Pakistan v Australia | 3rd Test | 21-25 March | Lahore | Pre-match discussion

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Pakistan first practice session at GSL ahead of third Test

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Pitch for third Test

 

[Firebat]

I doubt there will be any changes to the XI. We've no other quality bowlers to bring in, what we've got is what we've got. Zahid Mehmood will fare far worse than Sajid and Nauman in my opinion.

 

[Kroll]

Sajid for Yasir Shah anyone?

Not really, need to move on from dross.

Although I agree need much better spinners.

 

[Shafi]

Saqlain is as bad as Waqar. Talk big deliver nothing.

 

[MenInG]

Australia will field an unchanged XI in the series-deciding third Test against Pakistan, starting on Monday, meaning pace star Josh Hazlewood will miss out for a second Test in a row.

Despite the short turnaround from the draining second Test in Karachi, spinners Nathan Lyon and Mitchell Swepson have been backed to be at their best despite bowling more than 50 overs each in Pakistan's second innings last week.

With similar conditions expected in Lahore from the ones seen in Rawalpindi and Karachi, there is no room again in Australia's side for Hazlewood, the world's No.10 ranked Test bowler, or Ashes hero Scott Boland, while left-arm spinner Ashton Agar has also been overlooked.

"We were really happy with how all 11 players went last Test," skipper Pat Cummins said on Sunday.

"Everyone has pulled up really well. We gave them an extra couple of days to make sure everyone has come up good. But there's no injury worries, everyone is freshened up, so we're confident in the XI.


"Only having two quick bowlers, I think reverse swing is going to be a big factor and the way Starcy played last game was fantastic.

"It's always tough leaving out someone like Joshy, even Scotty Boland. But the class and the difference Starcy brings as a left-armer, a bit more air speed, we think that's the best chance to take 20 wickets."

In a series that has seen bat dominate ball, Cummins is expecting more of the same this week based on what he's seen of the pitch at the Gaddafi Stadium.

"There's not a lot of grass on it," he said. "I think it's had quite a lot of traffic throughout the PSL (Pakistan Super League) on it as well.

"It seems hard, but I can't see it being too much different from the other ones.

"We feel like we've got all bases covered if needed, whether it's reverse swing or swing later in the game."

Despite falling just short of victory in Karachi, Cummins said Australia's dominance for most of that match was validation of their methods.

"I think what's been clear … is the way we've gone about it is the right way," he said.

"I've been really happy with how everyone has gone about their work (and) the tactics. I think it's just a matter of taking those chances.

"Wickets are at a premium in this series so you can't afford to drop too many chances. We created more than 10 chances (in the second innings in Karachi) we just unfortunately didn't take them, so that's going to be the challenge this week."

The opening two Tests of the series have been drawn, meaning a win in Lahore would seal Australia's first Test series win on Asian soil since they beat Sri Lanka 1-0 in 2011.

Australia XI: David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Cameron Green, Alex Carey (wk), Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Swepson, Nathan Lyon

https://www.cricket.com.au/news/aus...arc-swepson-agar-hazlewood-cummins/2022-03-20

 

[shah_1]

See Warner's insta story

He thinks it is a proper road. Egg on Rami Raja face if it is the case.

 

[MenInG]

Pakistan and Australia are gearing up for the Test series decider at the iconic Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore and the home side skipper is excited to play his first-ever Test at the home ground.

The 27-year-old will play his 40th match of the Test career and his first at the home venue. While talking to reporters, Babar opined that the feeling is unexplainable.

"I can't explain this feeling' Babar said. "Playing in front of the home crowd is a different feeling, I am highly hopeful of performing and most importantly winning the match for Pakistan.

After the first two Tests of the series ended in a draw, Babar is confident of producing results by giving their best against the No.1 ranked Test side.

"Definitely, it means a lot. If you win against Australia in a home series, it would be a proud moment for us as a team and the way our side is improving day by day, it will give us a lot of confidence. Our mindset will be to win, rest is in Allah's hands," he maintained.

Meanwhile, Babar reiterated that the pitch looks the same as of Rawalpindi and Karachi but believes that the bowl will turn as the cracks are not bigger compared to the other two venues.

"There is not a lot of difference, it looks the same," said the Pakistan captain ahead of the third Test in a virtual press conference.

"I think the ball will turn here for sure, the cracks are not quite open, they are very little. And in that case, spinners get help and there will be rough patches. I think the wicket will play differently as compared to Karachi."

On the other hand, Babar revealed the main motive behind bowling regularly in Test cricket now.
"A batter must face a different type of bowling and they get set while facing a particular bowler and when a part-timer comes to bowl, the batter gets relaxed and look to play freely, there is a chance of mistake and opportunity of a wicket," he added.

"I have been bowling in the nets for long and try to do better each and every day."

It must be noted that the third Test will start from tomorrow. Gaddafi Stadium is hosting a Test after a gap of 13 years.

https://cricketpakistan.com.pk/en/n...babar-on-playing-his-first-ever-test-at-home-

 

[boomboomcheema]

See Warner's insta story

He thinks it is a proper road. Egg on Rami Raja face if it is the case.

Pakistan's main aim in this series has been to avoid defeat so after securing draws especially a well fought draw in the last test, don't think Pakistan would prepare a lively track and end up losing the series in the last test. Expect a very flat track here also. Same Australia piling up big runs and Pakistan following them.

 

[BunnyRabbit]

Has there been any change in Pakistan's squad?

 

[90MPH]

At least leave some grass so team batting first have to face a bit of music in the first session. Maybe some cracks as well if possible, so it has the potential to widen on the last few days.

It’s not rocket science to make a Test match a good contest.

 

[Kianig89]

With a grass on it it's k.O for Pakistan, Aus will come very hard after chasing leather for 170 odd overs, hopefully we will bat first and get a big score
As far as selection is concerned the whole squad is at same level bare average so don't think any yasir Zahid Hamid will make a difference

 

[Markhor]

Surely they can't make a road for the third Test in a row ?!

 

[Kianig89]

Surely they can't make a road for the third Test in a row ?!

Road is Pakistan best chance Aussies have better batsman better bowlers and better coaching staff

 

[Rana]

Aussies seem clearly as frustrated as we are for these roads

Maybe that’s what the PCB wanted all along? Why make such a big fuss to play at home when you can just whitewash them in UAE?

 

[Bewal Express]

PK would have had a fair chance of winning the series if we had a decent spinner. Both guys journeyman with no special skills and that has meant that the Aussie batsman haven't had to work for their runs.

 

[Kianig89]

Our best weapon this series so far is negative bowling really our bowling is absolute garbage

 

[shamaan]

Pakistan will win this test

 

[Nikhil_cric]

Swepson wasnt impressive at all. Australia made a tactical error by declaring and trying to win. Should have just kept on batting and buried Pakistan in the last test for preparing a road of a pitch. Now, Cummins has tired out his own bowlers by letting them bowl 170 odd overs.

 

[ali_ed2006]

I thought they were bringing an Australia curator for the pitch?

 

[PakPremi]

Has there been any change in Pakistan's squad?

Leg spinner Zahid will replace Sajid.

 

[Saj]

Surely they can't make a road for the third Test in a row ?!

Don't be surprised if they do and then settle for a 0-0.

 

[ahsan17]

Aussies seem clearly as frustrated as we are for these roads

Maybe that’s what the PCB wanted all along? Why make such a big fuss to play at home when you can just whitewash them in UAE?

I hate to say it, but it seems like Mamoon was right that we would have a much better chance of winning in UAE than in Pakistan - at least against Australia.

 

[PakPremi]

Pitches in Pakistan have always been flat, and they are not going to get better in short term. Plans are already in place to improver them, why would Pakistan want to play in UAE again?

 

[trickyone]

I hate to say it, but it seems like Mamoon was right that we would have a much better chance of winning in UAE than in Pakistan - at least against Australia.

People make fun of Mamoon but his insight to the game is pretty impressive.

 

[iRfaN_LA]

Pitches in Pakistan have always been flat, and they are not going to get better in short term. Plans are already in place to improver them, why would Pakistan want to play in UAE again?

What happened in Pak vs SA series last year? Played around the same time and both test produced results.