns with each other in the first Test of the three-match Test series from 4th March to 8th March 2022 at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. Australian Cricket Team are playing a Test series in Pakistan after 24 years. Both squads last played a Test match against each other in Pakistan in 1998. Australia won the series by a margin of 1-0.
Also, this will be the first overseas assignment for Pat Cummins as Test captain. Looking at the sub-continent pitches, Australia has opted to pick three spinners in Nathan Lyon, Ashton Agar, and Mitchell Swepson. The pace-bowling attack comprises the likes of Josh Hazlewood, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Scott Bolland.
Usman Khawaja’s sensational performances have helped him find a place in the squad. He is likely to open the batting alongside David Warner. Marnus Labuschagne should come at three, followed by Steve Smith and Travis Head at four and five respectively.
Besides, they have picked two pace-bowling all-rounders in Cameron Green and Mitchell Marsh. However, only one out of them is likely to play the first Test.
Pakistan, on the other hand, would be delighted to play a Test series at home against Australia. Babar Azam will lead the team, while M Rizwan will be his deputy. Hasan Ali and Faheem Ashraf are not available for the first Test due to injury, while Haris Rauf has been contracted with Covid-19. All three won’t be playing the first Test of the series.
Shaheen Shah Afridi will lead the pace attack. Naseem Shah, who was earlier a travelling reserve for the side, has also been added to the squad.
Australia vs Pakistan Test squads
Pakistan squad: Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Rizwan (vc), Abdullah Shafique, Azhar Ali, Fawad Alam, Haris Rauf, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imam-ul-Haq, Mohammad Wasim, Nauman Ali, Naseem Shah, Sajid Khan, Saud Shakeel, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shan Masood, Zahid Mahmood. Reserves: Sarfaraz Ahmed, Mohammad Haris
Australia squad: Pat Cummins (c), Ashton Agar, Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Marcus Harris, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Steve Smith (vc), Mitchell Starc, Mark Steketee, Mitchell Swepson, David Warner. On standby: Sean Abbott, Brendan Doggett, Nic Maddinson, Matthew Renshaw
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