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The lead-up to Australia's first Test of 2024 naturally revolved around David Warner. Much was discussed about his legacy, passion for the sport, pioneering role at the top of the order, and his uplifting presence for the team. However, a somber note struck when it was revealed that Warner had lost or had his treasured Baggy Green stolen. Warner made a heartfelt plea on social media, hoping for its safe return before his 112th and final Test appearance.
With Australia securing the series in a closely contested match in Melbourne, the focus will inevitably be on Warner's farewell during the Pink Test. This marks the beginning of a new chapter for Australia, a year that might not be as eventful as the previous one but holds the potential to build on the team's recent success, including two world trophies in 2023.
Pat Cummins, not one for New Year resolutions, approaches the future one week at a time. While he wishes for a special week celebrating Warner, he is equally eager to maintain the team's momentum with a clean sweep before facing the West Indies later in the month.
As Australia prepares for a farewell, Pakistan is embracing what many perceive as the dawn of a new era with the debut of left-hander Saim Ayub. Ayub, similar to Warner, has made a mark in white-ball cricket and boasts an impressive first-class record. His inclusion signals Pakistan's departure from their traditional Test cricket approach under Shan Masood.
Ayub's debut coinciding with Warner's departure seems fitting, considering Warner paved the way for young players like him to excel across formats. It's also an opportunity for Pakistan to bounce back after a week in Melbourne where they came close to upsetting the hosts. Despite falling short, the close contest has given the visitors confidence that they can compete and possibly outperform the favored hosts.
When: January 3, 4:30 AM PST
Where: SCG, Sydney
Team News:
Australia
In two weeks, discussions around team selection will likely heat up as they prepare for the first Test against the West Indies. However, at present, Australia appears to be more stable than ever, paradoxically with a significant player gearing up for his final Test.
Pakistan
Two days before the Test, Shaheen Shah Afridi spent a considerable time bowling. However, it's a noteworthy development that Pakistan has opted to exclude him from the final Test, especially when he appeared to be finding his form at the MCG. Shan Masood explicitly expressed his admiration for the left-arm bowler in a press conference on Tuesday (January 2). The Australian team will now face a somewhat weakened pace attack from Pakistan, possibly influenced by the number of overs Afridi has bowled, leading the selectors to give him a break.
This decision creates an opportunity for Sajid Khan, a late addition to the squad, to assume the role of the specialist spinner alongside Agha Salman, who has performed reasonably well with the ball. Of course, the more thrilling selection is the debut of Saim Ayub.
Australia Playing XI: David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood
Pakistan Playing XI: Saim Ayub, Abdullah Shafique, Shan Masood (c), Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Agha Salman, Hasan Ali, Sajid Khan, Aamer Jamal, Mir Hamza
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