MELBOURNE – Pakistan are all set to play the second Take a look at of the three-match collection in opposition to Australia and their 11th Take a look at match on the iconic Melbourne Cricket Floor. The Shan Masood-led outfit will probably be desperate to show a degree with the collection nonetheless up for grabs.
Pakistan performed a two-day follow match in opposition to Victoria XI, from 22-23 December, to fine-tune their preparations. The 2-day sport performed at Junction Oval, which ended as a draw, supplied the Pakistan batters and bowlers much-needed match follow.
The collection opener at Perth noticed Pakistan face defeat by 360 runs, however the silver lining for the guests was the efficiency of the 2 debutants, Aamir Jamal and Khurram Shahzad, who picked up seven and 5 wickets respectively within the match. Aamir will probably be seeking to construct up on his good efficiency as he registered the sixth-best bowling figures for a Pakistan participant on debut along with his 6-111.
In the meantime, Khurram has been dominated out of the Take a look at collection as a result of a stress fracture whereas Abrar Ahmed stays unavailable for choice for the MCG Take a look at. Off-spinner Sajid Khan, who flew in because the back-up spinner for Abrar, has been added to Pakistan’s 12-man squad for the MCG Take a look at together with Hasan Ali and Mir Hamza. Wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan will change Sarfaraz Ahmed behind the stumps. The ultimate XI will probably be unveiled on match day.
Pakistan captain Shan Masood, speaking in regards to the crew composition for the second Take a look at, mentioned, “I imagine in making much less modifications within the crew after a loss to keep up stability however you need to make a number of tactical choices after which unluckyly we had damage considerations as properly. “Khurram not being availin a position as a result of damage is such a loss. We’ve introduced in Mir Hamza in his place, who has carried out equally properly within the home circuit. We expect he can emulate Khurram’s management and constant lengths.”
Speaking about Hasan and Rizwan’s inclusion within the 12-man squad, Shan mentioned, “Hasan replaces Faheem Ashraf as a result of he’s extremely skilled and has Take a look at report. Sadly, his profession has been a stop-start as a result of accidents however his Take a look at numbers are nonetheless spectacular. Bringing in Rizwan for Sarfaraz is a tactical choice as we really feel Rizwan can bat properly in these circumstances, evident from his batting data in Australia, England and New Zealand.
“Sajid Khan is included within the 12 as a specialist spinner as a result of we haven’t had the opportunity to take a look at the wicket these days because it rained in the present day. With the 12-man squad we will take the choice on frontline spin choice within the morning after having have a look at the wicket.
“We now have checked out a few of our weaknesses from the Perth Take a look at and to have the ability to compete in opposition to a crew like Australia, we should work on many areas of the sport. I do know this Take a look at match is essential with respect to our World Take a look at Championship (WTC) standing however nonetheless there’s a lot to play for on this collection and within the ongoing WTC cycle.”