AUS vs PAK Day 1: Australia are in the driver’s seat after Day 1 with 346/5 on board in Perth. It was David Warner who led the charge with an epic 164. Usman Khawaja (40) and Travis Head (41) also contributed to the scoreline. Aamer Ajmal bagged two wickets for Pakistan but that’s about it for the visitors on Day 1 of the Perth Test. At Day 1 stumps, Mitchell Marsh and Alex Carey remained unbeaten on 15 and 14 respectively.
2nd session: Tea has been called on the first day of the series, marking a session where Pakistan achieved some success. However, the standout performer has been David Warner, who reached a century. Warner displayed versatility in his approach, beginning the innings aggressively and adopting a more cautious stance post-lunch. Although he gave a chance to mid-on shortly after reaching the century, he has been the dominant force.
Meanwhile, Steven Smith is settling in, and despite an improved bowling attack since lunch, Pakistan looks somewhat laborious. The team will need to dig deep for a strong finish in the upcoming final session. Stay tuned as Rvel returns to guide you through the start of the last session.
Can new Pakistan do it?
But with Pakistan intending to take a Bazball approach that they extensively practised over the last few months in Test, they will be gunning to end the losing streak. While their new approach works on a green deck is a million-dollar question but with Mohammad Hafeez steering the backroom, Pakistan would aim for a win.
However, there is a problem. And it’s their bowling. With Haris Rauf opting out of the Test, Shaheen Afridi is the only experienced pacer with Naseem Shah still recovering from his surgery. Mohd Wasim Jr is inconsistent while Aamer Jamal are Khurram Shahzad are Test debutants. Hasan Ali has been benched for the AUS vs PAK 1st Test.
In the batting, Pakistan have opted for Sarfaraz Ahmed over Mohammad Rizwan. His recent First Class form will be a huge boost for Pakistan while new captain Shan Masood will also be in a good frame of mind in AUS vs PAK 1st Test having slammed a double century in the practice game.
Summer of change?
For Australia though, it will be about change! Opener David Warner has already announced he will quit Test cricket after the Sydney game. And with Usman Khawaja fighting a battle against the ICC for “all lives matter”, there is a change in Australian guards. Whether ICC changes its stance is for everyone to see.
But there could be a change in Australian team. With the Pakistan series, Australia begin a new Test cycle and could induct a few new faces following that. They have already rung in the changes, appointing Travis Head the new vice-captain along with Steve Smith. However, they have brought back Nathan Lyon who returns from a hamstring injury in AUS vs PAK 1st Test. And that spin attack remains constant.
AUS vs PAK Playing XIs:
Pakistan Playing XI: Abdullah Shafique, Imam-ul-Haq, Shan Masood (capt), Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Sarfaraz Ahmed (wk), Salman Ali Agha, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Aamer Jamal, Khurram Shahzad
Australia Playing XI: David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Alex Carey (wk), Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins (capt), Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood
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