The Benaud-Qadir Trophy opening Test between Pakistan and Australia is scheduled to feature debuts for right-arm medium-fast bowlers Aamir Jamal and Khurram Shahzad. Thus, it became apparent on Wednesday when Pakistan released their starting lineup. After being stripped of captaincy in all three forms of cricket, Shan Masood would captain the national team for the first time in an international match.
Shan Masood will captain the national team in an international match
The batting line-up would be strengthened by Imam-ul-Haq, Abdullah Shafique, Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, and Sarfaraz Ahmed (wk). In addition, all-rounders Salman Ali Agha and Faheem Ashraf are anticipated to perform well in the challenging Australian conditions. The bowling lineup will heavily rely on new additions Aamir Jamal, Khurram Shahzad, and star pacer Shaheen Afridi. Thus, the three-match Test series’ opening match would kick off.
The three-match Test series would start on December 14 and run through December 18. It is important to note that Pakistan has not triumphed in a Test match played in Australia since 1995. So, in their 26 games versus Australia, Pakistan has only triumphed four times, and in their previous five series, they have been thoroughly defeated.
After shocking India in the ODI World Cup final last month, which left the country of over 1.4 billion people in total shock. And despair, the Australians are looking magnificent. Pakistan’s cricket team is in turmoil and anarchy compared to Australia. Our cricket team is in disarray due to poor performance and administrative errors. Shan’s first task is a tour, which could not be more difficult than guiding his team in Australia.
Pakistan squad
Shan Masood (captain), Sarfaraz Ahmed (wicket-keeper), Imam-ul-Haq, Abdullah Shafique, Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Salman Ali Agha, Faheem Ashraf. Shaheen Shah Afridi, Aamir Jamal, Khurram Shahzad.
Australia squad
Pat Cummins (c), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne. Nathan Lyon, Mitch Marsh, Lance Morris, Steve Smith, Mitch Starc, David Warner.
Test series schedule
- First Test: December 14-18, Perth Stadium
- Second Test: December 26-30, MCG
- Third Test: January 3-7, SCG
