zoeyfactor
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Wow, that's amazing news to the cause of Test cricket at home! wonderful.
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Pakistan v Australia | 1st Test | Rawalpindi | 4-8 March | Pre-Match Discussion
- Thread starter Amjid Javed
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Wow, that's amazing news to the cause of Test cricket at home! wonderful.
What has Dhani done so far, his 1st PSL was good but had a very disappointing 2nd PSL. Naseem has already played a few test matches so he is much more experienced than Dhani to play in the absence of other players. You have mentioned that Dhani is much better prepared, would you care to elaborate that how is he better prepared to face Australia?
Monsee
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Having both Wasim Jr. and Naseem Shah will not be ideal in the same squad, they both can blow hot and cold. Aussie batsmen will be attacking them from the get go knowing these bowlers will not be very settled or relaxed. I wish Abbass had some plans when a batsman takes a guard outside his crease when facing him (I am surprised how he suddenly went totally clueless for a supposedly thinking bowler). He would be ideal for a seaming picth but he has lately shown to be ineffective and sort of a one trick pony!
I hope we include Saud Shakeel though (does some bowling too) and that Nawaz was still available too, his absence will be a big blow. Maybe time for Azhar Ali to show his leg spin prowess, after all he once got Sangakara with a lovely peech of a leg spinner.
I think this will also come down to how we field and if we hold on to any chances that come our way; once given a life, these Assuie batsmen will not be dislodged very easily.
I hope we include Saud Shakeel though (does some bowling too) and that Nawaz was still available too, his absence will be a big blow. Maybe time for Azhar Ali to show his leg spin prowess, after all he once got Sangakara with a lovely peech of a leg spinner.
I think this will also come down to how we field and if we hold on to any chances that come our way; once given a life, these Assuie batsmen will not be dislodged very easily.
It's more to do with the match being in Pindi. Pindi boys always come in numbers. I remember the rain-hit match in December 2019 vs SL. On the last day, the stadium was packed despite the fact that at least 6-9 sessions were completely washed out it was almost full house vs Bangladesh as well when they were here before the covid breakout.
I expect low crowds in the 2nd & 3rd tests especially the 2nd one at Karachi. Lahore will host a test match after 13 years so a decent crowd is expected for that match as well but obviously not a full house like it's going to be in Pindi.
If true , that would be amazing. A full house watching test in Pakistan , has not happened in decades. Even India-Pakistan test in 2006 was not played in full house.
Anis Shivani
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First of all, I don't think PSL should be the basis for test selections at all. Secondly, I liked what little I saw of Dhani a year or two ago in the longer formats. You're right that at this point Naseem now has twice the first-class experience of Dhani but I feel like Dhani has a lot of potential in test cricket. It's true that they're both relatively inexperienced, but remember how horribly Naseem crashed in his first go-around in test cricket. It's hard to believe that he's back so quickly. I'd rather try out Dhani, and I'm fine with Wasim Jr. being given a shot. Hassan Ali and Faheem Ashraf are clearly better than any of the alternatives at the moment, so that's a big loss for at least the first test. I wish that all the young players played more first-class cricket and that it was as easy to watch as the national T-20 cup was last year. Other than raw pace, do you think Naseem has a better skill set than Dhani? Or even some older pacers in the domestic circuit? I'm open to information, I'm not doctrinaire about this. I just remember how badly Naseem crashed two years ago and how limited he seemed. Has he really turned things around so much?
FollowThru
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On this pitch batsmen won't score freely. Seems as if RR will remain low. I hope we don't drop too many catches. Win Toss and Bat first.
Totally agree PSL performances should only be criteria for T20 internationals. Maybe Dhani can be successful in longer formats but why take a risk as we did with Naseem. Naseem also should play more domestic cricket & he would have played the Pakistan cup if Hassan & Rauf weren't injured.
He had a good domestic season & A team tour before PSL. So it's better to give him another chance& see where his progress stands.
Why is that?
Unless you see a lot of green, Test match is always bat first.
Sold out 5 days!
Congratulations Pakistan.
I hope we give you some good cricket to create memories for those fans.
Will be a new kind of pressure for Pakistan playing a Test in a packed house at home. I wonder who will rise to it?
What on earth Pakistan can do to support Shaheen might decide this match. If he is lone serious pace spearhead Oz can see him off & then capitalise. He needs a partner to stand up with him.
Congratulations Pakistan.
I hope we give you some good cricket to create memories for those fans.
Will be a new kind of pressure for Pakistan playing a Test in a packed house at home. I wonder who will rise to it?
What on earth Pakistan can do to support Shaheen might decide this match. If he is lone serious pace spearhead Oz can see him off & then capitalise. He needs a partner to stand up with him.
ARK Rafay
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Naseem has bowled well in this PSL. He knows a bit of conditions of Pakistan as well. He can make a threat if he's on target with his bowling. If Pakistan decides for a 3rd seamer. They have the option of M Abbas from reserves as well. Maybe it is time for him to support Shaheen. Abbas has control and he has shown he can keep one end tight.
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Update: Mohammad Abbas will be joining the Test squad as a reserve.
Wasim jr. has a batting average of 14 in fc . dont think batting him at no 7 is a good idea
)
Ahmad-GERMANFC
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Why isn’t he in main squad
Harris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Mohd Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Yasir Shah, and Abid Ali. They are dropping out like flies.
Its definitely a loose preparation and lack of foresight to protect key players for an important 1st test. You can't blame PCB for Abid Ali but the rest of these players should have been protected better or PCB should have allowed 2-3 weeks gap between PSL and test matches. I was really looking forward to a full strength Pak team. I think we will see the following team playing:
Shan
Shafiq
Azhar
Babr
Fawad
Iftikhar/Saud/Wasim Jr (Wasim Jr would be a poor choice here but if they want to play three pacer..)
Numan
Sajid
Shaheen
Naseem
Its definitely a loose preparation and lack of foresight to protect key players for an important 1st test. You can't blame PCB for Abid Ali but the rest of these players should have been protected better or PCB should have allowed 2-3 weeks gap between PSL and test matches. I was really looking forward to a full strength Pak team. I think we will see the following team playing:
Shan
Shafiq
Azhar
Babr
Fawad
Iftikhar/Saud/Wasim Jr (Wasim Jr would be a poor choice here but if they want to play three pacer..)
Numan
Sajid
Shaheen
Naseem
Babeikh
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I have never seen a game at Pindi stadium. I've been to Gaddafi Stadium a couple of times and both times the food available was excellent, good variety etc. Hope they sort this out for Pindi.
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In a letter sent to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and relevant authorities of Sindh and Punjab, NCOC stated that the cricket board is allowed to host full capacity crowd while adhering to the following protocols.
Children of 12 years of age and above (fully vaccinated) are allowed to attend the matches/event. However, children below 12 years of age are also allowed without vaccination.
Covid-19 vaccination is a must for the spectators while all other SOPs must be followed. Wearing masks in stadiums and maintaining social distance, enforcing NCOC guidelines will be the responsibility of PCBs and rational bodies.
It must be noted that Australia will play three Tests, three ODIs and a T20I against Pakistan. Rawalpindi will host the Test series opener and white-ball leg while Karachi and Lahore will host the second and third Test respectively.
CricketPak
Children of 12 years of age and above (fully vaccinated) are allowed to attend the matches/event. However, children below 12 years of age are also allowed without vaccination.
Covid-19 vaccination is a must for the spectators while all other SOPs must be followed. Wearing masks in stadiums and maintaining social distance, enforcing NCOC guidelines will be the responsibility of PCBs and rational bodies.
It must be noted that Australia will play three Tests, three ODIs and a T20I against Pakistan. Rawalpindi will host the Test series opener and white-ball leg while Karachi and Lahore will host the second and third Test respectively.
CricketPak
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RAWALPINDI, Mar 01 (APP):Federal Interior Minister, Sheikh Rashid Ahmed here on Tuesday said that Pakistan has finalized foolproof security arrangements for Pakistan-Australia cricket matches.
Sheikh Rashid after reviewing all the arrangements including security here at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium while talking to media persons said that Pak Army, Rawalpindi and Islamabad police and rangers were deployed to make the security foolproof for the Australian cricket team tour.
“The cricket lovers are very happy on the Australian cricket team’s tour to Pakistan. We welcome the Australian team. It’s a great honor for Pakistani nation and excellent arrangements were made by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
Foolproof security arrangements have also been made by Pak Army, Rangers, Rawalpindi and Islamabad police. Best possible arrangements were finalized by the administration to facilitate the teams and the cricket lovers as well,” he added.
“We are giving the Australian cricket team, the protocol of head of state. Some people especially the Indians are not happy with this tour. They did same what they had done during New Zealand tour to Pakistan. But, this time, they failed in their nefarious designs and could not achieve the target,” the minister said.
“The entire Pakistani nation welcomes the Australian team to Pakistan. Pakistanis are cricket lovers. The Australian players are our guests and we would host them up to April 6,” he added.
He felicitated PCB for organizing the tour. Appreciating the arrangements including security, Sheikh Rashid said that Pak-Army, Rangers, Rawalpindi district police, Islamabad Police, and administration of the twin-cities had finalized excellent arrangements for the tour.
He said, India once again tried to achieve its nefarious designs as it did not want to see international cricket to restore in Pakistan and the Pakistani people who are big fans of cricket, could enjoy international cricket matches in Pakistan.
Sheikh Rashid said that Pakistani nation loves cricket and the international cricket matches are watched in all areas of the country even far-flung areas.
He said, Australian cricket team would enjoy the hospitality of Pakistanis. Federal and Punjab governments were utilizing all available resources to provide them foolproof security cover, he added.
Sheikh Rashid informed that Prime Minister Imran Khan had ordered the authorities concerned to construct a modern cricket stadium with five star hotel in Islamabad.
“I have also directed the Capital Development Authority to start work to construct state of the art stadium and a five start hotel on priority basis and the project could be materialized as soon as possible,” he added.
“We are grateful to Australia for sending its team despite all the conspiracies. They are here in Pakistan and the cricket matches would be played as per the schedule announced,” Sheikh Rashid said.
To a question he said, other teams including England would also come to Pakistan.
He further informed that foolproof security arrangements were also made for the tour of New Zealand cricket team but, they became the victim of conspiracy of India.
Different cities of the country would enjoy the cricket matches of Australian cricket team, he added.
APP
Sheikh Rashid after reviewing all the arrangements including security here at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium while talking to media persons said that Pak Army, Rawalpindi and Islamabad police and rangers were deployed to make the security foolproof for the Australian cricket team tour.
“The cricket lovers are very happy on the Australian cricket team’s tour to Pakistan. We welcome the Australian team. It’s a great honor for Pakistani nation and excellent arrangements were made by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
Foolproof security arrangements have also been made by Pak Army, Rangers, Rawalpindi and Islamabad police. Best possible arrangements were finalized by the administration to facilitate the teams and the cricket lovers as well,” he added.
“We are giving the Australian cricket team, the protocol of head of state. Some people especially the Indians are not happy with this tour. They did same what they had done during New Zealand tour to Pakistan. But, this time, they failed in their nefarious designs and could not achieve the target,” the minister said.
“The entire Pakistani nation welcomes the Australian team to Pakistan. Pakistanis are cricket lovers. The Australian players are our guests and we would host them up to April 6,” he added.
He felicitated PCB for organizing the tour. Appreciating the arrangements including security, Sheikh Rashid said that Pak-Army, Rangers, Rawalpindi district police, Islamabad Police, and administration of the twin-cities had finalized excellent arrangements for the tour.
He said, India once again tried to achieve its nefarious designs as it did not want to see international cricket to restore in Pakistan and the Pakistani people who are big fans of cricket, could enjoy international cricket matches in Pakistan.
Sheikh Rashid said that Pakistani nation loves cricket and the international cricket matches are watched in all areas of the country even far-flung areas.
He said, Australian cricket team would enjoy the hospitality of Pakistanis. Federal and Punjab governments were utilizing all available resources to provide them foolproof security cover, he added.
Sheikh Rashid informed that Prime Minister Imran Khan had ordered the authorities concerned to construct a modern cricket stadium with five star hotel in Islamabad.
“I have also directed the Capital Development Authority to start work to construct state of the art stadium and a five start hotel on priority basis and the project could be materialized as soon as possible,” he added.
“We are grateful to Australia for sending its team despite all the conspiracies. They are here in Pakistan and the cricket matches would be played as per the schedule announced,” Sheikh Rashid said.
To a question he said, other teams including England would also come to Pakistan.
He further informed that foolproof security arrangements were also made for the tour of New Zealand cricket team but, they became the victim of conspiracy of India.
Different cities of the country would enjoy the cricket matches of Australian cricket team, he added.
APP
Abbas at one time was almost a Philander level guy- but proved to be even more limited, in my opinion.
Yes I have seen Abbas produce decent bowling. But if the Pindi pitch is a road & you serve Abbas up to Warner & Smith then Pakistan will be batted into the ends of the earth. My personal feeling is Abbas is 2 years past his best. And what is left, is 2nd grade clubbie bowling.
Too late to change the nature of the pitch by much. You either play the pitch you made and tweak by a small margin or upend tradition & suddenly use a practice pitch instead- and cop the ICC report.
Pak is in a real pickle. Lost both allrounders (Faheem and Nawaz). . Faheem has been instrumental in the test side recently and Nawaz with his spin (and improved batting) could have freed up a spot for an extra pacer.
Also lost Hassan and now Haris . . so without 3 people who would have been in the starting XI . .
Not sure how to balance the side now with the number 7 slot that Faheem had made into his own . . If they go for a batter, 4 bowlers become too thin . . if they go for a batter, 6 batters becomes too thin . . They drafted in Waseem Jr. but I am not sure about his batting but not sure what other choice they have.
My team:
Shan
Abdullah
Azhar
Babar
Fawad
Rizwan
Waseem Jr.
Sajid
Zahid Mehmood
Shaheen
Naseem
Also lost Hassan and now Haris . . so without 3 people who would have been in the starting XI . .
Not sure how to balance the side now with the number 7 slot that Faheem had made into his own . . If they go for a batter, 4 bowlers become too thin . . if they go for a batter, 6 batters becomes too thin . . They drafted in Waseem Jr. but I am not sure about his batting but not sure what other choice they have.
My team:
Shan
Abdullah
Azhar
Babar
Fawad
Rizwan
Waseem Jr.
Sajid
Zahid Mehmood
Shaheen
Naseem
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Fawad Ahmed has tested positive for covid.
Fawad, who played five limited-overs matches for Australia and had been set to start in his role as a consultant during the side’s first Test tour of Pakistan in 24 years, arrived at the team hotel on Monday following the conclusion of the Pakistan Super League.
Team medical staff ensured Fawad isolated on his arrival at the hotel and he then returned the positive test after showing mild symptoms.
He will remain isolated for at least five days – as per government regulations – and will only come out of that isolation after he returns two negative tests and is symptom-free.
Members of the Australia tour party self-test regularly and undergo regular testing from external medical practitioners.
Fawad, who played five limited-overs matches for Australia and had been set to start in his role as a consultant during the side’s first Test tour of Pakistan in 24 years, arrived at the team hotel on Monday following the conclusion of the Pakistan Super League.
Team medical staff ensured Fawad isolated on his arrival at the hotel and he then returned the positive test after showing mild symptoms.
He will remain isolated for at least five days – as per government regulations – and will only come out of that isolation after he returns two negative tests and is symptom-free.
Members of the Australia tour party self-test regularly and undergo regular testing from external medical practitioners.
RedwoodOriginal
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The good news is that tickets for all 5 days are sold out. So there is going to be an amazing turnout which is not something we have gotten to see much for test matches in Pakistan.
The bad news is that the weather forecast says it is supposed to rain on Day 4 and Day 5.
The bad news is that the weather forecast says it is supposed to rain on Day 4 and Day 5.
FollowThru
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That's what I feel and it might be wrong altogether. Bounce and Seam will be low particularly on Day 1 and 2. Bounce I think will start improving towards end of 3rd day.
Also, Slow spin wont trouble batsmen unless a spinner bowls at around 90kph, someone like Iftikhar Ahmad.
Best chance of taking wickets is going to be reverse swing and second best will be effective use of footmarks.
pak4life
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i worry for the Pakistan team moving from T20 to Test in a short period of time. The aussies might not have had practise of late but they will be more focused coming from the ashes. Just hope Pakistan can some how manage to get through the first test.
Extreme Pace
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1. Abdullah Shafique
2. Imam-ul-haq
3. Azhar Ali
4. Babar Azam (C)
5. Fawad Alam
6. Mohammad Rizwan (WK)
7. Faheem Ashraf
8. Sajid Khan
9. Hasan Ali
10. Naseem Shah
11. Shaheen Shah Afridi
2. Imam-ul-haq
3. Azhar Ali
4. Babar Azam (C)
5. Fawad Alam
6. Mohammad Rizwan (WK)
7. Faheem Ashraf
8. Sajid Khan
9. Hasan Ali
10. Naseem Shah
11. Shaheen Shah Afridi
There is no faheem and hasan who are out. Also i would go with Shaan instead of Imam
TeymurBlake
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Man oh man. Finally a test series involving Pakistan and against the Aussies as well.
With that being said, Pakistan squad is changing almost everyday and with the pitch helping pacers for the first 2-3 days with rank turn taking shape in day 4-5, making a composition of a line-up will be difficult.
1. Shan Masood
2. Abdullah Shafique
3. Azhar Ali
4. Babar Azam (C)
5. Fawad Alam
6. Mohammad Rizwan (WK)
7. Iftikhar Ahmed
8. Mohammad Wasim Jnr
9. Nauman Ali
10. Shaheen Shah Afridi
11. Naseem Shah
This was a very tricky line-up to assemble as injuries have plagued the Pakistan team, but I decided to go with this line-up.
With pace set to play a big part in the earlier days of the test, I've gone with a 3 pace attack with Shaheen, Naseem and Wasim Jnr. Not sure about Wasim Jnr inclusion, would have taken someone with a big more experience in FC cricket like a Sameen Gul or Mir Hamza who are coming off a solid Quaid-e-Azam trophy. I've gone with one spinner as I wasn't sure when spin will take control in the test match. Nauman Ali is more economical and experience than Sajid Khan.
Faheem's injury is definitely a massive blow for Pakistan and not taking a replacement such as Amad Butt who has some good experience with Pakistan Shaheens, but a poor FC season but to be honest, there's not really much better options for ARs.
The batting is settled despite Azhar Ali's inclusion. Saud Shakeel & Kamran Ghulam are all on the wings waiting for an opportunity so pressure on Azhar. Overall this was difficult line-up build.
With that being said, Pakistan squad is changing almost everyday and with the pitch helping pacers for the first 2-3 days with rank turn taking shape in day 4-5, making a composition of a line-up will be difficult.
1. Shan Masood
2. Abdullah Shafique
3. Azhar Ali
4. Babar Azam (C)
5. Fawad Alam
6. Mohammad Rizwan (WK)
7. Iftikhar Ahmed
8. Mohammad Wasim Jnr
9. Nauman Ali
10. Shaheen Shah Afridi
11. Naseem Shah
This was a very tricky line-up to assemble as injuries have plagued the Pakistan team, but I decided to go with this line-up.
With pace set to play a big part in the earlier days of the test, I've gone with a 3 pace attack with Shaheen, Naseem and Wasim Jnr. Not sure about Wasim Jnr inclusion, would have taken someone with a big more experience in FC cricket like a Sameen Gul or Mir Hamza who are coming off a solid Quaid-e-Azam trophy. I've gone with one spinner as I wasn't sure when spin will take control in the test match. Nauman Ali is more economical and experience than Sajid Khan.
Faheem's injury is definitely a massive blow for Pakistan and not taking a replacement such as Amad Butt who has some good experience with Pakistan Shaheens, but a poor FC season but to be honest, there's not really much better options for ARs.
The batting is settled despite Azhar Ali's inclusion. Saud Shakeel & Kamran Ghulam are all on the wings waiting for an opportunity so pressure on Azhar. Overall this was difficult line-up build.
Arsal_AK
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I don't know about two spinners especially when both aren't that good plus Iftikhar. But to be fair, I don't see any other options as well. Wasim Jnr isn't a serious option and he shouldn't even have been in the squad. Abbas has come in too late and I don't know what could he have done on this Pindi wicket, with his pace. Naseem and Shaheen would be under immense pressure to deliver and carry the whole of the pace attack.
Imam would be a walking wicket on any decent wicket or against any decent opposition. Seeing as he will get both here, that should rule him out. I can't seriously believe people are advocating dropping Abdullah for him. The argument that Abdullah is inexperienced doesn't work because all Imam has to show for his experiences is a might test average of 25. Meanwhile, Abdullah has shown. Now can he fail in two days' time? Absolutely. But give him the same number of tests Imam got, he will be averaging much more and wouldn't look like a headless chicken the moment a pitch does anything else than behaving like a total motorway.
Imam would be a walking wicket on any decent wicket or against any decent opposition. Seeing as he will get both here, that should rule him out. I can't seriously believe people are advocating dropping Abdullah for him. The argument that Abdullah is inexperienced doesn't work because all Imam has to show for his experiences is a might test average of 25. Meanwhile, Abdullah has shown. Now can he fail in two days' time? Absolutely. But give him the same number of tests Imam got, he will be averaging much more and wouldn't look like a headless chicken the moment a pitch does anything else than behaving like a total motorway.
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HappyWarsFan
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You do realize that they are playing nowhere near Quetta? Incidents happen in Quetta all the time, that's why it's such a no-go place.
realitygaf
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What Quetta blast. If the blast is not moving as much through the twittersphere it won’t matter
Ismailtoca
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is shadab injured?
Otherwise he would be a good replacement for Faheem, and we can go with one specialist spinner instead
Otherwise he would be a good replacement for Faheem, and we can go with one specialist spinner instead
aqeelPK
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Day 1 to Day 5 all sold out.
castortroy
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Australia have all bases covered.
Bowling is light years ahead of pak. Lyon is better than any spinner in Pak.
Aussies have the better batters and obviously fielders.
Should be a comfortable Aussie win
Bowling is light years ahead of pak. Lyon is better than any spinner in Pak.
Aussies have the better batters and obviously fielders.
Should be a comfortable Aussie win
Way to be dramatic bro.
Heisenberg111
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The conditions bring Pakistan into it batsmen do better at home some average close to or over 50 in Asia bowlers especially spinners are more at home and Australia don’t have a good record in the recent past in Asia which makes an interesting series.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">first taste of pitches here in Pakistan,a lot more juicier than what I expected, exciting few weeks ahead.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PAKvsAUS?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PAKvsAUS</a> <a href="https://t.co/Tx0mrNmfWr">pic.twitter.com/Tx0mrNmfWr</a></p>— Mitchell Starc (@starc56_) <a href="https://twitter.com/starc56_/status/1498645448592080901?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 1, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
offstump
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Looking like Day 1 could be rained out. Praying the forecast improves inshallah.
PerfectionPersonified
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Abbas has to play in place of Wasim Jnr. Specially when Hassan is not playing . Wasim is no where near being ready for Tests.
pakistanigoneaussie
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Pitch looks like it will be road, with that in mind, what I want is:
1. Azhar
2. Shafique
3. Saud
4. Babar
5. Fawad
6. Rizwan
7. Ifthikar ( I really think they should have called Shadab up).
8. Sajid
9. Yasir - I know he is in the reserves, but I can get over Naumans performance in Bangladesh
10. Shaheen
11. Naseem
I expect they will now with this though
1. Shan (yet another chance, id rather Imam)
2. Shafique
3. Azhar
4. Babar
5. Fawad
6. Ifthikar
7. Rizwan
8. Nauman
9. Sajid
10. Shaheen
11. Naseem
1. Azhar
2. Shafique
3. Saud
4. Babar
5. Fawad
6. Rizwan
7. Ifthikar ( I really think they should have called Shadab up).
8. Sajid
9. Yasir - I know he is in the reserves, but I can get over Naumans performance in Bangladesh
10. Shaheen
11. Naseem
I expect they will now with this though
1. Shan (yet another chance, id rather Imam)
2. Shafique
3. Azhar
4. Babar
5. Fawad
6. Ifthikar
7. Rizwan
8. Nauman
9. Sajid
10. Shaheen
11. Naseem
Shan MASOOD
Abdullah SHAFIQUE
Azhar ALI
Babar AZAM
Fawad ALAM
Mohammad RIZWAN
Shadab KHAN
Sajid KHAN
Shaheen AFRIDI
Mohammad ABBAS
Naseem SHAH
We can't afford a tail starting at no. 7. So time to bring in Shadab Khan. He would be a better batter, fielder and even bowler than Nauman Ali. We also need the experience of Abbas who has taken 90 wickets in only 25 tests. I would even have picked Abbas over Hasan Ali if the latter had been available.
Abdullah SHAFIQUE
Azhar ALI
Babar AZAM
Fawad ALAM
Mohammad RIZWAN
Shadab KHAN
Sajid KHAN
Shaheen AFRIDI
Mohammad ABBAS
Naseem SHAH
We can't afford a tail starting at no. 7. So time to bring in Shadab Khan. He would be a better batter, fielder and even bowler than Nauman Ali. We also need the experience of Abbas who has taken 90 wickets in only 25 tests. I would even have picked Abbas over Hasan Ali if the latter had been available.
LegendAli
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Pakistan vs Australia...top tier playing XI for both sides...in Pakistan...Full House.
Goosebumps really, one for the history books, can't wait for Day 1.
Goosebumps really, one for the history books, can't wait for Day 1.
LegendAli
Local Club Captain
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- Feb 21, 2012
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- 2,545
100% this guy outlined the attack in this dramatic way on purpose, just stop man.
Last edited:
Smith is in bad form, Khawaja is hit or miss. Head struggles outside australia, cam green will definitely struggle on his first test away.
The strong bowling wont compensate for the batting.
This 1st test is australia's best chance of winning and they should win it if they bat first
- Joined
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Pakistan and Australia training today cancelled due to rain.
- Joined
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By Shane Watson:
On Friday, Australia will play their first Test in Pakistan for 24 years.
I cannot wait for the series to begin, with Pat Cummins leading this Australian team into its next phase. Australia certainly have the talent and leadership to win a Test series abroad for the first time since 2016.
Cricket legend Ian Chappell isn't convinced Usman Khawaja should be opening the batting for Australia.
Regardless of the result, I am excited not just for this team, but for the series itself. Conditions in Pakistan are different to those elsewhere on the subcontinent, and Australia face a home team brimming with talent. That international cricket is beginning to return to the country, after it came to a shuddering halt in 2009, is not just great for Pakistan but for cricket more broadly.
For 75 years, cricket has been entwined with Pakistan’s national identity, binding more than 220 million people together. Imran Khan, Wasim Akram, Inzamam-ul-Haq and Javed Miandad are some of the greatest cricketers of the modern era and a source of pride for Pakistanis.
For the game to have remained strong in the absence of international cricket at home is testament to their love for the game.
I consider myself fortunate to have been a part of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) with Islamabad United and Quetta Gladiators. The popularity and frenzied support of this league is proof of the game’s good health in the country.
While it may be at once dramatic and frenetic – or maybe because of that – I can honestly say that playing in Pakistan was one of the high points of a cricketing career that took me all over the world.
Like those players now in Pakistan, I was initially a little nervous when I arrived for the first week of the PSL finals in 2019. That anxiety was soon put to rest by the love and support not just of the Quetta Gladiators fans, but from all the Pakistan cricket supporters, who embraced the overseas players. It was something I’d never experienced before. They genuinely love the game and cricket is a cause for celebration.
Much to the credit of the incredibly hard work of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), it was also an experience during which I always felt safe.
That season reached its crescendo in a final in front of a capacity crowd at the National Stadium in Karachi, which we went on to win by eight wickets against arch-rivals Peshawar Zalmi. Running a victory lap after the match in front of a stadium full of such passionate fans was, without doubt, one of the best moments I’ve ever experienced in cricket. It will stay with me for my entire life.
All that said, I do appreciate there are significant differences in travelling as an individual athlete as opposed to part of a national team.
As president of the Australian Cricketers Association, I have been part of consultations regarding the tour, including briefings from a pre-tour visit to Pakistan in December last year. The arrangements in place, which will be ongoing, are the world’s very best standard. It had to be for Cricket Australia to endorse the tour.
The PSL aside, cricket fans in Pakistan have been starved of world-class cricket. This is not just an important tour Australia, but a special time for cricket.
That Todd Greenberg and Nick Hockley – the CEOs of the ACA and Cricket Australia respectively – are travelling with the team demonstrates that the players and team staff are not being asked to do anything they wouldn’t be prepared to do themselves. It is a great show of confidence.
Like the players, I am sure Pakistan for them will be the experience of a lifetime and that the series – a contest between two great cricket nations – will have been well worth the 24-year wait.
Shane Watson is a former Australian Test all-rounder and the president of the Australian Cricketers Association.
https://www.smh.com.au/sport/cricke...wait-players-in-pakistan-20220303-p5a1fz.html
On Friday, Australia will play their first Test in Pakistan for 24 years.
I cannot wait for the series to begin, with Pat Cummins leading this Australian team into its next phase. Australia certainly have the talent and leadership to win a Test series abroad for the first time since 2016.
Cricket legend Ian Chappell isn't convinced Usman Khawaja should be opening the batting for Australia.
Regardless of the result, I am excited not just for this team, but for the series itself. Conditions in Pakistan are different to those elsewhere on the subcontinent, and Australia face a home team brimming with talent. That international cricket is beginning to return to the country, after it came to a shuddering halt in 2009, is not just great for Pakistan but for cricket more broadly.
For 75 years, cricket has been entwined with Pakistan’s national identity, binding more than 220 million people together. Imran Khan, Wasim Akram, Inzamam-ul-Haq and Javed Miandad are some of the greatest cricketers of the modern era and a source of pride for Pakistanis.
For the game to have remained strong in the absence of international cricket at home is testament to their love for the game.
I consider myself fortunate to have been a part of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) with Islamabad United and Quetta Gladiators. The popularity and frenzied support of this league is proof of the game’s good health in the country.
While it may be at once dramatic and frenetic – or maybe because of that – I can honestly say that playing in Pakistan was one of the high points of a cricketing career that took me all over the world.
Like those players now in Pakistan, I was initially a little nervous when I arrived for the first week of the PSL finals in 2019. That anxiety was soon put to rest by the love and support not just of the Quetta Gladiators fans, but from all the Pakistan cricket supporters, who embraced the overseas players. It was something I’d never experienced before. They genuinely love the game and cricket is a cause for celebration.
Much to the credit of the incredibly hard work of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), it was also an experience during which I always felt safe.
That season reached its crescendo in a final in front of a capacity crowd at the National Stadium in Karachi, which we went on to win by eight wickets against arch-rivals Peshawar Zalmi. Running a victory lap after the match in front of a stadium full of such passionate fans was, without doubt, one of the best moments I’ve ever experienced in cricket. It will stay with me for my entire life.
All that said, I do appreciate there are significant differences in travelling as an individual athlete as opposed to part of a national team.
As president of the Australian Cricketers Association, I have been part of consultations regarding the tour, including briefings from a pre-tour visit to Pakistan in December last year. The arrangements in place, which will be ongoing, are the world’s very best standard. It had to be for Cricket Australia to endorse the tour.
The PSL aside, cricket fans in Pakistan have been starved of world-class cricket. This is not just an important tour Australia, but a special time for cricket.
That Todd Greenberg and Nick Hockley – the CEOs of the ACA and Cricket Australia respectively – are travelling with the team demonstrates that the players and team staff are not being asked to do anything they wouldn’t be prepared to do themselves. It is a great show of confidence.
Like the players, I am sure Pakistan for them will be the experience of a lifetime and that the series – a contest between two great cricket nations – will have been well worth the 24-year wait.
Shane Watson is a former Australian Test all-rounder and the president of the Australian Cricketers Association.
https://www.smh.com.au/sport/cricke...wait-players-in-pakistan-20220303-p5a1fz.html
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After 24 years wait, Pakistan and Australia resume Test battle in Pakistan with Babar Azam and Pat Cummins set to lead their sides in the first Test of the three-match Benaud-Qadir ICC World Test Championship series match at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium from Friday.
Both sides have spent the last two days preparing for the Test at the venue in three-hour long, training, fielding and nets session of great intensity and quality.
Both sides are full of world-class players and proven Test performers that have made their names across formats around the world. For Pakistan Babar Azam, Azhar Ali, Fawad Alam and Mohammad Rizwan are going to shoulder batting responsibilities while Australia possess batters like Steve Smith, David Warner, Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne.
Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Nauman Ali and Sajid Khan are going to provide real ammunition to Pakistan’s varied bowling attack while Australia have in their ranks some of the best current bowlers like Cummins, Mitchel Starc, Josh Hazelwood and Nathan Lyon.
The two sides have kept a close eye on the Rawalpindi pitch which has a tradition of being a sporting one, the last Test played at the venue was Pakistan’s 95-run triumph against South Africa almost a year ago.
Since the return of Test cricket in Pakistan in December 2019, this will be the fourth Test at the venue. The 2020 Pakistan-Sri Lanka match ended in a draw.
Both captain are eagerly looking forward to the historic series as they feel the two sides are set to produce quality cricket that will provide rich entertainment to Test cricket fans around the world especially the home crowd that has been starved of quality Test cricket for a long time.
Babar Azam: “It is a huge honour to play this series since the trophy has been named after legends of the game Richie Benaud and Abdul Qadir. As a team we are very excited that Australia are touring after 24 years, we want to make this a memorable series and the entire squad remains focused and determined to deliver the goods.
“Our fans have been a strength of ours in the recent past, they have come to cheer us, shown their love and support through social media and have backed us by watching us on their TV screens. My request would be for them to turn up at the venue and give us full backing and support.
Pat Cummins: “Richie toured here for the first time some 60 years ago, we are proud to be here in Pakistan and can’t wait for the series to start.
“This is a very special occasion as we have a long history of playing against Pakistan back home and never over here, a whole generation of Australian cricketers haven’t had the chance of being over here and play so as a group we feel very privileged and lucky to be here, we have been incredibly looked after and it is beautiful here, we can’t wait for the series to start.”
Both sides have spent the last two days preparing for the Test at the venue in three-hour long, training, fielding and nets session of great intensity and quality.
Both sides are full of world-class players and proven Test performers that have made their names across formats around the world. For Pakistan Babar Azam, Azhar Ali, Fawad Alam and Mohammad Rizwan are going to shoulder batting responsibilities while Australia possess batters like Steve Smith, David Warner, Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne.
Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Nauman Ali and Sajid Khan are going to provide real ammunition to Pakistan’s varied bowling attack while Australia have in their ranks some of the best current bowlers like Cummins, Mitchel Starc, Josh Hazelwood and Nathan Lyon.
The two sides have kept a close eye on the Rawalpindi pitch which has a tradition of being a sporting one, the last Test played at the venue was Pakistan’s 95-run triumph against South Africa almost a year ago.
Since the return of Test cricket in Pakistan in December 2019, this will be the fourth Test at the venue. The 2020 Pakistan-Sri Lanka match ended in a draw.
Both captain are eagerly looking forward to the historic series as they feel the two sides are set to produce quality cricket that will provide rich entertainment to Test cricket fans around the world especially the home crowd that has been starved of quality Test cricket for a long time.
Babar Azam: “It is a huge honour to play this series since the trophy has been named after legends of the game Richie Benaud and Abdul Qadir. As a team we are very excited that Australia are touring after 24 years, we want to make this a memorable series and the entire squad remains focused and determined to deliver the goods.
“Our fans have been a strength of ours in the recent past, they have come to cheer us, shown their love and support through social media and have backed us by watching us on their TV screens. My request would be for them to turn up at the venue and give us full backing and support.
Pat Cummins: “Richie toured here for the first time some 60 years ago, we are proud to be here in Pakistan and can’t wait for the series to start.
“This is a very special occasion as we have a long history of playing against Pakistan back home and never over here, a whole generation of Australian cricketers haven’t had the chance of being over here and play so as a group we feel very privileged and lucky to be here, we have been incredibly looked after and it is beautiful here, we can’t wait for the series to start.”
Amjid Javed
PakPassion's 100,000 posts man
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pakistan need to be careful with team selection here. selecting wasim Jnr as a 5th bowler and batting him number 7 will be sheer stupidity. out top order isnt great, starting a tail at 7 even more stupid. A FC batting average of 14 is not an all rounder to be at number 7.
i hope we play 3 seamers, 1 spinner, 6 batsmen + rizwan.
i hope we play 3 seamers, 1 spinner, 6 batsmen + rizwan.
aqeelPK
Local Club Captain
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- Jul 14, 2010
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No bro. Weather has improved since morning. Plenty of sunshine forecasted for tomorrow with 0% chance of rain. However, we may not see any cricket on sunday.
transparent opacity
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‘Three spinners or two quicks’: Cummins coy on selection as Aussies wait until toss for XI
For the first time under his brief tenure as Australian captain, Pat Cummins will leave it until the toss before revealing his XI to take on Pakistan.
Throughout the Ashes, Cummins had no issue with revealing who would be donning the baggy green.
But on Australia’s first tour to Pakistan in 24 years and with rain denying the team a final hit out on match eve, selectors will meet on Thursday afternoon to determine their XI.
They will have one final inspection of the Rawalpindi deck on Friday, before settling on their XI.
The debate rests on whether to play a second spinner or stick with Nathan Lyon as the sole slow bowler alongside their world class trio of fast bowlers.
“Don’t have an XI yet,” Cummins told reporters on Thursday afternoon AEDT.
“We’re pretty sure but we just want to have another look at the wicket, which we probably won’t get the chance today.
“Later this arvo, we’ll work out the exact XI, or tomorrow morning.
“But two spinners, three quicks, we have a fair idea of what we want to do but don’t want to make the call too early without fully knowing what the wicket is.”
Should Australia go in with three specialist quicks as expected, it is more than likely that seasoned pro Josh Hazlewood will return ahead of the breakout star of the Ashes, Scott Boland.
Boland claimed 18 wickets at 9.55, but will likely make way for new ball quick Hazlewood.
Cummins was coy on who had the inside running should Australia turn to a second spinner, preferring to “keep it quiet” while adding both Mitch Swepson and Ashton Agar were “ready to go” if called up.
Cummins can also turn to Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne, who provide leg-spin options, while Cameron Green’s medium-fast bowling is another strong option up the captain’s sleeve.
The fast bowling quick gave two clues to suggest George Bailey and Andrew McDonald might opt for three quicks.
“As you said, stats seem to favour fast bowlers here,” Cummins responded to a local journalist, who pointed out the success quicks had have recently.
“It looks like a good wicket, so I don’t think it’s going to be seaming or swinging all over the place but I think there’s going to be enough there.”
While Australia’s batsmen have typically struggled in the subcontinent, Pakistan is an exception.
Although some parts of the country take spin and two or three spinners will be necessary, that is not necessarily the case in Islamabad where the conditions are mild.
Asked what his message to his top six were, Cummins responded by stating he wanted his men to bat time and be patient but acknowledged that the deck was unlikely to take serious turn from the first ball.
“It’s a tough place to bat at times over here,” Cummins said.
“I think one of the unknowns about coming to play in Pakistan, it’s obviously in the subcontinent, but looking at that wicket, it’s quite a long way away from that really spinny wickets we might experience (in India or Sri Lanka) on day one (Where) it’s jumping out of footholes.
“My message has been compared to the Ashes or the last 10 Test matches, this could be a real grind. There could be times where the scoreboard’s only ticking at two runs an over and for our batting group, we’ve just got to be prepared to bat and bat and bat, and at certain stages where you think it’s going to speed up, be brave enough to take on those opportunities.
“But I think all the basics of Test cricket stay the same. There’s nothing I’ve seen here to think that it’s going to be a totally different scenario.”
Pakistan has some issues of their own.
While Australia has yet to have a Covid breakout, Pakistan are missing a couple of stars.
Quicks Hasan Ali and Haris Rauf, as well as all-rounder Faheem Ashraf, are missing while Pakistan is sweating over the health of Shaheem Shah Afridi, who sat next to Fawad Ahmed, who has since tested positive to Covid, on his way from the Pakistan Super League final.
Asked whether he thought Australia were favourites, Cummins batted away the question but said his team were in a good place.
“No idea and I don’t really care, to be honest,” he said. “It doesn’t really mean much.
“We know what we’ve got to do. We feel lucky that we’ve got a strong squad, coming off some really good performances. But it’s foreign conditions, so we’ll see.”
https://www.foxsports.com.au/cricke...o/news-story/d1468df2a349cd4ceb4e46e47fc69e0c
For the first time under his brief tenure as Australian captain, Pat Cummins will leave it until the toss before revealing his XI to take on Pakistan.
Throughout the Ashes, Cummins had no issue with revealing who would be donning the baggy green.
But on Australia’s first tour to Pakistan in 24 years and with rain denying the team a final hit out on match eve, selectors will meet on Thursday afternoon to determine their XI.
They will have one final inspection of the Rawalpindi deck on Friday, before settling on their XI.
The debate rests on whether to play a second spinner or stick with Nathan Lyon as the sole slow bowler alongside their world class trio of fast bowlers.
“Don’t have an XI yet,” Cummins told reporters on Thursday afternoon AEDT.
“We’re pretty sure but we just want to have another look at the wicket, which we probably won’t get the chance today.
“Later this arvo, we’ll work out the exact XI, or tomorrow morning.
“But two spinners, three quicks, we have a fair idea of what we want to do but don’t want to make the call too early without fully knowing what the wicket is.”
Should Australia go in with three specialist quicks as expected, it is more than likely that seasoned pro Josh Hazlewood will return ahead of the breakout star of the Ashes, Scott Boland.
Boland claimed 18 wickets at 9.55, but will likely make way for new ball quick Hazlewood.
Cummins was coy on who had the inside running should Australia turn to a second spinner, preferring to “keep it quiet” while adding both Mitch Swepson and Ashton Agar were “ready to go” if called up.
Cummins can also turn to Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne, who provide leg-spin options, while Cameron Green’s medium-fast bowling is another strong option up the captain’s sleeve.
The fast bowling quick gave two clues to suggest George Bailey and Andrew McDonald might opt for three quicks.
“As you said, stats seem to favour fast bowlers here,” Cummins responded to a local journalist, who pointed out the success quicks had have recently.
“It looks like a good wicket, so I don’t think it’s going to be seaming or swinging all over the place but I think there’s going to be enough there.”
While Australia’s batsmen have typically struggled in the subcontinent, Pakistan is an exception.
Although some parts of the country take spin and two or three spinners will be necessary, that is not necessarily the case in Islamabad where the conditions are mild.
Asked what his message to his top six were, Cummins responded by stating he wanted his men to bat time and be patient but acknowledged that the deck was unlikely to take serious turn from the first ball.
“It’s a tough place to bat at times over here,” Cummins said.
“I think one of the unknowns about coming to play in Pakistan, it’s obviously in the subcontinent, but looking at that wicket, it’s quite a long way away from that really spinny wickets we might experience (in India or Sri Lanka) on day one (Where) it’s jumping out of footholes.
“My message has been compared to the Ashes or the last 10 Test matches, this could be a real grind. There could be times where the scoreboard’s only ticking at two runs an over and for our batting group, we’ve just got to be prepared to bat and bat and bat, and at certain stages where you think it’s going to speed up, be brave enough to take on those opportunities.
“But I think all the basics of Test cricket stay the same. There’s nothing I’ve seen here to think that it’s going to be a totally different scenario.”
Pakistan has some issues of their own.
While Australia has yet to have a Covid breakout, Pakistan are missing a couple of stars.
Quicks Hasan Ali and Haris Rauf, as well as all-rounder Faheem Ashraf, are missing while Pakistan is sweating over the health of Shaheem Shah Afridi, who sat next to Fawad Ahmed, who has since tested positive to Covid, on his way from the Pakistan Super League final.
Asked whether he thought Australia were favourites, Cummins batted away the question but said his team were in a good place.
“No idea and I don’t really care, to be honest,” he said. “It doesn’t really mean much.
“We know what we’ve got to do. We feel lucky that we’ve got a strong squad, coming off some really good performances. But it’s foreign conditions, so we’ll see.”
https://www.foxsports.com.au/cricke...o/news-story/d1468df2a349cd4ceb4e46e47fc69e0c
The Googly
Tape Ball Star
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Pakistan missing a trick here.
Shadab Khan - made to measure replacement for Faheem. Which clown drafted in Ifti instead?
Shadab is such an obvious pick.
Shadab Khan - made to measure replacement for Faheem. Which clown drafted in Ifti instead?
Shadab is such an obvious pick.
pakistanigoneaussie
Senior ODI Player
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agreed.
While you can't rely on t20 form, his bowling has looked a lot better.
To be honest I don't know why he was dropped from tests in the first place, especially when you consider he has not played a single test in the subcontinent
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Leg-spinner Yasir Shah is still battling fitness problems, claims Pakistan all-format captain Babar Azam.
Speaking to media in a virtual press conference, Babar Azam was asked about Yasir Shah's potential role in the upcoming series against Australia.
"There was a problem with Yasir Shah's injury and following that, his fitness. He was called up to the training camp and a lot of work was done for him to regain the fitness," said Babar.
"He is currently in reserves because he is still regaining fitness. He hasn't played a competitive match in the last one or two months, which requires you to work even harder," he further added.
Yasir Shah was included in Pakistan's squad as a reserve player and will be called upon once he regains his fitness.
"He has been one of Pakistan's best spinners and whenever he can regain the fitness, we will be utilising his expertise," Babar concluded.
The team news for the first Test match against Australia is yet to be announced. The five-day Test match is set to commence from tomorrow at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
There are concerns regarding rain as the practice sessions for both teams today were cancelled. It remains to be seen what the weather situations are on the match day.
https://cricketpakistan.com.pk/en/news/detail/yasir-shah-still-not-fully-fit-says-babar-azam
Speaking to media in a virtual press conference, Babar Azam was asked about Yasir Shah's potential role in the upcoming series against Australia.
"There was a problem with Yasir Shah's injury and following that, his fitness. He was called up to the training camp and a lot of work was done for him to regain the fitness," said Babar.
"He is currently in reserves because he is still regaining fitness. He hasn't played a competitive match in the last one or two months, which requires you to work even harder," he further added.
Yasir Shah was included in Pakistan's squad as a reserve player and will be called upon once he regains his fitness.
"He has been one of Pakistan's best spinners and whenever he can regain the fitness, we will be utilising his expertise," Babar concluded.
The team news for the first Test match against Australia is yet to be announced. The five-day Test match is set to commence from tomorrow at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
There are concerns regarding rain as the practice sessions for both teams today were cancelled. It remains to be seen what the weather situations are on the match day.
https://cricketpakistan.com.pk/en/news/detail/yasir-shah-still-not-fully-fit-says-babar-azam
JibranAnsari
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Cant play one inexperienced bowler like naseem when you are only playing two quick bowlers. Pakistan needs to play abbas.
James
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Babar Azam, while talking to a virtual presser ahead of the historic Test, admitted that the unavailability of Hasan and Faheem affected the team combination.
“The absence of Hasan and Faheem has affected the combination,” he said.
“Hasan has won us many matches and is a great bowler. While Faheem does well with both bat and the ball,” he added.
The 27-year-old skipper however emphasized that the team is well prepared and will do well in the Benaud-Qadir Trophy.
“The Test players first prepared and played a practice match in Karachi before coming here, so our team is well prepared for the historic series and will give tough time to our opposition,” Babar said.
“Naseem [Shah] and Shaheen [Shah Afridi] are bowling well. Whereas, in the batting unit, Mohammad Rizwan and Fawad Alam are in splendid form,” he quoted saying.
Babar also commented on Yasir Shah’s inclusion in the Playing XI, saying that he is a’match winner,’ but that he will take some time to adjust to fit completely.
“Yasir is a match winner but it will take time to get fit. His fitness and injuries are a matter of concern for us,” he said.
“If Yasir gets fit then we will utilize him where needed,” he added.
A SPORTS
“The absence of Hasan and Faheem has affected the combination,” he said.
“Hasan has won us many matches and is a great bowler. While Faheem does well with both bat and the ball,” he added.
The 27-year-old skipper however emphasized that the team is well prepared and will do well in the Benaud-Qadir Trophy.
“The Test players first prepared and played a practice match in Karachi before coming here, so our team is well prepared for the historic series and will give tough time to our opposition,” Babar said.
“Naseem [Shah] and Shaheen [Shah Afridi] are bowling well. Whereas, in the batting unit, Mohammad Rizwan and Fawad Alam are in splendid form,” he quoted saying.
Babar also commented on Yasir Shah’s inclusion in the Playing XI, saying that he is a’match winner,’ but that he will take some time to adjust to fit completely.
“Yasir is a match winner but it will take time to get fit. His fitness and injuries are a matter of concern for us,” he said.
“If Yasir gets fit then we will utilize him where needed,” he added.
A SPORTS
fieldMarshal
Debutant
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- Aug 21, 2006
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- 180
Its been raining the whole day today since early in the morning...it stopped for a few hrs but clouds have started to gather again.
Even if it does not rain any more tonight, I would be very surprised if play starts on time ie if it is possible at all. Considering the fact that the drainage it the ground is very poor n on top of that other than the square n the bowlers run up the rest of the ground is uncovered.
When considering the fact that it rains quite frequently n pindi/isd n the place where it rains the heaviest is the area where the stadium is n the general vicinity.
Even if it does not rain any more tonight, I would be very surprised if play starts on time ie if it is possible at all. Considering the fact that the drainage it the ground is very poor n on top of that other than the square n the bowlers run up the rest of the ground is uncovered.
When considering the fact that it rains quite frequently n pindi/isd n the place where it rains the heaviest is the area where the stadium is n the general vicinity.
Major
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The drainage is quite good at pindi stadium
The forecast for the 5 game days is looking quite good tbh.
Also, how hard is it to cover the whole ground?
Bouncer
Local Club Star
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Hey Genius, Shadab is actually injured.
offstump
First Class Player
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I think play will start on time. Wasn’t looking good but they’ve covered the entire ground based on the pics I’ve seen.
Mesozoic
T20I Debutant
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- Sep 25, 2019
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- 7,396
Really hope rain stays away..
After a long long time, we'll be seeing India and Pakistan play parallel test matches at the exact same time. Not going to be a boring weekend that's for sure..
After a long long time, we'll be seeing India and Pakistan play parallel test matches at the exact same time. Not going to be a boring weekend that's for sure..
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Mesozoic
T20I Debutant
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- 7,396
But seriously.. Is rain in March a common thing in Pakistan? That seems like such an odd time as it's normally the end of spring / start of summer time in South Asia.
- Joined
- Oct 2, 2004
- Runs
- 217,861
Having cited 24 years between Test tours as justifiable rationale for not knowing what sort of pitches to expect in Pakistan, Australia is pointing to a 24-hour delay in training as reason not to finalise their starting line-up for tomorrow's series opener in Rawalpindi.
Despite skipper Pat Cummins indicating he's "99 per cent sure" of the type of pitch that awaits, and claiming a similar scale of certainty as to the make-up of his team, Australia will wait until tomorrow morning's coin toss to confirm their XI.
The caution has been prompted by overnight and early morning rain in Pakistan's capital Islamabad where both teams are housed, and at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium (around 15km away), which caused match eve training sessions for Australia and Pakistan to be cancelled.
And while the home team continues to grapple with the fall-out of COVID-19 infections that have ruled out uncapped fast bowler Haris Rauf and heightened doubt about the availability of other squad members, Australia's dilemma is based purely on deployment of resources.
"We're pretty sure (on the final XI) but we just want to have another look at the wicket, and we probably won't get the chance today so we'll have a think late this arvo to work out the eleven, or tomorrow morning," Cummins told reporters from Islamabad today.
"We've got a fair idea what we want to do, but don't want to make the call too early without fully knowing what the wicket is.
"Not being able to get down there today means it's probably two days without seeing the wicket between the toss and yesterday's training session."
Pakistan captain Babar Azam didn't give too much away either, telling reporters on Thursday the host's team also wasn't finalised and they would wait for another look at the pitch to decide.
"The pitch at Rawalpindi favours pace, there is no doubt on this, but spinners do have a major role as well. There will be a combined attack from both the spinners and fast bowlers," he said.
While reluctant to give away too much of his pre-game thinking, despite the rival squads training on either side of the Rawalpindi centre wicket block earlier this week, Cummins suggested the hint to how Australia lines up might reside in history.
"Stats seem to favour fast bowlers here," he said of the venue where Australia's most recent visit in 1998 yielded victory by an innings with leg-spinner Stuart MacGill (nine wickets) dominating.
"I don't think it's going to be seaming or swinging all over the place, but I think there will be enough there.
"Bowling on the practice wickets next to the (Test) wicket, it's been nice to bowl on so hopefully it's much the same in the middle.
"Not a heap of grass on it but enough to keep it together.
"We've turned up to subcontinent grounds before and seen really, really spin-friendly wickets.
"Looking at this one, I think it will spin but not the morning of day one like we've seen in the past."
If statistical history and initial assessment of the Rawalpindi pitch – which remained under covers today having been protected from elements during yesterday's major practice sessions – provide a reliable guide, the visitors will opt for three specialist quicks plus spinner Nathan Lyon.
Interim coach Andrew McDonald gave a clear indication those three fast-bowler roles would be filled by Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc when he spoke about auxiliary seamer Scott Boland in a radio interview broadcast in Melbourne earlier today.
"We've got a vital option in Scott Boland who is almost forcing the hand of the selectors to say pick me, but the three unfortunately ahead of him have got sensational records and probably get the first ticket,” McDonald told SEN.
"Reverse swing will be a factor and Mitchell Starc is one of the best exponents of reverse swing.
"That's just based upon the abrasive look of that surface that we saw yesterday."
Cummins conceded the other, seemingly less likely option for Australia was to play two quicks plus seam-bowling all-rounder Cameron Green alongside two spinners.
However, when pressed on that likelihood Cummins said he was not prepared to divulge which of the back-up spinners in the 18-player squad – leg-spinner Mitchell Swepson or left-arm orthodox Ashton Agar – might be preferred because "I probably prefer to keep it quiet".
McDonald had earlier confirmed the historical view that Rawalpindi – which Lyon yesterday described as a pitch closely resembling tracks prepared in the UAE – would offer more to quicks than spinners with slow bowlers likely to play a greater role in subsequent Tests at Karachi and Lahore.
If the removal of covers prior to tomorrow's coin toss at 9.30am local time (3.30pm AEDT) reveals a pitch vastly different to what Australia's brains trust expect, then the past nature of Rawalpindi pitches might favour Swepson should two spinners be the final selection call.
"How we see the surface evolving over the five days will change the judgement on a wrist spinner and a finger spinner," McDonald said when asked if there was an established pecking order for the auxiliary spinners.
"If the surface was to get really, really slow it makes it difficult for leg-spin and sometimes the finger spin is a better option to fire the ball in.
"But here (Rawalpindi) pace and spin seem to be equal, with more spin as you head further south (to Karachi and Lahore)."
While today's rain – which is forecast to clear overnight with clear skies and a maximum around 21C expected tomorrow – denied both teams a chance to check the pitch on Test eve, Cummins claimed it was not a further setback to Australia's already truncated preparation.
Having arrived in Islamabad last Sunday for their first Test tour to Pakistan since 1998, Cummins' 18-player squad has effectively been reduced to two days training prior to the start of a match schedule which sees three Tests of the Qantas Tour squeezed into as many weeks.
"Today was going to be an optional training session where probably at least half the squad were going to stay back at the hotel anyway, so not a lot lost there," he said of today's cancelled practice.
"I'm sure the batters would have liked to go down and have another hit, but the last two days have been really good, long training sessions.
"So everyone's ready to go.
"Obviously tomorrow morning before the game is another chance for batters to have a hit."
If Australia's pre-game focus has been on acclimatising to conditions in which none of their touring party have previously played Test cricket and on their first overseas campaign since 2019, then Pakistan's issues have centred around personnel.
Not only has Rauf been sidelined after returning a positive COVID test earlier this week, his proximity to key fast bowling teammate Shaheed Shah Afridi during victory celebrations for last weekend's Pakistan Super League final win ensured uncertainty surrounds the home team's final line-up.
McDonald indicated today that might result in Pakistan drafting additional fast bowling stocks to their squad, noting that 31-year-old seamer Mohammad Abbas – who claimed 17 wickets at 10.58 in two Tests against Australia in the UAE in 2018 – could be considered as a late addition.
But despite the COVID scare and the loss of all-rounder Faheem Ashraf (hamstring) and fast bowler Hasan Ali (adductor) to injuries, Cummins parried suggestions his number-one-ranked Test team would enter the three-game series as favourites.
"I'm sure they will be big losses, but it gives an opportunity for other players to step up," he said of Pakistan's last-minute setbacks.
"I think you saw that in Australia throughout the summer, you saw someone like Josh Hazlewood missed and we were able to have Scotty Boland come in and debut and perform fantastically.
"I'm sure it's a loss to the Pakistan side but there's always another guy that can step up."
https://www.cricket.com.au/news/pat...coin-toss-pakistan-rawalpindi-rain/2022-03-03
Despite skipper Pat Cummins indicating he's "99 per cent sure" of the type of pitch that awaits, and claiming a similar scale of certainty as to the make-up of his team, Australia will wait until tomorrow morning's coin toss to confirm their XI.
The caution has been prompted by overnight and early morning rain in Pakistan's capital Islamabad where both teams are housed, and at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium (around 15km away), which caused match eve training sessions for Australia and Pakistan to be cancelled.
And while the home team continues to grapple with the fall-out of COVID-19 infections that have ruled out uncapped fast bowler Haris Rauf and heightened doubt about the availability of other squad members, Australia's dilemma is based purely on deployment of resources.
"We're pretty sure (on the final XI) but we just want to have another look at the wicket, and we probably won't get the chance today so we'll have a think late this arvo to work out the eleven, or tomorrow morning," Cummins told reporters from Islamabad today.
"We've got a fair idea what we want to do, but don't want to make the call too early without fully knowing what the wicket is.
"Not being able to get down there today means it's probably two days without seeing the wicket between the toss and yesterday's training session."
Pakistan captain Babar Azam didn't give too much away either, telling reporters on Thursday the host's team also wasn't finalised and they would wait for another look at the pitch to decide.
"The pitch at Rawalpindi favours pace, there is no doubt on this, but spinners do have a major role as well. There will be a combined attack from both the spinners and fast bowlers," he said.
While reluctant to give away too much of his pre-game thinking, despite the rival squads training on either side of the Rawalpindi centre wicket block earlier this week, Cummins suggested the hint to how Australia lines up might reside in history.
"Stats seem to favour fast bowlers here," he said of the venue where Australia's most recent visit in 1998 yielded victory by an innings with leg-spinner Stuart MacGill (nine wickets) dominating.
"I don't think it's going to be seaming or swinging all over the place, but I think there will be enough there.
"Bowling on the practice wickets next to the (Test) wicket, it's been nice to bowl on so hopefully it's much the same in the middle.
"Not a heap of grass on it but enough to keep it together.
"We've turned up to subcontinent grounds before and seen really, really spin-friendly wickets.
"Looking at this one, I think it will spin but not the morning of day one like we've seen in the past."
If statistical history and initial assessment of the Rawalpindi pitch – which remained under covers today having been protected from elements during yesterday's major practice sessions – provide a reliable guide, the visitors will opt for three specialist quicks plus spinner Nathan Lyon.
Interim coach Andrew McDonald gave a clear indication those three fast-bowler roles would be filled by Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc when he spoke about auxiliary seamer Scott Boland in a radio interview broadcast in Melbourne earlier today.
"We've got a vital option in Scott Boland who is almost forcing the hand of the selectors to say pick me, but the three unfortunately ahead of him have got sensational records and probably get the first ticket,” McDonald told SEN.
"Reverse swing will be a factor and Mitchell Starc is one of the best exponents of reverse swing.
"That's just based upon the abrasive look of that surface that we saw yesterday."
Cummins conceded the other, seemingly less likely option for Australia was to play two quicks plus seam-bowling all-rounder Cameron Green alongside two spinners.
However, when pressed on that likelihood Cummins said he was not prepared to divulge which of the back-up spinners in the 18-player squad – leg-spinner Mitchell Swepson or left-arm orthodox Ashton Agar – might be preferred because "I probably prefer to keep it quiet".
McDonald had earlier confirmed the historical view that Rawalpindi – which Lyon yesterday described as a pitch closely resembling tracks prepared in the UAE – would offer more to quicks than spinners with slow bowlers likely to play a greater role in subsequent Tests at Karachi and Lahore.
If the removal of covers prior to tomorrow's coin toss at 9.30am local time (3.30pm AEDT) reveals a pitch vastly different to what Australia's brains trust expect, then the past nature of Rawalpindi pitches might favour Swepson should two spinners be the final selection call.
"How we see the surface evolving over the five days will change the judgement on a wrist spinner and a finger spinner," McDonald said when asked if there was an established pecking order for the auxiliary spinners.
"If the surface was to get really, really slow it makes it difficult for leg-spin and sometimes the finger spin is a better option to fire the ball in.
"But here (Rawalpindi) pace and spin seem to be equal, with more spin as you head further south (to Karachi and Lahore)."
While today's rain – which is forecast to clear overnight with clear skies and a maximum around 21C expected tomorrow – denied both teams a chance to check the pitch on Test eve, Cummins claimed it was not a further setback to Australia's already truncated preparation.
Having arrived in Islamabad last Sunday for their first Test tour to Pakistan since 1998, Cummins' 18-player squad has effectively been reduced to two days training prior to the start of a match schedule which sees three Tests of the Qantas Tour squeezed into as many weeks.
"Today was going to be an optional training session where probably at least half the squad were going to stay back at the hotel anyway, so not a lot lost there," he said of today's cancelled practice.
"I'm sure the batters would have liked to go down and have another hit, but the last two days have been really good, long training sessions.
"So everyone's ready to go.
"Obviously tomorrow morning before the game is another chance for batters to have a hit."
If Australia's pre-game focus has been on acclimatising to conditions in which none of their touring party have previously played Test cricket and on their first overseas campaign since 2019, then Pakistan's issues have centred around personnel.
Not only has Rauf been sidelined after returning a positive COVID test earlier this week, his proximity to key fast bowling teammate Shaheed Shah Afridi during victory celebrations for last weekend's Pakistan Super League final win ensured uncertainty surrounds the home team's final line-up.
McDonald indicated today that might result in Pakistan drafting additional fast bowling stocks to their squad, noting that 31-year-old seamer Mohammad Abbas – who claimed 17 wickets at 10.58 in two Tests against Australia in the UAE in 2018 – could be considered as a late addition.
But despite the COVID scare and the loss of all-rounder Faheem Ashraf (hamstring) and fast bowler Hasan Ali (adductor) to injuries, Cummins parried suggestions his number-one-ranked Test team would enter the three-game series as favourites.
"I'm sure they will be big losses, but it gives an opportunity for other players to step up," he said of Pakistan's last-minute setbacks.
"I think you saw that in Australia throughout the summer, you saw someone like Josh Hazlewood missed and we were able to have Scotty Boland come in and debut and perform fantastically.
"I'm sure it's a loss to the Pakistan side but there's always another guy that can step up."
https://www.cricket.com.au/news/pat...coin-toss-pakistan-rawalpindi-rain/2022-03-03
He's better in SENA because he can bat decently and bowl some overs here and their.
In asain conditions he has to be able to bowl alot of overs.
I agree they should have drafted him in the squad.
I do agree he's injured but he did play the Semi Final.
ARK Rafay
T20I Debutant
- Joined
- Jul 11, 2015
- Runs
- 6,685
This would be my XI.
Shan Masood
Abdullah Shafique
Azhar Ali
Babar Azam
Fawad Alam
Saud Shakeel
Mohammad Rizwan
Mohammad Wasim JR / Mohammad Abbas
Shaheen Shah
Naseem Shah
Sajid Ali
I would play 3 pacers on Pindi pitch. Don't trust Wasim JR with the bat to fill Faheem Ashraf's shoes as an AR so I would go with a batter. Time for Saud to make a debut. I'm sure Fawad, Azhar, and Babar can be the 5th bowler if needed.
I also don't know how is Mohammad Abbas's bowling and fitness like these days. But if he is bowling well I would play him with Naseem and Shaheen.
Shan Masood
Abdullah Shafique
Azhar Ali
Babar Azam
Fawad Alam
Saud Shakeel
Mohammad Rizwan
Mohammad Wasim JR / Mohammad Abbas
Shaheen Shah
Naseem Shah
Sajid Ali
I would play 3 pacers on Pindi pitch. Don't trust Wasim JR with the bat to fill Faheem Ashraf's shoes as an AR so I would go with a batter. Time for Saud to make a debut. I'm sure Fawad, Azhar, and Babar can be the 5th bowler if needed.
I also don't know how is Mohammad Abbas's bowling and fitness like these days. But if he is bowling well I would play him with Naseem and Shaheen.
Abbas isn't part of the squad he's in the reserves.
- Joined
- Oct 2, 2004
- Runs
- 217,861
Pakistan's Fawad Alam hopes his side's bowlers will prove the difference when Australia tour the country for the first time since 1998.
The three-Test series pits second against third in the World Test Championship, and 36-year-old Fawad is confident Pakistan's battery of pace bowlers and experienced spinners will be enough to topple an Australian side fresh from winning the Ashes 4-0.
"Our pace bowlers have been bowling brilliantly. Just look at the recent Test matches played by Pakistan and you'll see that our bowling combination of fast bowlers and spinners has worked very well," Fawad said.
"Hassan Ali recently won the Pakistan Cricket Board's best bowler award and he has taken more than 40 wickets in the year, Shaheen (Afridi) is bowling magnificently, and Faheem Ashraf also plays his part.
"Nauman Ali and Sajid Khan have been bowling excellently. Yasir Shah (in reserve squad) is fit again.
"We have a great bowling combination and we will try to catch Australia with that."
Fawad, who has scored 953 runs in 15 Tests with a formidable batting average of 47.65, was in the crowd the last time Australia played in Pakistan - a series which saw Australia win 1-0 in a batter-dominated series.
The tourists then won all three one-day internationals in convincing style.
"When they (Australia) came in 1998 an ODI match was played here at the National Stadium (Karachi) with a red ball and players wore white kits," said Alam.
"I watched that match sitting outside and now I will play in the middle."
BBC
The three-Test series pits second against third in the World Test Championship, and 36-year-old Fawad is confident Pakistan's battery of pace bowlers and experienced spinners will be enough to topple an Australian side fresh from winning the Ashes 4-0.
"Our pace bowlers have been bowling brilliantly. Just look at the recent Test matches played by Pakistan and you'll see that our bowling combination of fast bowlers and spinners has worked very well," Fawad said.
"Hassan Ali recently won the Pakistan Cricket Board's best bowler award and he has taken more than 40 wickets in the year, Shaheen (Afridi) is bowling magnificently, and Faheem Ashraf also plays his part.
"Nauman Ali and Sajid Khan have been bowling excellently. Yasir Shah (in reserve squad) is fit again.
"We have a great bowling combination and we will try to catch Australia with that."
Fawad, who has scored 953 runs in 15 Tests with a formidable batting average of 47.65, was in the crowd the last time Australia played in Pakistan - a series which saw Australia win 1-0 in a batter-dominated series.
The tourists then won all three one-day internationals in convincing style.
"When they (Australia) came in 1998 an ODI match was played here at the National Stadium (Karachi) with a red ball and players wore white kits," said Alam.
"I watched that match sitting outside and now I will play in the middle."
BBC
ARK Rafay
T20I Debutant
- Joined
- Jul 11, 2015
- Runs
- 6,685
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