Is anyone planning for Pakistan's tour of Australia yet?

[Kianig89]

Already having sympathy for the squad who will walk through Australian shores more comedy to come what will be our Test Xi

Shafiq
Shan
Babar
Saud
Rizwan
Iftikhar
Faheem
SSA
Naseem
Abrar
WasimJr.
---------

Abrar will be lashed mercilessly and the trundler brigade will receive heavy tonking , not to mention the misery of ½batsman Rizwan and Iftikhar

 

[Rana]

Given the options. Assuming Naseem can't make a comeback. I'd go with this XI

1. Shan
2. Abdullah
3. Saud
4. Babar (c)
5. Salman
6. Rizwan
7. Faheem
8. Jamal
9. Hasan
10. Shaheen
11. Abrar

How does Rizwan make the team when Sarfaraz wasnt dropped and actually scored at an average of 99 in the FC season?

 

[deltexas]

This will be an absolute mailing for Pak. An absolute 3-0 hammering.. Man if you are Babar azam- resign after WC and let some other guy captain this hammering lol ! And Warners farewell tour as well.. the 1st test is in Perth too..

 

[Tintin]

Tests are won on the basis of bowling .. except Naseem to a certain extent, I don't see any bowlers capable of winning anything in Australia unless Babar (not Rizwan) and unless Naseem (not Shaheen) delivers for you. Babar and Naseem are your only chances of drawing a few test matches, also winning some if possible.

 

[W63L35]

Pakistani Spinners in this World Cup.

2nd lowest number of wickets.
Worst E/R.
2nd Worst Ave
2nd Worst S/R


Indian spinners best in each category.

 

[Nikhil_cric]

If Kashif Ali is bowling 135 kph, he should play this series. Looks decent

 

[Mamoon]

I really hope Naseem is fit so that we don’t hear any excuses. The funny thing is that if Naseem plays he will average 50+ yet again.

His record in Test cricket, especially outside Asia, is amongst the worst in history.

 

[saqibali]

I must admit that we are struggling to name 5 bowlers for Australia tour. Shaheen, Nasim will both expose again if they play in Australia. Our best bet is to select bowlers who can bowl within the stumps at 135KPH. If the batsman misses, we have a chance. Otherwise i am prepared to read scorecard of 365/1 and 638/4.

 

[Dr_Bassim]

Test cricket from the start has been the most illogical sport
.
It's so unfair on bowlers at so many levels. A DOT BALL is NOT REWARDED
Unlike in t20 and ODI

A good leave? Seriously
people are paying money to see you leave a ball lol

Finally sense is prevailing and people are understanding how pathetic a format it is

I used to watch a lot of football, and believe me, NOTHING comes closer to the thrill that a t20 match gives you.
It's the perfect format. Not long like ODI and not nonsense cricket like t10

Cricket would have been the most popular sport on the planet if the administrators had scrapped test cricket a 100 years ago and started playing only t20

I think you are biased because you are from new era.

Also, because T20 a weak team like Pakistan can hide its mediocreness.

 

[Aviator]

Hope they don't give warner 3 chances per inning...
Good bowlers are already injured... Shaheen is still not at his best....Bowling department looks bad...But this team will definitely enjoy free tour to Australia with family...

 

[jnaveen1980]

I am sensing bloodbath. I am sure Pakistan batting won't be terrible on those flat wickets. Even Australia relies on batting on flat wickets and unleash their relentless bowling trio. Cummins/Boland/Hazlewood. Batsmen can score some runs and get away from blame. Even Yasir shah made a 100 there. But bowling will cut a very sorry figure.

 

[shah9425]

I hope they at least avoid whitewash
Maybe try to draw

 

[mominsaigol]

I think you are biased because you are from new era.

Also, because T20 a weak team like Pakistan can hide its mediocreness.

He's watched cricket since 2003. He's seen the horrors of test and odi . It's why babar azam is the best Pakistani batsmen of all time according to him.

 

[mominsaigol]

How does Rizwan make the team when Sarfaraz wasnt dropped and actually scored at an average of 99 in the FC season?

People keep forgetting how sarfi embrassed rizzu in test and multiple times over.

 

[mominsaigol]

The issue is Pakistan suck on bouncy pitches lol

 

[Dr_Bassim]

He's watched cricket since 2003. He's seen the horrors of test and odi . It's why babar azam is the best Pakistani batsmen of all time according to him.

No it's because shorter the game, the more vulnerabilities can be hidden.

You can hide Shadabs 4 overs in T20 but not 10 in ODI and he can't anywhere in Tests if he has to bowl 30.

Pakistan always makes it to semis of T20 because you can fluke more in 3 to 4 overs than 50 overs.

Chasing 200 in 20 overs is easier than 400 in 50 overs or 600 in 90 overs.

He likes T20 because it's the format where Pakistan doesn't seem out of its depth.

If Pakistan wins the 3 Test series in Australia, he will love tests again.

 

[Kianig89]

There is literally no preparation biggest problem us that how will they make a bowling attack for such a tough tour, barring SSA there are no viable options

 

[mominsaigol]

No it's because shorter the game, the more vulnerabilities can be hidden.

You can hide Shadabs 4 overs in T20 but not 10 in ODI and he can't anywhere in Tests if he has to bowl 30.

Pakistan always makes it to semis of T20 because you can fluke more in 3 to 4 overs than 50 overs.

Chasing 200 in 20 overs is easier than 400 in 50 overs or 600 in 90 overs.

He likes T20 because it's the format where Pakistan doesn't seem out of its depth.

If Pakistan wins the 3 Test series in Australia, he will love tests again.

I was being sarcastic bro, you can tell he's been watching cricket since 2020 to 2021 probs.

 

[saqib.rai]

I think you are biased because you are from new era.

Also, because T20 a weak team like Pakistan can hide its mediocreness.

In t20, SKILL does matter

It's just not the tuk tuk skill we are used to seeing in test Cricket

 

[shamaan]

Let's put a few red lines in here:

1. Shaheen must play, but cannot bat above Number 10.
2. Only Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam have a history of outstanding Test batting in Australia.
3. No current Pakistan spinner has a history of Test success in Australia or South Africa, and the one with the best Test record in SENA is actually Shadab Khan.

Now look at the required specifications for your bowling in Australia:

1. Someone has to be able to consistently bowl faster than 140K - only Haris Rauf qualifies, now that Naseem Shah is injured.
2. Someone needs to be able to bat at Number 9 (meaning averaging at least 20 with the bat) and also bowl quick, EITHER
a) Minimum height of 6'0 combined with pace over 135K, OR
b) Minimum height 6'3 combined with pace over 130K.

I can only see Mohammad Wasim who can qualify, and his batting is dubious.

3. Someone needs to be able to bat at Number 7 and average a minimum of 35 with the bat, while bowling 10-15 overs per day. Only Shadab Khan has that Test record (if you exclude his debut Test as a Teenager). Arguably, Mohammad Nawaz could possibly also fit the bill, and maybe Mubasir Khan.

4. A fourth quick needs to be able to bat at Number 8 and average at least 25 with the bat, while bowling 15 economical overs per day. Only Faheem Ashraf has that record in the Pakistan team.

Put it all together and your bottom five looks like this:

7. Shadab Khan: must average 35 with the bat and bowl 10-15 overs each day.
8. Faheem Ashraf: must average 25 with the bat and bowl 15 overs per day.
9. Mohammad Wasim: must average 20 with the bat and bowl 15 overs per day.
10. Shaheen Shah Afridi: must bowl a 5-6 over spell each session at above 138K.
11. Haris Rauf: must bowl a 4 or 5 over spell each session at above 140K.

That's going to require Agha Salman to also bowl 4 overs per session too.

Doing it this way should get more wickets out of Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf because they can bowl shorter, more hostile spells.

I would definitely consider Mubasir in the squad and if Ihsanullah is fit I would pick him ahead of Rauf.

 

[shamaan]

This is my order in terms of bowling

Shaheen
Naseem
Ihsanullah
Arshad Iqbal
Sameen Gull


Spinners
Abrar Ahmed

 

[Xoib]

Shaheen
Khurram Shehzad
Harris Rauf
Wasim Jr
Kashif Ali

These are my 5 pacers. If Naseem is fit then take him instead of Rauf

 

[Nikhil_cric]

How does Rizwan make the team when Sarfaraz wasnt dropped and actually scored at an average of 99 in the FC season?

Difference between playing on low bounce Pakistani pitches in a low quality FC tournament and against a quality Test attack on the highest bouncing pitches in the world.

Sarfaraz cannot play bounce. He will get exposed brutally.

Rizwan may not be the greatest but he can play it better than Sarf.

 

[BouncerGuy]

I will go to Australia with the following team members,

Shaheen
Khurram Shehzad
Mir hamza
Wasim Jr
Ibrar

Haris should be playing some domestic games before he plays any longer format games.

 

[hur rizvi]

I will go to Australia with the following team members,

Shaheen
Khurram Shehzad
Mir hamza
Wasim Jr
Ibrar

Haris should be playing some domestic games before he plays any longer format games.

Mostly agree with you but we'll need one more pacer in the squad. We can add Arshad Iqbal or Sameen Gul for that spot (both have substantial FC experience)

 

[hur rizvi]

Wasim Jnr needs to work on his batting. He clearly has potential and if he can harness that and average 20-25 with the bat that would be great.

 

[BouncerGuy]

Mostly agree with you but we'll need one more pacer in the squad. We can add Arshad Iqbal or Sameen Gul for that spot (both have substantial FC experience)

Yep we do need 1 as a back up but i will play this team to start with.

 

[hur rizvi]

Shaheen
Khurram Shehzad
Harris Rauf
Wasim Jr
Kashif Ali

These are my 5 pacers. If Naseem is fit then take him instead of Rauf

Who's Kashif Ali? I havent seen him. Is he better prospect than arshad or Sameen?

Any videos?

 

[Bhaijaan]

Pakistan might win a test this time they have a fine pace attack and a youthful batting line up

 

[Xoib]

Who's Kashif Ali? I havent seen him. Is he better prospect than arshad or Sameen?

Any videos?

he has some YouTube clips but I was more impressed by a spell I saw on PCB website in a live game looked to be bowling good lines with some in cutter has a repeatable action with pace in mid 130’s

 

[zarak]

No point playing a spinner if he won't get you a wicket.

1. Abdullah
2. Imam
3. Shan
4. Babar
5. Saud
6. Rizwan
7. Faheem
8. Shaheen
9. Arshad Iqbal
10. Dhani
11. Rauf

 

[GLORY OF '92]

Possibly could be our worst ever Test series loss. Which is shocking considering how Australia have humiliated us since 1999.

 

[jeeteshssaxena]

Shafique
Masood
Rizwan
Babar
Saud
Sarfaraz (wk)
Agha
Faheem
Shaheen
Abbas
A tall consistent bowler from domestics

 

[saqib.rai]

Have always supported our team through thick and thin but for the first time ever I wish and pray we lose 3-0

Which we will for cricketing reasons obviosly but now many like me will be praying for the loss as well

 

[Nikhil_cric]

Mostly agree with you but we'll need one more pacer in the squad. We can add Arshad Iqbal or Sameen Gul for that spot (both have substantial FC experience)

Kashif Ali. Looks decent.

 

[hoshiarpurexpress]

Have always supported our team through thick and thin but for the first time ever I wish and pray we lose 3-0

Which we will for cricketing reasons obviosly but now many like me will be praying for the loss as well

No fan of his/her team would want them to lose. The mask starts slipping off eventually

 

[Nikhil_cric]

Good thing about this tour @Junaids is that since Pakistan are not playing KO's, they have significantly more time to plan for this tour.

Australia still have to play the World Cup final. They will be exhausted after continuously playing cricket since IPL

Their tired attack suffering from age-related physical decline won't be supported by any allrounder of the calibre of Faheem Ashraf or Shadab Khan

On the other hand , PAK are likely to introduce fresh , well rested legs.

Don't you think this should give PAK a significant advantage ?

 

[mominsaigol]

Good thing about this tour @Junaids is that since Pakistan are not playing KO's, they have significantly more time to plan for this tour.

Australia still have to play the World Cup final. They will be exhausted after continuously playing cricket since IPL

Their tired attack suffering from age-related physical decline won't be supported by any allrounder of the calibre of Faheem Ashraf or Shadab Khan

On the other hand , PAK are likely to introduce fresh , well rested legs.

Don't you think this should give PAK a significant advantage ?

When has Pakistan ever planned?

 

[CerebralPatriot]

A team with Shan, Sarfraz, Mir Hamza and Saud is the best chance we have to win in Australia.

3 batsmen who are all equally capable to score big tons and a left armer who can break the back of Australia's top order. Now the question is can the rest to the bare minimum to give us a chance at the very least to break our losing streak of 27 years

 

[Dr_Bassim]

In t20, SKILL does matter

It's just not the tuk tuk skill we are used to seeing in test Cricket

The shorter the format, the easier to hide weaknesses.

You cant disagree on this.

Most upsets from associates have come in T20 and not in ODI or Test Cricket.

Also, skill does matter in T20, but you can hide players like Shadab in T20.

In ODI, there is nowhere for him to hide.

In Tests, you cant hide him at all and he becomes so mediocre that @Junaids even thinks of playing him as a batsmen than a bowler.

 

[shortbread]

The only positive I can think of is Australia totally underestimating Pakistan and get found out. In such a scenario the home side could be very vulnerable.

 

[FearlessRoar]

Noman Ali would be a useful spin weapon for Pakistan in Australia? Who should be the spinner partner with him?

 

[mominsaigol]

Nouman would be a useful spin weapon for Pakistan in Australia? Who should be the spinner partner with him?

Why wasn't Norman taken for wc?

 

[FearlessRoar]

Nouman would be a useful spin weapon for Pakistan in Australia? Who should be the spinner partner with him?

In the recent Quaid-e-Azam Trophy 2023, Noman Ali (37 years old) has bagged 22 wickets, and Zahid Mehmood (35 years old) also bagged 22 wickets. Only Abrar is the young spin weapon for Pakistan, which was part of the travel reserve with the World Cup squad.

 

[hitthestump]

The only positive I can think of is Australia totally underestimating Pakistan and get found out. In such a scenario the home side could be very vulnerable.

Lol. When has this ever happened?

If you’ve met many Australians you’ll understand that they don’t function like this, especially in sport. They are raised as tough competitors and to always give it their all.

 

[mominsaigol]

The only positive I can think of is Australia totally underestimating Pakistan and get found out. In such a scenario the home side could be very vulnerable.

When has Australia ever underestimated anyone?

Their 3rd string players are designed to be ruthless even let alone their first string.

 

[Unbiased-Fan]

Pakistan should play Iftikhar Ahmed in the middle order instead of Agha Salman.
Both Rizwan and Sarfaraz should play, with one of them as specialist batsman.

Shan Masood (c)
Abudallah Shafique
Saud Shakeel
Babar Azam
Mohammed Rizwan
Iftikhar Ahmed
Sarfaraz Ahmed (wk)
Shaheen Afridi
Mohammad Wasim
Naseem Shah/Hasan Ali
Abrar Ahmed

Best possible side, but won't be good enough even to draw a match there.

 

[Rana]

Well the national T20 cup is taking place on the 24th of November

Looks like we can select our Test squad from this

 

[shah9425]

I hope they at least some decent effort this time otherwise it has been a disaster tours over the years

 

[Kianig89]

What will be Pakistan attack that has the ability to take 20 wickets on Australian wickets without being expensive is a question even aliens are getting hard time to answer, best of luck Hafeez Wahab and Shan

 

[Xoib]

Good thing is Shan has played the whole domestic season so he must have seen the likes of Khurram Shehzad, Kashif Ali and Mir Hamza to know who can do the hard yards in Australia

 

[Abdullah]

I must admit that we are struggling to name 5 bowlers for Australia tour. Shaheen, Nasim will both expose again if they play in Australia. Our best bet is to select bowlers who can bowl within the stumps at 135KPH. If the batsman misses, we have a chance. Otherwise i am prepared to read scorecard of 365/1 and 638/4.

What's wrong with you yaar.
Shaheen and Naseem are our best red ball bowlers. Period.
Even Broad and Andersen have had shocking tours of Aus.
Aus tours are won by teams not individuals.
You need pace, but at the same time you don't want to run your quicks into the ground, so it requires elite captaincy too.
I hope our batters can get out there early, get some practice in and score some big scores
I don't know what the plan is with the bowlers!

 

[Abdullah]

How is naseems fitness?

 

[BouncerGuy]

Naseem Shah's comeback should not be rushed. He had a surgery few weeks ago and still recovering from it. He is not available for selection for this tour i think.

 

[sindhiboy]

I am sensing bloodbath. I am sure Pakistan batting won't be terrible on those flat wickets. Even Australia relies on batting on flat wickets and unleash their relentless bowling trio. Cummins/Boland/Hazlewood. Batsmen can score some runs and get away from blame. Even Yasir shah made a 100 there. But bowling will cut a very sorry figure.

Australian pitches used to be highways but they are alot more seam friendly now

 

[shokz1408]

When do they have to select team by I wonder, will be interesting. I’m guessing/hoping Sarfaraz will feature in the test team.

 

[PakHammer]

As the first test is in Perth, there is no need for a full time spinner. I think the 11 could be like this:

1) Shaan *
2) Abdullah
3) Babar
4) Saud
5) Rizwan (wk)
6) Sarfraz
7) Salman Alga
8) Aamer Jamal
9) Shaheen
10) Wasim Jnr
11) Mir Hamza

I don't think Naseem will be risked and rightly so. Rizwan will keep wicket and Sarfraz would be a specialist batsman. A bit of a risk as Sarfraz is not the best against pace bowling but we need his character, experience and battling spirit in a very tough tour.

 

[saqibali]

As the first test is in Perth, there is no need for a full time spinner. I think the 11 could be like this:

1) Shaan *
2) Abdullah
3) Babar
4) Saud
5) Rizwan (wk)
6) Sarfraz
7) Salman Alga
8) Aamer Jamal
9) Shaheen
10) Wasim Jnr
11) Mir Hamza

I don't think Naseem will be risked and rightly so. Rizwan will keep wicket and Sarfraz would be a specialist batsman. A bit of a risk as Sarfraz is not the best against pace bowling but we need his character, experience and battling spirit in a very tough tour.

Imam has done well in Tests. Why would you drop him from test based on his performance in ODIS? Also make no sense to play Sarfaraz as a special batsman. We need to move on from Sarfaraz now. Unfair on Amer Jamal to debut him in Australia, I would go with Faheem. wish Naseem gets fit and take Mir Hamza spot otherwise i will give Muhammad Ali another go.

 

[amvbfm]

Since the pace bowler thread seems to have been merged I will post again here. I am assuming Naseem, Ihsan and Hasnain will be unavailable (although the last one should not be considered even if fit).

-Shaheen will of course be there.
-Wasim. After his WC performances Wasim deserves to get a go. In the absence of Naseem and Ihsan he is our best choice behind Shaheen for the longer format.
-Hasan will be there for experience but has no business being there. He is finished and certainly not the kind of bowler who will flourish in Aus.
-I expect them to pick Khurram Shahzad. But he is similar to Hasan -short and skiddy. I will only pick one of the two if there is no other option.
-Faheem has a great chance for reasons I do not want to mention although his inclusion will be attributed to his performance


Others who might get a look in:
-Mir Hamza. He is a decent bowler but similar to Shaheen in that he is primarily a new ball bowler and also doesn’t have much pace. If Shaheen is there, no point picking Mir.
-Arshad. Imo he would be a better choice than Khurram and Hamza. Tall, well built he can bowl heavy deliveries and can maintain decent line and length.
-Dahani -I’m still not convinced by him. And specially not for the longer format. He just doesn’t seem to have progressed.
-Aamer Jamal. I don’t rate him but would still pick him over Fahim (if we must have a pace bowling a/r) who i think is one of the most mediocre players to have played for Pakistan.

If I was to select I would pick Shaheen, Wasim, Arshad and Khurram.

So exactly as expected. Only difference being Aamer Jamal making it to the squad. Would have been better if we picked Arshad instead of Hamza. With Shaheen in the squad and playing XI including Hamza doesn't make much sense. But I guess Shan having played a lot with him might've backed him. Good to see Jamal but honestly don't have high expectations of him. And as expected Faheem makes the side

 

[shamaan]

So exactly as expected. Only difference being Aamer Jamal making it to the squad. Would have been better if we picked Arshad instead of Hamza. With Shaheen in the squad and playing XI including Hamza doesn't make much sense. But I guess Shan having played a lot with him might've backed him. Good to see Jamal but honestly don't have high expectations of him. And as expected Faheem makes the side

You think anyone would listen to Shan regarding Mir.

 

[hitthestump]

I’m just pleased that Saim will be travelling with the squad and getting that experience in.

Looks like they’ve actually got a plan in place to groom him properly.

Pakistan’s best batting talent in ages and we cannot afford to mishandle him.

 

[MMHS]

Just saw the squad - not an encouraging one but probably this is what it is there - I don’t see many options outside this.

I think, biggest weakness will be the bowling, though the popular belief is always opposite. Over the last couple of years I see change in AUS wickets again - it’s more bowling friendly now (compared to last two PAK tours) and going by the last Ashes, may be 350 on first innings will be a great score. I don’t see PAK attack to restrict Australia below 400 and they’ll score at close to 4 rate, means there will be enough time to take 20 PAK wickets.

Still, I think by better tactics & preparation, PAK can be more competitive than the last tours. Some key areas outside basic game skills that PAK can improve, which eventually will add to the strength is catching & fitness of the fast bowlers. As I said, I don’t see AUS batting for 170 overs, bowling innings will be shorter, helping PAK pacers preserving energy.

Looking at the squad, I think PAK is planning to go with 2 even three all-founders which for this squad might not be a bad idea as it lacks specialist bowlers.

Imam, Abdullah
Shan, Babar, Saud
Rizwan/Sarfraz (I’ll take Rizwan)
Are the top 6 - those 5 batsmen are selected almost unanimously because there is no other options - may be Saim can replace Imam, but that’s not before 2nd Test.

Shaheen, Hasan Ali & Abrar are three bowlers almost certainly should play & for the core of bowling. However, 1st Test is at Perth - not the best place for spinners. PAK might (should actually), play first Test with three pacers (Hamza) & two pace all-rounders.

Of the three picked, I have no clue about Khurram, but probably he is picked based on ongoing domestic season, means he should be in good form. Wasim should play, because of his bowling alone - he was the most disciplined pacers from PAK in this WC, may be he can be the work horse that PAK will need to bowl 23-25 tight overs in a 90 overs day.

So, the last spot is between Faheem & Khurram - this spot I’ll pick based on who is better batsman, which I think Faheem is. Khurram will fight for this spot with Waseem, means he is not playing 1st Test.

The playing XI at Perth for me -

1. Imam
2. Abdullah
3. *Shan
4. Babar
5. Saud
6. +Rizwan
7. Faheem
8. Wasim
9. Shaheen
10. Hasan
11. Hamza/Abrar

It’ll be hell o a task to compete with Australia at Perth, just coming into the country from dead slow & low PAK tracks.

@Junaids

 

[FearlessRoar]

Just saw the squad - not an encouraging one but probably this is what it is there - I don’t see many options outside this.

I think, biggest weakness will be the bowling, though the popular belief is always opposite. Over the last couple of years I see change in AUS wickets again - it’s more bowling friendly now (compared to last two PAK tours) and going by the last Ashes, may be 350 on first innings will be a great score. I don’t see PAK attack to restrict Australia below 400 and they’ll score at close to 4 rate, means there will be enough time to take 20 PAK wickets.

Still, I think by better tactics & preparation, PAK can be more competitive than the last tours. Some key areas outside basic game skills that PAK can improve, which eventually will add to the strength is catching & fitness of the fast bowlers. As I said, I don’t see AUS batting for 170 overs, bowling innings will be shorter, helping PAK pacers preserving energy.

Looking at the squad, I think PAK is planning to go with 2 even three all-founders which for this squad might not be a bad idea as it lacks specialist bowlers.

Imam, Abdullah
Shan, Babar, Saud
Rizwan/Sarfraz (I’ll take Rizwan)
Are the top 6 - those 5 batsmen are selected almost unanimously because there is no other options - may be Saim can replace Imam, but that’s not before 2nd Test.

Shaheen, Hasan Ali & Abrar are three bowlers almost certainly should play & for the core of bowling. However, 1st Test is at Perth - not the best place for spinners. PAK might (should actually), play first Test with three pacers (Hamza) & two pace all-rounders.

Of the three picked, I have no clue about Khurram, but probably he is picked based on ongoing domestic season, means he should be in good form. Wasim should play, because of his bowling alone - he was the most disciplined pacers from PAK in this WC, may be he can be the work horse that PAK will need to bowl 23-25 tight overs in a 90 overs day.

So, the last spot is between Faheem & Khurram - this spot I’ll pick based on who is better batsman, which I think Faheem is. Khurram will fight for this spot with Waseem, means he is not playing 1st Test.

The playing XI at Perth for me -

1. Imam
2. Abdullah
3. *Shan
4. Babar
5. Saud
6. +Rizwan
7. Faheem
8. Wasim
9. Shaheen
10. Hasan
11. Hamza/Abrar

It’ll be hell o a task to compete with Australia at Perth, just coming into the country from dead slow & low PAK tracks.

@Junaids

Why do you prefer Imam over Saim Ayub at Perth?

 

[MMHS]

Why do you prefer Imam over Saim Ayub at Perth?

Because I have seen Imam batting, but not Saim (ok not in red ball game - I have seen him in T20s….. but can you really judge acting capability of an actor from porn?). And, I have stopped watching PAK batsman from PP’s eye.

He can play, in fact should play in this series but not in 1st Test - that’s at WACA …. That will be injustice to the kid - most likely, he’ll fail big time, get dropped and might not get his chance before next Australia or SAF tour. Rather, it should be opposite - let Imam prove himself that he can hold on to his spot without uncle till ZIM/BD/SRL/AFG series ….. After that, if he can cash on the good work in Australia… I don’t mind.

I need to write something about WACA to make my point clear - New, old ground doesn’t matter, wicket there at Perth will always be bouncy and full of cracks because of the climate and soil content. Perth is extremely hot, but very little humidity or rainfall, and the soil is fine grained sand unlike our south Asian black soil which contains lots of moisture and soft grains. Once watered & rolled, those WACA wickets become like concrete slabs and by 3rd day, I have seen more than 1 cm wide cracks - if it’s along the line of two wickets, batsmen can survive on leaving based on length, but if few are across the wicket, it’ll become unplayable- uneven at pace and ball shooting, bumping from length - one such wicket saw McGrath taking 8 (or 9) in one spell and PAK all out inside 100. Another time DK Lillee found a spot and PAK was all-out for 62. Third time, Carl Rakeman found few such cracks and PAK almost failed to match one partnership of Wayne Phillips (& Yellop probably) in two innings.

A new batsman shouldn’t be discriminated like this - last Test is at SCG, almost Multan like track but with a bit of pace and consistent bounce - Salman Butt has two hundreds there …. Let Imam earn his right for a shot at SCG by surviving at WACA & MCG without Mamu (& friend not as Captain) - if he can do, kudos, deserves his place, otherwise Saim debuts at SCG, the best place for PAK batsmen in Australia along with Adelaide.

 

[MenInG]

Pakistan should have been in Australia - practicing there.

Once again, will arrive a few days before the first tour game and then complain about "conditions"

 

[Devadwal]

Pakistan team got additional 10 days due to early exit from world cup .So They have enough time to prepare for this series. No excuse at all.

 

[Hitman]

Pakistan team got additional 10 days due to early exit from world cup .So They have enough time to prepare for this series. No excuse at all.

Come on, when it comes to playing the Aussies, that too in their own den, you don't have to give excuses. Every single team can get whitewashed there, and the rest of the world will not even ask them for any reason behind the defeat.

 

[MenInG]

Pakistan team got additional 10 days due to early exit from world cup .So They have enough time to prepare for this series. No excuse at all.

Agreed and they should be in Australia now instead of pretending to be in Australia.

 

[BouncerGuy]

The team will be playing against Prime Miniter 11 as well. I think that will be good practice for them to get to know what they are going to be facing in those conditions.

 

[MenInG]

The team will be playing against Prime Miniter 11 as well. I think that will be good practice for them to get to know what they are going to be facing in those conditions.

Yes but they should be there NOW, getting used to conditions and not be trounced by PM XI on their first game.

 

[amvbfm]

I expect us to go with a bowling lineup of Shaheen, Hasan, Faheem, Khurram Shahzad and Abrar. Sure will be a long series for Pakistani fans (likely not literally - don’t see any of the tests going beyond day 4). The only thing I am looking forward to (unlikely but one can always hope) is Saim being picked and opening with Abdullah. Even if that happens i think it will be in the last test after Imam fails in the first 2. Otherwise zero interest or hope with the likes of Shan, Hasan, Faheem being likely picks.

As expected Saim gets the last game finally something to look forward to!