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So what XI should Pakistan play in the final match of the series?
Azhar or Fawad to go? or remain unchanged?
Azhar or Fawad to go? or remain unchanged?
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Pakistan v Australia | 3rd Test | 21-25 March | Lahore | Pre-match discussion
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Amjid Javed
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Azhar, fawad, faheem and sajid all need to be dropped.
Also lets hope we get a better surface then 1st two tests.
sweep_shot
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I think we may get another exciting draw.
Both teams have been pretty even so far.
Both teams have been pretty even so far.
I think only Sajid will get dropped out of that lot. Yasir or Zahid will replace him I think.
I'm delighted we pulled off this escape, but no Pakistan team should ever be hanging on for dear life at our fortress National Stadium Karachi. We were dominated for 4 days.
We need a big improvement from our bowlers, especially our spinners who were pathetic. When the surface is flat at least provide some control.
Would prefer Yasir instead of Sajid, otherwise doubt they'll make a change.
Hopefully this ex-MCG and Dubai curator they've roped in will help produce a better surface.
We need a big improvement from our bowlers, especially our spinners who were pathetic. When the surface is flat at least provide some control.
Would prefer Yasir instead of Sajid, otherwise doubt they'll make a change.
Hopefully this ex-MCG and Dubai curator they've roped in will help produce a better surface.
Rana
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Sajid for Yasir Shah anyone?
I think Aussies will not recover from this.
They had similar thing happened to them in Adelaide by Faf du Plessi and AB.
Clarke’s team crumbled massively in 3rd test at home and lost the series 0-1.
I think Pakistan’s confidence is on high. Bring Yasir Shah back. Drop sajid and ideally imam and fawad.
Bring better personnel.
They had similar thing happened to them in Adelaide by Faf du Plessi and AB.
Clarke’s team crumbled massively in 3rd test at home and lost the series 0-1.
I think Pakistan’s confidence is on high. Bring Yasir Shah back. Drop sajid and ideally imam and fawad.
Bring better personnel.
Aussies also failed to bowl us out despite having 172 overs. We also dominated them in last 2 days.
Pak needs to go all guns blazing and smash the Aussies in Gaddafi Stadium.
Also get rid of Faheem and Hasan, replace them with Shadab and Naseem.
iRfaN_LA
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Knowing team management. They will not make any changes to the side. They will 100% go with the same lineup.
Australia should have won in Karachi easily.
They should not make the same mistake of scoring at a low run rate on these graveyards.
Hazlewood should replace the ineffective swepson. Agar could trouble babar as babar could struggle vs his left arm spin. However it's better to focus on their strengths instead of playing below average spinners
They should not make the same mistake of scoring at a low run rate on these graveyards.
Hazlewood should replace the ineffective swepson. Agar could trouble babar as babar could struggle vs his left arm spin. However it's better to focus on their strengths instead of playing below average spinners
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Hope we get better wickets.
The only reason the 2nd Test ended up with a bit of "excitement" was because of the circus style batting by Pakistan in the first essay. Or else this too would have ended up as a dull boring grubber of a game like the first test.
Just cannot see how any of the two bowling attacks can pick up 20 wickets now unless we see a raging turner. Hazelwood should be back for Australia and Agar will play ahead of Green most likely.
I'm going for another draw.
The only reason the 2nd Test ended up with a bit of "excitement" was because of the circus style batting by Pakistan in the first essay. Or else this too would have ended up as a dull boring grubber of a game like the first test.
Just cannot see how any of the two bowling attacks can pick up 20 wickets now unless we see a raging turner. Hazelwood should be back for Australia and Agar will play ahead of Green most likely.
I'm going for another draw.
Amjid Javed
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We need an abrasive surface which will offer reverse swing and turn, we need to give our bowlers best surface to try and take 20 wickets. Plus hopefully Aussies will have their one bad inns of series in lahore fingers crossed.
Buffet
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The Series has been horrible when it comes to pitch.
Both sides bowling units in 2 tests taken together have averaged 58 runs per wicket.
4th inning in 1st test had zero wickets.
4th inning in the 2nd test had 50 runs per wicket.
It's horrible cricket.
Before some posters take offense due to Pakistan fighting hard to get a draw and succeeding, full credit for that. Even on dead pitches, you need to keep your cool to bat 170 plus overs. But if you are having 50+ runs per wicket in the 4th inning then the wicket is pretty dead.
Occasional spin or occasional reverse is not a factor when the pitch has been so dead even on the 5th day of both tests.
Buffet
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I would want to see Aus playing on the surface where Pakistan bowlers have a chance to pick up 20 wickets. Pakistani bowlers had no chance to pick up 20 wickets on the first two surfaces.
gkb101277867
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Get ready for another draw. These pathetic pitches have completely ruined the series. I was so excited for this series too.
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Lahore will turn. Have you seen the T20's in Lahore, it turns. Some of the worst PSL pitches batting wise have been in Lahore. I'll expect the same in the test too.
Also it's not going to happen this series, but we need Shadab in the test side. His batting is better than every all-rounder we have, and his bowling is not too bad either. He will go for runs but will pick up wickets too. This will allow us to play three out and our fast bolwers which should always be the case in Pakistan given how our pitches are.
Also it's not going to happen this series, but we need Shadab in the test side. His batting is better than every all-rounder we have, and his bowling is not too bad either. He will go for runs but will pick up wickets too. This will allow us to play three out and our fast bolwers which should always be the case in Pakistan given how our pitches are.
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I still don't understand why we didn't just go with the same kind of pitches we produced for the South Africa series. We would have maintained home advantage with more of a balance.
Going into 3rd Test, my test team for Pak would be:
Abdullah
Imam
Babar (For god sake, drop Azhar and Babar should come one down)
Saud Shakeel
Fawad
Rizwan
Shadab (Faheem is good, but Shadab in essential for Asian condition.)
Nawaz / Zahid (Prefarably Nawaz, let's see what he can do)
Hassan Ali
Naseem/Nauman (Based on pitch)
Shaheen
Abdullah
Imam
Babar (For god sake, drop Azhar and Babar should come one down)
Saud Shakeel
Fawad
Rizwan
Shadab (Faheem is good, but Shadab in essential for Asian condition.)
Nawaz / Zahid (Prefarably Nawaz, let's see what he can do)
Hassan Ali
Naseem/Nauman (Based on pitch)
Shaheen
I said that from Day 1 not that it would have made difference. The problem is balance of team would be messed up i dont think you can have Nauman and Zahid as both are taking the ball away but we need something different now.
Two changes for me Azhar Ali and Zahid or Yasir if fit and in form to replace Sajid, but Azhar will not get dropped. Faheem bowled well on dead pitch and can bat good sometimes. Fawad is a very good bat and has done wonders already and will score lots of runs.
Colorblind Genius
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It's probably going to be a dead as F wicket in the third test.
The reason is, we create a result producing wicket, and we might lose the series.
Too much at stake to take risk knowing our current mindset <<~~ This is what Rameez may be thinking.
Sajid stays - a better fielder.
The reason is, we create a result producing wicket, and we might lose the series.
Too much at stake to take risk knowing our current mindset <<~~ This is what Rameez may be thinking.
Sajid stays - a better fielder.
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Kianig89
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Hopefully this foreign curator will not completely mess up the pitch and it will just slightly dry pitch than this also you can't have 2 passengers as bowler in the team get Shadab in for Sajid or Nouman and what about Fawad Alam his hockey style technique won't last against the Aussies get some decent 30ish averaging batsman inplace of him
Kianig89
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Drop Faheem and Fawad and play one specialist batsman and specialist bowler in place of them worth it
Fakhar instead of Imam ul haq.
Open with azhar ali + abdullah shafeeque
Fakhar 1 down
I will actually have Faheem
instead of Fawad.
And will have shadab for vacant faheem position
Fakhar had excellent psl at Gaddafi stadium, he is power hitter, his quickfire 40 is better than tuk tuk of Imam
iRfaN_LA
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Real question is: Why start the test match on a Monday !!! All 5 days will be during weekdays. Its horrible timing for us in the US east coast with games starting at 1AM 
Extra_Cover
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Pakistan has walked away with head held high after 2nd test. Given that Pakistan was able to negate the Australian attack on a 5th day wicket it should give the management immense confidence to go ahead and prepare a rank turner for Lahore test. Given what we have seen so far we can say that Pakistan would handle the Australian spinners much better on a turning track than vice versa.
If possible and if Pakistan does indeed goes for a rank turner then I would be inclined to play Shadab instead of Faheem. This change would enable us have a full variety spin attack.
If possible and if Pakistan does indeed goes for a rank turner then I would be inclined to play Shadab instead of Faheem. This change would enable us have a full variety spin attack.
heddie19
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I would play Shadab too. Not sure about his fitness and if can join the bio bubble.
My team for 3rd test if Shaddy can play.
Abdullah
Imam
Azhar
Babar
Fawad
Rizwan
Shadab
Nauman
Hassan
Shaheen
Naseem
My team for 3rd test if Shaddy can play.
Abdullah
Imam
Azhar
Babar
Fawad
Rizwan
Shadab
Nauman
Hassan
Shaheen
Naseem
WhenSultansBowled
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I am expecting another dead pitch and same XI.
Aussies will play Boland.
And Insha'Allah Pakistan will somehow manage a win!
Aussies will play Boland.
And Insha'Allah Pakistan will somehow manage a win!
BunnyRabbit
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Just need to bring in Yasir for one of the spinners.
Prepare to be disappointed by Imam again if the surface has something in it.
Prepare to be disappointed by Imam again if the surface has something in it.
This thread is hilarious. Posters are saying that the following players should be dropped:
- Imam-ul-Haq: the one who scored two centuries in test 1.
- Azhar Ali: he scored 185 in test 1. Too slow? The SR was 51.24 which is pretty good. Khawaja's SR during his 160 in test 2 was lower at 43.36.
- Faheem Ashraf: he was the best Pakistan bowler in Australia's first innings in test 2. Did you see his catch getting rid of Smith? He is the one pure all rounder in the team. This guy can bat (left-handed which is a bonus), bowl and field. Pace bowling all rounders are so rare and Pakistan has only had a few like Imran Khan, Akram, Razzaq and Azhar Mahmood.
- Imam-ul-Haq: the one who scored two centuries in test 1.
- Azhar Ali: he scored 185 in test 1. Too slow? The SR was 51.24 which is pretty good. Khawaja's SR during his 160 in test 2 was lower at 43.36.
- Faheem Ashraf: he was the best Pakistan bowler in Australia's first innings in test 2. Did you see his catch getting rid of Smith? He is the one pure all rounder in the team. This guy can bat (left-handed which is a bonus), bowl and field. Pace bowling all rounders are so rare and Pakistan has only had a few like Imran Khan, Akram, Razzaq and Azhar Mahmood.
cricketInsight
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3 out of the last 4 tests in Lahore were drawn. Lahore tests have the highest likelihood to end in a draw in the recent past.
Traditionally what sort of pitch Qaddafi stadium has for test matches? This will be the first test at Qaddafi Stadium after that 2009 test vs SL. Looking at the results of previous test matches at Qaddafi stadium it seems that it will be another dead pitch & the match will end as a draw.
Qaddafi Stadium has hosted 40 test matches & out of those 22 ended as a draw.
Qaddafi Stadium has hosted 40 test matches & out of those 22 ended as a draw.
Good lord. I'm so happy none of you make selection decisions.
Faheem was by far our best bowler in this last test. How can anyone think of dropping him.
Only possible change is Yasir or Naseem in for Sajid.
Zahid averages 35 in FC cricket. I wouldn't want to debut him in such an important game.
Faheem was by far our best bowler in this last test. How can anyone think of dropping him.
Only possible change is Yasir or Naseem in for Sajid.
Zahid averages 35 in FC cricket. I wouldn't want to debut him in such an important game.
First name off the team sheet should be Azhar Ali, then Fawad, then one of the two spinners.
Azhar Ali needs to be taught a lesson. Useless innings in dead situations don’t count. This is his pattern of play since 2017. I don’t give a damn about his 100 tests.
Fawad - as much as he was badly treated in the past, it is done now.
Both Fawad and Azhar had two chances to bat through a crisis and they both failed. If that’s the “experience” they bring, I’d rather we bring in two debutants.
Both spinners have been completely ineffective. The only notable contribution by both of them is not related to bowling.
Azhar Ali needs to be taught a lesson. Useless innings in dead situations don’t count. This is his pattern of play since 2017. I don’t give a damn about his 100 tests.
Fawad - as much as he was badly treated in the past, it is done now.
Both Fawad and Azhar had two chances to bat through a crisis and they both failed. If that’s the “experience” they bring, I’d rather we bring in two debutants.
Both spinners have been completely ineffective. The only notable contribution by both of them is not related to bowling.
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Update: Mohammad Yousuf has left the squad to attend his daughter's wedding, he will rejoin during the Lahore Test.
I have heard that PCB has requested an Australian curator to sort out Gaddafi stadium pitch.
How can a host team request visiting team to prepare pitch.
Now we do not know what kind of bloody pitch will be prepared as it is in the hands of Aussies.
I hope Soil is from sheikhupra and not imported from Australia.
How can a host team request visiting team to prepare pitch.
Now we do not know what kind of bloody pitch will be prepared as it is in the hands of Aussies.
I hope Soil is from sheikhupra and not imported from Australia.
Real question is: Why start the test match on a Monday !!! All 5 days will be during weekdays. Its horrible timing for us in the US east coast with games starting at 1AM
I work from
Home on Thursday and Friday, i am glad i will get day 4/5 ( at home) which are crucial days.
Titan24
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I think if Yasir is fit he should come in (In sub continent he can be really handy - is bowling well in Pakistan Cup) or otherwise we can try Zahid (With 5th bowler in Faheem there is not much risk even if he struggles with his radar). If no Yasir, Shadab could have been really handy as well but, he has not played much red ball cricket and his fitness has been in issue for some time.
Unless a a pitch is such that a 3rd full time seamer is required, I will go with the same fast bowling unit (Shaheen and Hassan have been phenomenal for sometime, them not delivering much in a match or so doesnt change that).
So pretty much the same XI for me with only difference being in the spin bowling unit.
Unless a a pitch is such that a 3rd full time seamer is required, I will go with the same fast bowling unit (Shaheen and Hassan have been phenomenal for sometime, them not delivering much in a match or so doesnt change that).
So pretty much the same XI for me with only difference being in the spin bowling unit.
Shadab is not in the squad or the bubble so no point talking about him. Faheem is very useful player even if he failed in batting last match, his bowling was quite good. I do not see any changes to the team but one spinner can be dropped and replaced by Naseem, Yasir, Zahid or even Kamran G who can also bowl spin. Fawad has to fail in each inning for another 5 tests before he should be dropped, but knowing his class he will score well in the next test. He can also bowl ok but for some reason not utilised, and is a gun fielder.
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Exactly Fahim was the best bowler in that game plus we don't have any options as pace bowling all rounder.
Mirpur express
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Rauf & Shadab in for Sajid & Noman
angrypathan
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Make a turner
realitygaf
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Covid Bubble says LOL
Our two pacers outbowled Rabada, Nokje and Ngidi.
We need to stop being fearful of the Aussies in our home conditions.
People think that in the UAE it was the spinners that won the tests. It was actually the likes of Muhammad Abbas, Rahat Ali, Imran Khan jr contributing heavily in the past.
Amjid Javed
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imam and Azhar scored soft runs on a pindi highway. They were no where to be seen on a better pitch in karachi.
Colorblind Genius
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I hope the Australian pitch curator does the trick and creates a pitch that is truly good for pacers - we will then see how good is Imam and Azhar, and anyone else in our squad, and also in the Australian batting line up.
WhenSultansBowled
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My guess is they'll go with the same XI or possibly drop Sajid for a different spinner but right now, their biggest problem is getting lefties out. Sajid has bowled decently at times but the wickets have been so flat, there is only so much he can do.
My guess is Babar will likely back his team and expect them to bowl better and to be honest, this group has done a pretty good job bowling together with the exception of 1st innings in the 2nd Test.
My guess is Babar will likely back his team and expect them to bowl better and to be honest, this group has done a pretty good job bowling together with the exception of 1st innings in the 2nd Test.
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Pictures of Australia arriving in Lahore
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Teams dinner and Lahore arrival video
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shah_1
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Lahore pitch is the most flat around
BunnyRabbit
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The last time Lahore hosted test cricket was probably that tragic 2009 test vs SL.
And it was flatter than the pitches used in this series currently.
And it was flatter than the pitches used in this series currently.
Interim coach Andrew McDonald defended Australia’s bowling record in the fourth innings of recent Test matches and says Mitchell Starc is likely to feature again in the third and deciding Test in Lahore despite a high workload.
Australia took just five wickets from 89.4 overs on day five as Pakistan hung on for a memorable draw to keep the series locked at 0-0 with one match remaining.
Stumps were pulled with Pakistan 7-443 in pursuit of a potential world record target of 506 to win in the fourth innings.
Pakistan defied history to bat for 171.4 overs to save the Test - the most of any team ever - but the stellar effort has put Australia’s ability to ice games on the final day under the microscope.
In the 2020-21 Test series against India, Australia were in favourable positions to win in Sydney and Brisbane but had to settle for a draw at the SCG before a loss at the Gabba on the final afternoon.
Even against England at the SCG in January, Australia fell one wicket short of victory when they were favourites to get the job done. Australia needed 10 wickets on the final day.
McDonald believes Australia created enough chances on Wednesday but felt dropped catches played a factor in the draw rather than a broader problem relating to taking wickets when it mattered.
“It’s tough to win and we gave ourselves a really good look at it,” McDonald told reporters in Pakistan.
“I think the debate is around the opportunities that you create in Test matches. On the fifth day on flat surfaces, we have created opportunities for ourselves and unfortunately haven’t been able to take them but if we keep putting yourself in those situations continually ... we have good confirmation that the style of cricket that we want to play is going to hold up.
“If you put yourself in those situations continually, you’ll find a way through them. Just a couple of missed opportunities in amongst that final day but we got ourselves a really good look at it. That’s why I’m really proud of the guys.”
There will be plenty of selection debates in the lead-up to the final Test in Lahore, which begins on Monday. Despite the deflating draw, the early word is Australia’s bowlers have come away without any major injury concerns despite sending down 224.4 overs across two innings.
Josh Hazlewood was not selected in Karachi, with Australia opting for an extra spinner in Mitch Swepson to partner Nathan Lyon.
With captain Pat Cummins certain to lead the XI, McDonald was asked whether Starc, who bowled 21 overs in the second innings, would be rolled out again on a four-day turnaround.
McDonald indicated Starc’s reverse swing would be a vital ingredient for Australia if they wanted to wrap up a series victory.
“My assumption is if he pulls up well, he’ll definitely get another crack in the last Test as reverse swing is pivotal in terms of opening that game up for us,” McDonald said. “Unless there is some physical issues [he will be right].
“We have four days. We’ll have a light lead-in into the next Test, there is no doubt about that. We think we’ve really got some strong bench strength as well. We’ve got some options with the guys who haven’t played and are well prepared.”
As for Swepson, who finished with 0-156 from 53.4 overs in the second innings after his two wickets in the first innings, McDonald stopped short of confirming he would get another chance in Lahore.
Australia will want to inspect the Lahore pitch carefully, given there has not been a Test at the venue since 2009.
“We’ll look at the surface every time,” McDonald said. “When we get there we’ll see how [Swepson] pulls up. He created opportunities for us and that’s what leg-spinners can do. Impressive debut. He waited a long time for that debut and held his own. Incredibly positive first Test match from our point of view.
“We’ll assess the conditions and try and make the right decisions around picking the best team for that surface. Does that include Mitch Swepson? We’ll have to wait and see when we land on the ground.”
Australia took just five wickets from 89.4 overs on day five as Pakistan hung on for a memorable draw to keep the series locked at 0-0 with one match remaining.
Stumps were pulled with Pakistan 7-443 in pursuit of a potential world record target of 506 to win in the fourth innings.
Pakistan defied history to bat for 171.4 overs to save the Test - the most of any team ever - but the stellar effort has put Australia’s ability to ice games on the final day under the microscope.
In the 2020-21 Test series against India, Australia were in favourable positions to win in Sydney and Brisbane but had to settle for a draw at the SCG before a loss at the Gabba on the final afternoon.
Even against England at the SCG in January, Australia fell one wicket short of victory when they were favourites to get the job done. Australia needed 10 wickets on the final day.
McDonald believes Australia created enough chances on Wednesday but felt dropped catches played a factor in the draw rather than a broader problem relating to taking wickets when it mattered.
“It’s tough to win and we gave ourselves a really good look at it,” McDonald told reporters in Pakistan.
“I think the debate is around the opportunities that you create in Test matches. On the fifth day on flat surfaces, we have created opportunities for ourselves and unfortunately haven’t been able to take them but if we keep putting yourself in those situations continually ... we have good confirmation that the style of cricket that we want to play is going to hold up.
“If you put yourself in those situations continually, you’ll find a way through them. Just a couple of missed opportunities in amongst that final day but we got ourselves a really good look at it. That’s why I’m really proud of the guys.”
There will be plenty of selection debates in the lead-up to the final Test in Lahore, which begins on Monday. Despite the deflating draw, the early word is Australia’s bowlers have come away without any major injury concerns despite sending down 224.4 overs across two innings.
Josh Hazlewood was not selected in Karachi, with Australia opting for an extra spinner in Mitch Swepson to partner Nathan Lyon.
With captain Pat Cummins certain to lead the XI, McDonald was asked whether Starc, who bowled 21 overs in the second innings, would be rolled out again on a four-day turnaround.
McDonald indicated Starc’s reverse swing would be a vital ingredient for Australia if they wanted to wrap up a series victory.
“My assumption is if he pulls up well, he’ll definitely get another crack in the last Test as reverse swing is pivotal in terms of opening that game up for us,” McDonald said. “Unless there is some physical issues [he will be right].
“We have four days. We’ll have a light lead-in into the next Test, there is no doubt about that. We think we’ve really got some strong bench strength as well. We’ve got some options with the guys who haven’t played and are well prepared.”
As for Swepson, who finished with 0-156 from 53.4 overs in the second innings after his two wickets in the first innings, McDonald stopped short of confirming he would get another chance in Lahore.
Australia will want to inspect the Lahore pitch carefully, given there has not been a Test at the venue since 2009.
“We’ll look at the surface every time,” McDonald said. “When we get there we’ll see how [Swepson] pulls up. He created opportunities for us and that’s what leg-spinners can do. Impressive debut. He waited a long time for that debut and held his own. Incredibly positive first Test match from our point of view.
“We’ll assess the conditions and try and make the right decisions around picking the best team for that surface. Does that include Mitch Swepson? We’ll have to wait and see when we land on the ground.”
gazza619
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If ever there was common sense, Pakistan would bring in Shan for Fawad and Rauf for Sajid.
I know playing 4 quicks at home sounds bizzare but we need quality bowlers and I am willing to take a risk with Rauf.
I know playing 4 quicks at home sounds bizzare but we need quality bowlers and I am willing to take a risk with Rauf.
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LAHORE – Capital City Police Officer (CCPO) Fayyaz Ahmed Dev Thursday warmly welcomed the Australian Cricket Team in Lahore and vowed to provide foolproof security to both Pakistan and Australian cricket teams during their stay in the city.
The Pakistan and Australian cricket teams arrived in the provincial capital yesterday amid tight security to play the last cricket match of the scheduled three test-match series. It is to be noted here that the Australian Cricket Team is visiting Pakistan in nearly a quarter of a century and in a high security bubble.
Lahore police, on the directions of CCPO Lahore Fayyaz Ahmed Dev, had made stringent security arrangements on the arrival of both teams and the officials with them. DIG Operations Dr Abid Khan, CTO Muntazir Mehdi, SSP Operations Capt (r) Mustansar Feroze, and other senior police officers reached the Allama Iqbal Airport to accompany the Pakistan and Australian cricket teams to hotel on specified routes in foolproof security. As many as 8,000 police officers including SSP, DSPs, and SHOs will perform security duty during stay of both cricket teams in Lahore.
The CCPO issued directions to the police officers to ensure best arrangements and keep a vigilant eye on suspicious activities while being vigilant. The CCPO also directed the policemen to treat citizens, visiting the stadium, in a polite manner. He said that heavy police contingents would accompany the teams during their movement from hotel to stadium.
“The teams will be brought to the stadium in a strict security tier. More than 8,000 policemen will be deployed for the security purpose. Four-layer security arrangements will be made for the players, officials and the citizens,” said the CCPO and added that the security would be kept on high alert during all matches in Lahore. He maintained that the Lahore police had played an important role for the revival of cricket events in the city.
“Lahore police have complete support of Punjab Safe Cities Authority, district administration, Pakistan Cricket Board, and the law enforcement agencies to ensure foolproof security so that citizens could enjoy these matches in a peaceful atmosphere,” he stated.
“Lahore police will also monitor all the activities on routes and surrounding areas during the movement of teams through the CCTV cameras of Punjab Safe Cities Authority,” he added.
https://nation.com.pk/2022/03/18/au...-tight-security-in-nearly-quarter-of-century/
The Pakistan and Australian cricket teams arrived in the provincial capital yesterday amid tight security to play the last cricket match of the scheduled three test-match series. It is to be noted here that the Australian Cricket Team is visiting Pakistan in nearly a quarter of a century and in a high security bubble.
Lahore police, on the directions of CCPO Lahore Fayyaz Ahmed Dev, had made stringent security arrangements on the arrival of both teams and the officials with them. DIG Operations Dr Abid Khan, CTO Muntazir Mehdi, SSP Operations Capt (r) Mustansar Feroze, and other senior police officers reached the Allama Iqbal Airport to accompany the Pakistan and Australian cricket teams to hotel on specified routes in foolproof security. As many as 8,000 police officers including SSP, DSPs, and SHOs will perform security duty during stay of both cricket teams in Lahore.
The CCPO issued directions to the police officers to ensure best arrangements and keep a vigilant eye on suspicious activities while being vigilant. The CCPO also directed the policemen to treat citizens, visiting the stadium, in a polite manner. He said that heavy police contingents would accompany the teams during their movement from hotel to stadium.
“The teams will be brought to the stadium in a strict security tier. More than 8,000 policemen will be deployed for the security purpose. Four-layer security arrangements will be made for the players, officials and the citizens,” said the CCPO and added that the security would be kept on high alert during all matches in Lahore. He maintained that the Lahore police had played an important role for the revival of cricket events in the city.
“Lahore police have complete support of Punjab Safe Cities Authority, district administration, Pakistan Cricket Board, and the law enforcement agencies to ensure foolproof security so that citizens could enjoy these matches in a peaceful atmosphere,” he stated.
“Lahore police will also monitor all the activities on routes and surrounding areas during the movement of teams through the CCTV cameras of Punjab Safe Cities Authority,” he added.
https://nation.com.pk/2022/03/18/au...-tight-security-in-nearly-quarter-of-century/
ask_analyse_act
ODI Debutant
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Following 3 changes are very badly needed and they wont do it.. Im sure they will lose this test match, not every time Babar can play inns as such to save these gully cricketers...
Azhar out Shan in at 3
Fawad out Saud Shakeel in
Sajid out Yasir Shah in
Azhar out Shan in at 3
Fawad out Saud Shakeel in
Sajid out Yasir Shah in
Although I like Azhar to go but he was given out when he never touched the ball.
Kianig89
T20I Star
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Hopefully the pitch is not anything out of the blue need a pitch which lasts for 5 days
Not quite. He was given out LBW when he gloved it. It was a poor decision. But…..that is exactly what DRS is there for! This “experienced” and very “senior” player got timed out for DRS because for all his experience didn’t realise the ball hit the glove. Unbelievable really.
Moreover it was a ridiculously poor and cowardly shot in the first place. He deserved to be out just for that shot.
And he deserves to be dropped for all the above
Last edited:
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Pakistan will go for result in decisive 3rd Test: Head coach Saqlain Mushtaq
Pakistan is ready to play "tough cricket" and will go for a result in the decisive third Test against Australia after the first two matches ended in draws, said head coach Saqlain Mushtaq on Friday.
It is Australia's first tour to Pakistan since 1998 but the first two Tests in Rawalpindi and Karachi ended in draws, drawing criticism from all quarters regarding the pitches.
"I think after our fight back we are very optimistic and we will play hard to get a result and obviously we also want a result and to win this series. We are ready to play tough cricket in the final test," he said in a media interaction on Friday.
In the two Tests so far, eight centuries were scored -- six by Pakistani batters and two by Australia in Karachi. Both games have produced over 2300 runs with 14 wickets falling in Pindi and 28 in Karachi.
Following the drawn result, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) summoned former ICC Academy head curator Toby Lumsden to oversee the preparations for the final game at Gaddafi Stadium starting Monday.
Saqlain admitted that the team management have made some mistakes in the preparation and planning for the series but they were human beings and learnt from their mistakes.
He, however, didn’t agree that the pitches for the first two Tests were not prepared to Pakistan's strength.
"Yes the surface for the second test was on a slower side but it ticked all the boxes for a memorable test match. It fulfilled all requirements to have a good test as it had spin, reverse swing and uneven bounce. Both teams fought hard and made it a memorable test match," he said.
About the first Test pitch, Mushtaq said it became slower and slower because of the weather and also because the Australians also used the heavy roller.
"Franky speaking if the weather had not played a part and we not lost those 60-70 overs we would have got a great test match maybe even a result."
Mushtaq said Pakistan had created history the way they played over 1000 deliveries to draw the second Test in Karachi.
"I think we created history the way the second Test ended. Every player showed their character and self belief in each other," the former Test off-spinner said.
"Lot of people said it was impossible for us to save the test. We played more than 1000 deliveries and remember Australia is the no one Test side and the way they beat England 4-0 recently their confidence was sky high.
"I consider myself lucky to be head coach and feel proud of the way our players fought after the first innings collapse."
Saqlain also said that centurion Muhammad Rizwan’s remarks after the match that his 100 runs and the 0 by tailender Nauman Ali were the same had touched his heart as it showed the players were wiling to fight till the end for the country.
Asked about the continued absence of experienced leg-spinner, Yasir Shah, Saqlain said the team was definitely missing his energy, experience and aggression.
"But the point is that he was with us in the camp before the series and the medical panel felt his fitness was not up to the mark and nor was he prepared for the series. He is a great asset for us and he is in our plans for the future. We have not put him aside when we need him, we will call him up provided he is match ready."
Asked if Fawad Alam’s unorthodox batting stance was being exposed by the quality Australian bowlers, Saqlain said: "In my mind there is no problem at all with Fawad’s stance since he has scored runs against every opposition in the past with the same technique and I am sure he will also get runs against Australia.
"Unfortunately in the second test he got an outstanding ball when he came out to bat."
https://www.deccanherald.com/sports...-test-head-coach-saqlain-mushtaq-1092537.html
Pakistan is ready to play "tough cricket" and will go for a result in the decisive third Test against Australia after the first two matches ended in draws, said head coach Saqlain Mushtaq on Friday.
It is Australia's first tour to Pakistan since 1998 but the first two Tests in Rawalpindi and Karachi ended in draws, drawing criticism from all quarters regarding the pitches.
"I think after our fight back we are very optimistic and we will play hard to get a result and obviously we also want a result and to win this series. We are ready to play tough cricket in the final test," he said in a media interaction on Friday.
In the two Tests so far, eight centuries were scored -- six by Pakistani batters and two by Australia in Karachi. Both games have produced over 2300 runs with 14 wickets falling in Pindi and 28 in Karachi.
Following the drawn result, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) summoned former ICC Academy head curator Toby Lumsden to oversee the preparations for the final game at Gaddafi Stadium starting Monday.
Saqlain admitted that the team management have made some mistakes in the preparation and planning for the series but they were human beings and learnt from their mistakes.
He, however, didn’t agree that the pitches for the first two Tests were not prepared to Pakistan's strength.
"Yes the surface for the second test was on a slower side but it ticked all the boxes for a memorable test match. It fulfilled all requirements to have a good test as it had spin, reverse swing and uneven bounce. Both teams fought hard and made it a memorable test match," he said.
About the first Test pitch, Mushtaq said it became slower and slower because of the weather and also because the Australians also used the heavy roller.
"Franky speaking if the weather had not played a part and we not lost those 60-70 overs we would have got a great test match maybe even a result."
Mushtaq said Pakistan had created history the way they played over 1000 deliveries to draw the second Test in Karachi.
"I think we created history the way the second Test ended. Every player showed their character and self belief in each other," the former Test off-spinner said.
"Lot of people said it was impossible for us to save the test. We played more than 1000 deliveries and remember Australia is the no one Test side and the way they beat England 4-0 recently their confidence was sky high.
"I consider myself lucky to be head coach and feel proud of the way our players fought after the first innings collapse."
Saqlain also said that centurion Muhammad Rizwan’s remarks after the match that his 100 runs and the 0 by tailender Nauman Ali were the same had touched his heart as it showed the players were wiling to fight till the end for the country.
Asked about the continued absence of experienced leg-spinner, Yasir Shah, Saqlain said the team was definitely missing his energy, experience and aggression.
"But the point is that he was with us in the camp before the series and the medical panel felt his fitness was not up to the mark and nor was he prepared for the series. He is a great asset for us and he is in our plans for the future. We have not put him aside when we need him, we will call him up provided he is match ready."
Asked if Fawad Alam’s unorthodox batting stance was being exposed by the quality Australian bowlers, Saqlain said: "In my mind there is no problem at all with Fawad’s stance since he has scored runs against every opposition in the past with the same technique and I am sure he will also get runs against Australia.
"Unfortunately in the second test he got an outstanding ball when he came out to bat."
https://www.deccanherald.com/sports...-test-head-coach-saqlain-mushtaq-1092537.html
Babeikh
Tape Ball Captain
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Weather looking good, let's hope we get a sporting surface and the Lahoris come out in force - in spite of the match being during the working week. Looking like ticket sales are going well but still 5k ish left for day 1.
Can someone explain what head coach Saqlain Mushtaq's role is. He has no real coaching experience, so let's make him the head coach of Pakistan. He was an off spinner, is he coaching the off spinner Sajid Khan? Sure does not look like it based on Sajid Khan's performance. Is he giving tips to the pace bowlers and the batsmen?
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Hilarious 
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 55.556%;"><iframe src="https://streamable.com/e/2whwjg" frameborder="0" width="100%" height="100%" allowfullscreen style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;"></iframe></div>
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LegendAli
Local Club Captain
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- Feb 21, 2012
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Hilarious
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 55.556%;"><iframe src="https://streamable.com/e/2whwjg" frameborder="0" width="100%" height="100%" allowfullscreen style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;"></iframe></div>
too good.He has previous experience of having been with the England, West Indies and New Zealand teams as spin bowling coach/consultant
Justcrazy
ATG
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- Dec 6, 2010
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Make a rank turner , a proper mine field , and go in with three spinners , and Shaheen and faheem as pacers.
Monsee
Senior Test Player
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Word so far is that leggie Zahid will play in place of Sajid Khan and maybe (just maybe one batting change, not 100% if Babar wants to make the change now). Only change I can see is Fawad being dropped for maybe Shan but then he is not a middle order basman.
As for all those advocating for Yasir Shah, have you seen how fat and out of shape he looks, almost like a second coming of Ranatunga!
As for all those advocating for Yasir Shah, have you seen how fat and out of shape he looks, almost like a second coming of Ranatunga!
BunnyRabbit
ODI Debutant
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Saqlain, Azhar Mahmood and probably Mushtaq Ahmed are the only people in Pakistan who are certified level 3 coaches from England. Saqlain and Mushtaq have the most international experience under their belt while Azhar Mahmood has coached domestic teams abroad as well.
The problem with these guys is what they lack is the combination of formal coaching and using their experience.
It seems some of these guys learn something from these courses, have a eureka moment and then only concentrate on that disregarding a lot of the things that they have gleaned from their experience.
Azhar Mahmood for example “right areas”. That’s all he ever said. Even a kid can tell you to bowl in the right areas. Where’s the ability to pivot strategy, where’s the know-how that this is the time to go hard, bowl a bit quicker, with more aggression. Not everything is about “right areas”, “tight lines”etc etc
Steve Smith press conference today:
That was an exceptional innings by Babar Azam in the fourth innings breaking records. I thought he played remarkably well and he played our spinners so well. Everything just seemed to hit the middle of his bat until the one he got out on. He faced 400 or so balls and that was remarkable along with Rizwan.
They made us work for our wickets and we weren’t quite good enough to get all 10 wickets in the end.
Yes the first 2 Tests getting 70, it’s a number that I haven’t got out on too many times in my career. I think I’ve gone to get the bigger scores particularly on these wickets and I’ve been pretty disappointed when I’ve got out after working hard to get there and playing well to that point. Hopefully I can get into a similar position in this Test and go on and convert.
It’s been a great series so far and it’s been played in a terrific spirit. Both teams have played some good cricket and got on well throughout the games.
I’ve not seen the wicket yet but I’m expecting something similar to what we’ve had in the first 2 Tests. We’ll be able to make a better assessment when we get to training and have a look at the surface.
I changed my batting stance against Faheen, Hassan and Shaheen when they were reversing the ball and it’s a position I like to get into.
It’s been a shame that we’ve not been able to travel and play Test cricket away Our last away Test series was Ashes 2019 and that seems like an eternity. We love playing Test cricket away and challenging ourselves in different conditions so it’s been nice to come over here and play on some different surfaces.
We got ourselves in a position to win the last Test but obviously Pakistan batted exceptionally well to stay out there for 172 overs. It’s not too often you see a team last that long in the fourth innings. Let’s see what the surface is like when we get to training and think about the best way we can go about our business to win this game.
It’s nice to be in Lahore. It’s my first time here and we’ll train for the first time today after having a day off yesterday.
That was an exceptional innings by Babar Azam in the fourth innings breaking records. I thought he played remarkably well and he played our spinners so well. Everything just seemed to hit the middle of his bat until the one he got out on. He faced 400 or so balls and that was remarkable along with Rizwan.
They made us work for our wickets and we weren’t quite good enough to get all 10 wickets in the end.
Yes the first 2 Tests getting 70, it’s a number that I haven’t got out on too many times in my career. I think I’ve gone to get the bigger scores particularly on these wickets and I’ve been pretty disappointed when I’ve got out after working hard to get there and playing well to that point. Hopefully I can get into a similar position in this Test and go on and convert.
It’s been a great series so far and it’s been played in a terrific spirit. Both teams have played some good cricket and got on well throughout the games.
I’ve not seen the wicket yet but I’m expecting something similar to what we’ve had in the first 2 Tests. We’ll be able to make a better assessment when we get to training and have a look at the surface.
I changed my batting stance against Faheen, Hassan and Shaheen when they were reversing the ball and it’s a position I like to get into.
It’s been a shame that we’ve not been able to travel and play Test cricket away Our last away Test series was Ashes 2019 and that seems like an eternity. We love playing Test cricket away and challenging ourselves in different conditions so it’s been nice to come over here and play on some different surfaces.
We got ourselves in a position to win the last Test but obviously Pakistan batted exceptionally well to stay out there for 172 overs. It’s not too often you see a team last that long in the fourth innings. Let’s see what the surface is like when we get to training and think about the best way we can go about our business to win this game.
It’s nice to be in Lahore. It’s my first time here and we’ll train for the first time today after having a day off yesterday.
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