Pakistan’s struggles, extending from the World Cup 2023, persist as Shan Masood’s team faces a challenging start in the AUS vs PAK Test series. Compounding their woes, the team has grappled with multiple injuries, both preceding and following the 1st Test in Perth. Consequently, fielding their optimal lineup at MCG or SCG seems implausible. Following the comprehensive defeat by Cummins & co in the 1st Test, Pakistan is gearing up for the 2nd Test on Boxing Day against Australia.
In a significant move, Pakistan has excluded veteran wicketkeeper Sarfaraz Ahmed from the lineup for the Boxing Day Test at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground. The team, already compelled to alter their squad due to injuries to Noman Ali and Khurram Shahzad, opted for a strategic change by introducing Mohammad Rizwan in place of Sarfaraz Ahmed. In other major changes, Faheem Ashraf has been dropped, while any two of Hasan, Sajid or Hamza will play in the Boxing Day Test.
“We think Rizwan is ready and we can give Sarfaraz a little bit of a break to recoup and come back,” captain Shan Masood told reporters.
This decision follows Sarfaraz’s subpar performance in the first Test against Australia. In the initial innings, he fell victim to a Mitchell Starc inswinger, being bowled through the gates. The second innings mirrored a similar outcome, with Sarfaraz succumbing once again to Starc’s bowling prowess.
“It was more of a tactical decision in terms of the conditions and getting the best out of each player in those conditions,” he further added.
Pakistan XII in AUS vs PAK 2nd Test:
Imam-Ul-Haq, Abdullah Shafique, Shan Masood (c), Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Salman Ali Agha, Shaheen Afridi, Hasan Ali, Mir Hamza, Aamir Jamal, Sajid Khan (final team to be confirmed at the coin toss)
Australia in the lead for AUS vs PAK series:
Australia showcased their dominance in the initial Test against Pakistan, securing a convincing victory by 360 runs in Perth. Establishing a commanding lead of 216 runs in the first innings, Australia’s robust batting display further pressed Pakistan into a defensive stance. Khawaja and Marsh contributed half-centuries, and following Khawaja’s departure at 90, Australia declared, setting a formidable target of 450 runs for Pakistan.
The Australian bowlers adeptly exploited the challenging pitch conditions, consistently exerting pressure on the Pakistani batsmen. Notably, the day witnessed a historic milestone as Lyon achieved his 500th Test wicket, a remarkable accomplishment in his illustrious career.
