Predict the outcome of the 2nd Test between Australia and Pakistan

Predict the outcome of the 2nd Test match between Australia and Pakistan


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Scott Boland at MCG

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I am pretty confident we will score a 100 runs at least and survive 40 overs.

Shan will then say, if you had said we will play 40 overs, I would take it.
 
Whatever they do, they must bench this Agha Salman guy who can neither bat nor bowl.
 
Salman will play but I guess Khurram is out due to injury. Still few days to go but Not sure.
 
M Wasim Jr for Faheem but what do we do if Khurram unfit?

Also Abrar news doesn't look too promising - Noman in place of Faheem?
 
Wasim Jnr should be replaced with the injured Khurram Shehzad. Without any doubt he is the only pacer in the squad who can consistently bowl at 140+
 
Realistically can anyone see pak getting 20 wickets in a test v Australia in Australia
 
Salman will play but I guess Khurram is out due to injury. Still few days to go but Not sure.
Salman agha is a most useless and unserious cricketer i have seen ever represented pakistan in a test matches. He is good for nothing. Cant bowl properly, bat like he is a small kid and field wise also looks too casual. I hope he get replaced by someone else
 
We require a breakthrough performance from our bowlers to secure 20 wickets. However, I anticipate a significant challenge for our bowling lineup, as the Australians have already faced Khurram and Aamer, likely having figured them out. We can expect a tough test for these two bowlers.
 
Ideally this should be playing 11:

Abdullah
Imam (Can't drop him after half century)
Shan
Babar
Saud
Saim Ayub
Sarfaraz (Has been good lately, need to give one more chance)
Jamal
Hassan
Shaheen
Wasim Jnr ( Considering Khurram is almost ruled out)
 
Ideally this should be playing 11:

Abdullah
Imam (Can't drop him after half century)
Shan
Babar
Saud
Saim Ayub
Sarfaraz (Has been good lately, need to give one more chance)
Jamal
Hassan
Shaheen
Wasim Jnr ( Considering Khurram is almost ruled out)
Aamer Jamal has not demonstrated any batting skills in recent tournaments. I didn't even see him score a fifty in recent domestic tournaments. During the 1st Test against Australia, it was an opportunity for him to become a hero as a batter, but I didn't see any intent from him.
 
With Abrar & Khurram's injuries Pakistan need to make changes.

1. Abdullah Shafique
2. Imam-ul-Haq
3. Shan Masood (C)
4. Babar Azam
5. Saud Shakeel
6. Sarfaraz Ahmed (WK)
7. Agha Ali Salman
8. Aamer Jamal
9. Hasan Ali
10. Mohammad Wasim Jnr
11. Shaheen Shah Afridi

Aamer Jamal needs to start improving his batting. He is meant to be a AR for Pakistan & with the minimal competition for the role, he should do his due diligence & work on his batting & refine his bowling.
 
Aamer Jamal has not demonstrated any batting skills in recent tournaments. I didn't even see him score a fifty in recent domestic tournaments. During the 1st Test against Australia, it was an opportunity for him to become a hero as a batter, but I didn't see any intent from him.
He should play as a bowler, anything with the bat is bonus.
 
PAK must try batting more positively (not recklessly). The problem with the traditional method of waiting for the bad ball is these Australian pacers are too accurate. You gotta hit them off their lengths like ENG did otherwise the scoreboard goes nowhere.
 
I am sure Pakistan's team has already lost mentally to Australia ahead of the 2nd Test. We have been lacking spark and fighting spirit for quite some time now.

Do we have a batsman in our side who can win the game for us single-handedly against this mighty Australian side?

Do we have any bowler who can restrict Australia to 20/4?

Let's accept the fact. We are not even a little closer to this mighty Australian Test side.
 
Pakistan tour already in crisis , plagued with injuries and cocky management who is devoid of any sense

Imam
Shafiq
Shan
Babar
Saud
Saim
Rizwan
Jamal
SSA
Nauman
WasimJr.
------------

this has to be the XI, test cricket is about specialists joqers like Agha and faheem should be kicked out, play Saim at 6 when the ball is old
 
Pakistan tour already in crisis , plagued with injuries and cocky management who is devoid of any sense

Imam
Shafiq
Shan
Babar
Saud
Saim
Rizwan
Jamal
SSA
Nauman
WasimJr.
------------

this has to be the XI, test cricket is about specialists joqers like Agha and faheem should be kicked out, play Saim at 6 when the ball is old
You want to go with just 3 pacers and 2 out if these 3 have played just 1 test match and not really regarded as a test bowler by many. Noman ali? no chance. Only is Abrar is fit he should play, it won't mean much. We need another pacer and an all-rounder as well so salman will play ahead of saim here.
 
You want to go with just 3 pacers and 2 out if these 3 have played just 1 test match and not really regarded as a test bowler by many. Noman ali? no chance. Only is Abrar is fit he should play, it won't mean much. We need another pacer and an all-rounder as well so salman will play ahead of saim here.
with Saim you may get a useful 60 of 100 to put opposition on backfoot, with useless Agha good luck also if 4 bowlers cannot do it then 5 wont do a jack
 
Saim is a young guy, do you think it is wise to play him down the order where he never played before in the domestic circuit, and that too against an Aussie trio who is making fun of the other experienced batters?

Either play him in the top order or not play him at all.
 
A top player should not be hidden if he is good give him a go also alot of players started their career from No.6 in Test cricket and then moved up the ladder
 
I am all up for Saim to be given a go. He should be playing and given a proper run. Even if he fails initially, he should be given confidence as we have no bradman waiting in line.
 
Mohammad Yousuf during an interview ahead of Australia vs Pakistan 2nd Test match:

"They [Abdullah Shafique, Saud Shakeel] have gone to Australia for the first time, many players struggle, you need to be technically sound, have a strong fighting spirit, maintain solid technique, and work with patience on the field,”

“Look, the 'Bazball' cricket that we hear is being played by England, other teams are not playing like that. Yes, if necessary, judge the wicket, adapt to the conditions, and watch how the bowler is bowling. Based on that, if you feel you can play aggressively, then definitely play. If a ball is not conducive for aggressive play, then how can you play it aggressively?"

"In my opinion, mentally our boys are fine. If you meet them, you will find that mentally they are well. It's a significant advantage to have the right technique. This is a recognized fact. Our technique should be correct from top to bottom. This is going to be a very important task, so a lot of work is going to happen here, that's why this point is being reiterated again and again to focus on First-Class cricket,"
 
As per reports:

With the visitors already missing star quicks Naseem Shah (who has a shoulder injury) and Haris Rauf (elected to play in the KFC BBL), it is the second injury suffered by one of their bowlers on this tour after Abrar Ahmed hurt his right leg during a tour match in Canberra.

The leg-spinner appears unlikely to play in the final two Tests but has remained with the squad.
 
As per reports:

With the visitors already missing star quicks Naseem Shah (who has a shoulder injury) and Haris Rauf (elected to play in the KFC BBL), it is the second injury suffered by one of their bowlers on this tour after Abrar Ahmed hurt his right leg during a tour match in Canberra.

The leg-spinner appears unlikely to play in the final two Tests but has remained with the squad.
No Naseem, no Abrar, Shaheen out of form and now one of the promising debutants is out too.

Hope no one else gets injured now.
 
Abrar has been selected for the NZ series as well. Why was he selected in the first place if he is injured? Will he get fit in time?
 
This could turn out to be the worst EVER tour of Australia.

Let's hope not.
 
Imaam
Abdullah
Shan
Babar
Saud
Sarfraz
Jamal
Wasim Jnr
Shaheen
Abrar if fit if not Agha Salman
Shaheen
 
M Wasim Jr for Faheem but what do we do if Khurram unfit?

Also Abrar news doesn't look too promising - Noman in place of Faheem?
I'd keep agha as the spinner if Abrar is out, and lengthen the batting slightly.
It's absolutely key we win the toss and score heavily in the first innings
 
As per a media report

Sarfaraz out - Rizwan in
Faheem Ashraf out - Sajid Khan in
Khurram Shahzad (ruled out) - One of Mir Hamza/Hassan Ali in
 
As per a media report

Sarfaraz out - Rizwan in
Faheem Ashraf out - Sajid Khan in
Khurram Shahzad (ruled out) - One of Mir Hamza/Hassan Ali in

Rizwan is a good addition but that bowling attack is going to receive the phainty of a lifetime at the MCG.
 
Rizwan is a good addition but that bowling attack is going to receive the phainty of a lifetime at the MCG.

True

Also Mohammad Wasim Jr - last FC game:

1703260107475.png

Chances of injury/breakdown? 90-100%

So hope he is not picked.
 
I think we should go with an all pace attack instead of picking any spinner for the squad.

MCG offers good pace and bounce so why not utilize it well?
 
Michael Vaughan believes batting will be challenging for Pakistan’s batters against Australia at the MCG:


“It's going to be challenging and tough. You just hope that they get that one run out (that could change things), they might be better for it. The pitch won't bounce as much in Melbourne, you wouldn't have thought. The way that Pakistan bats with lower bounce in Melbourne, it might suit them.”

“It might give them a bit more confidence to bat for a longer period of time and maybe put Australia under a little bit more pressure with a counter punch or two. But this Australian side is just a wonderful team. They've got everything covered.”
 
I think Pakistan have to go with 5 bowlers and keep bowlers fresh without extended spells. Salman bat isn't good enough, especially in pacey conditions where he'll be much of a difference maker.

Shaheen/Wasim Jr,/Jamal/Faheem & spinner (ideally Abrar if he is healthy).
Rizwan for Sarfraz is an easy swap as well.

Pakistan will probably need to pray they win the toss, bat first and hopefully put up a competitive 1st innings total to have any chance.
 
I think Pakistan have to go with 5 bowlers and keep bowlers fresh without extended spells. Salman bat isn't good enough, especially in pacey conditions where he'll be much of a difference maker.

Shaheen/Wasim Jr,/Jamal/Faheem & spinner (ideally Abrar if he is healthy).
Rizwan for Sarfraz is an easy swap as well.

Pakistan will probably need to pray they win the toss, bat first and hopefully put up a competitive 1st innings total to have any chance.
I won't go for Faheem he is as good as a brick.

better to pick 4 genuine fast bolwers

Shaheen Afridi
Mir Hamza
Hassan Ali
Amir Jamal

1 spin all rounder in form of Salman Ali Agha is more than enough.
 
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Mohammad Yousuf during an interview ahead of Australia vs Pakistan 2nd Test match:

"They [Abdullah Shafique, Saud Shakeel] have gone to Australia for the first time, many players struggle, you need to be technically sound, have a strong fighting spirit, maintain solid technique, and work with patience on the field,”

“Look, the 'Bazball' cricket that we hear is being played by England, other teams are not playing like that. Yes, if necessary, judge the wicket, adapt to the conditions, and watch how the bowler is bowling. Based on that, if you feel you can play aggressively, then definitely play. If a ball is not conducive for aggressive play, then how can you play it aggressively?"

"In my opinion, mentally our boys are fine. If you meet them, you will find that mentally they are well. It's a significant advantage to have the right technique. This is a recognized fact. Our technique should be correct from top to bottom. This is going to be a very important task, so a lot of work is going to happen here, that's why this point is being reiterated again and again to focus on First-Class cricket,"
Sounds like a whole lot of nothing. and that's the problem with our country. A bunch of cowards with a whole lot of nothing. What do you bring to the table Mr. Yousuf? Sounds like nothing.
 
These coaches are all talk with zero results. Pakistan has been losing in Australia for so long now that they have accepted that it is not possible for us to beat Australia in Australia. You should keep quiet if you cannot do justice to your position in the team.
 
Well nothing gained from 2 day practice rather a big stamp on our mediocrity, Nauman also unfit as far playing XI is concerned wont make any difference

shafiq
imam
shan
babar
saud
rizwan
agha
jamal
SSa
wasimJr.
Sajid
----------
had to choose between Agha, Saim and Hassan for no.7 spot went with agha as he has already played a test
 
As per a media report

Sarfaraz out - Rizwan in
Faheem Ashraf out - Sajid Khan in
Khurram Shahzad (ruled out) - One of Mir Hamza/Hassan Ali in
Three pacers. Feels short. I would be inclined to bring in Wasim Jr in place of Salman.
 
Three pacers. Feels short. I would be inclined to bring in Wasim Jr in place of Salman.
Does Wasim Jnr. not have the fitness to bowl 18 overs a day at pace?

I saw him live at the World Cup and he looked comfortably more threatening than Shaheen/Rauf etc.

He is definitely an upgrade over fraud allrounder Faheem Ashraf at any rate
 
Update on Abrar Ahmed

Melbourne, December 23, 2023:

Abrar Ahmed’s symptoms have significantly improved, and he has started bowling at 50 per cent intensity.

Although he has worked really well since his diagnosis in Canberra, he still is not 100 per cent asymptomatic.

Considering the nature of the injury and the workload required from a spinner in a Test match, Abrar is not yet ready and will therefore not be available for the second Test.

He will undergo a preliminary fitness test on 25 December, which will determine his probable return-to-play date.
 
MCG Test X1

Imam
ABD
Shan
Babar
Saud
Riz
Salman
Jamal
Wasim Jr
Shaheen
Sajid if Abrar is not available or add faheem and go with 4 quicks plus salman and saud as spinners.

Reports have suggested Nouman and khurram are ruled out for the series
 
MCG Test X1

Imam
ABD
Shan
Babar
Saud
Riz
Salman
Jamal
Wasim Jr
Shaheen
Sajid if Abrar is not available or add faheem and go with 4 quicks plus salman and saud as spinners.

Reports have suggested Nouman and khurram are ruled out for the series
Bro, updates on Noman Ali and Khurram Shahzad have already been posted for quite some time. Have a look at our these threads


 
Bro, updates on Noman Ali and Khurram Shahzad have already been posted for quite some time. Have a look at our these threads


My bad bro(y)
 
Does Wasim Jnr. not have the fitness to bowl 18 overs a day at pace?

I saw him live at the World Cup and he looked comfortably more threatening than Shaheen/Rauf etc.

He is definitely an upgrade over fraud allrounder Faheem Ashraf at any rate
Definitely better than current Faheem. At the very least he will not bowl in mid 120s
 
We havn't won a test in more than 40 years! Of course, when it did, it was under Imran's leadership

63LL44I.png
 
We havn't won a test in more than 40 years! Of course, when it did, it was under Imran's leadership

63LL44I.png
Wow, we have won 2 Test matches at MCG.

Well, winning at MCG again is not a difficult thing for Pakistan. All we are lacking is the fighting spirit. Yes, Australia has a top quality bowling attack, but I don't think they have a top quality batting lineup except Smith and Head.

Winning Test cricket in Australia all depends on good and pace bowling and one good partnership between two batters. That's all we need. Miracles happen. Let's hope for the best.
 
What Pakistan need to focus on is 3 things during this test:
1. Try to score atleast 300. Play with intent and push over the 300 mark.
2. It's a tough ask with our limited bowling resources but try to bowl out Aus for less than 620.
3. Do whatever you can to drag the fame to Day 5.
 
That is encouraging to hear that Pakistan has 2 wins at MCG but what actually is mind-boggling is that it was around 20-30 years ago. Pakistan really need to do something about this poor record in Australia and what better than to to it at MCG.
 
As per a media report

Sarfaraz out - Rizwan in
Faheem Ashraf out - Sajid Khan in
Khurram Shahzad (ruled out) - One of Mir Hamza/Hassan Ali in
Rizwan - good move , Khurram - Hamza [ Hassan absolute NO ] , Khurram - hope Sajid not being picked for his batting ability . Likely we lose 3-4 hours on day 1 & some on day 2 as well , gives a chance for visitors to draw the game .
 
So Pakistan lost 2 WTC points as well for slow over-rate in the first Test in addition lt 10% match fee.
 
My ideal XI:
1. Abdullah Shafique
2. Saim Ayub
3. Shan Masood
4. Babar Azam
5. Saud Shakeel
6. Mohammad Rizwan
7. Salman Agha
8. Aamer Jamal
9. Wasim Jr
10. Shaheen Shah Afridi
11. Mir Hamza

I know they will never pick Ayub over Imam after the latters first innings score in Perth but i'd love to see Ayub in. We talk so much about intent so we might as well do it and play Saim. Abdullah + Imam opening is so boring for Test cricket.
 
Pakistan announced twelve players for Second Test Against Australia MCG, 26- 30 Dec. Final XI will be announced tomorrow.

1.Imam-ul-Haq
2.Abdullah Shafique
3.Shan Masood - (C)
4.Babar Azam
5.Saud Shakeel
6.M Rizwan - (WK)
7.Salman Ali Agha
8.Shaheen Afridi - (VC)
9.Hassan Ali
10. Mir Hamza
11. Aamir Jamal
12. Sajid Khan
 
Pakistan announced twelve players for Second Test Against Australia MCG, 26- 30 Dec. Final XI will be announced tomorrow.

1.Imam-ul-Haq
2.Abdullah Shafique
3.Shan Masood - (C)
4.Babar Azam
5.Saud Shakeel
6.M Rizwan - (WK)
7.Salman Ali Agha
8.Shaheen Afridi - (VC)
9.Hassan Ali
10. Mir Hamza
11. Aamir Jamal
12. Sajid Khan
its better to pick sajid into playing 11 instead of hassan ali else better go with 10 players.
 
Sajid Khan is the worst off spinner I've ever seen. He will be 0/200 if he plays.

Hassan is a more experienced, better choice.

But Mir Hamza has no role when Shaheen is playing. Wasim JR should have been there instead of him.
 
Rizwan + Nauman in.

Faheem + Sarfraz out.

The team will still get pummeled on a massive ground like the MCG but it's the least they can do. The wild card selection might be Saim, but I would avoid putting him in this situation.
I would play saim what’s to lose the the sooner the more he plays in Australian conditions the better in the long run
 
Has to be one of the worst pace attacks to have travelled to Australia ever.

A bunch of 130kph bowlers who aren't even capable of bowling long spells in what is actually the pinnacle of cricket.
 
Australia has found itself a powerful supporter here for this Test match. The injustice towards Sarfaraz and all deserving FC Red ball batsmen will be avenged in these two remaining Test matches InshaAllah!
 
For all of you who lobbied and cried for Rizwan’s inclusion, this series has become personal now. It was a good series to just breeze through and lose 3-0

Now I will bring the fire in this 3-0 defeat.
 
For all of you who lobbied and cried for Rizwan’s inclusion, this series has become personal now. It was a good series to just breeze through and lose 3-0

Now I will bring the fire in this 3-0 defeat.
Wow, we are all so scared!

How could our team possibly drop the aging wicket keeper who drops catches, misses stumping, and can’t play fast bowling? What a tragedy.
 
A complete mismatch it is Pakistan changing bowlers like summer shirts how will we take 20 wkts remains a mystery, hopefully the AI wizards all over the globe will take it as a challenge
 
Hometown hero Scott Boland misses out on a Boxing Day recall as Pakistan bring back exciting keeper-batter

Australia have confirmed they will field an unchanged XI for the NRMA Insurance Boxing Day Test with Pat Cummins admitting Scott Boland was unlucky to miss out on his home turf.

Boland famously took 6-7 on debut to clinch the 2021-22 Ashes in Melbourne but currently remains on the outer, with the 'big three' of Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood all fit to face Pakistan tomorrow.

Along with spinner Nathan Lyon, Australia's bowling quartet were irresistible in their 360-run win in the men's summer opener in Perth and virtually pick themselves when fit for a home Test.

"We're a huge fan of Scotty, I don't think that's a secret," Cummins told reporters on Boxing Day eve.

"It's very rare that you're going to get through seven Test matches with the same (fast) bowling line-up, there's always niggles or things that pop up.

"He's ready to go if anything happens, so I'm sure he'll play a part at some point.

"The message (to Boland) is always 'we love what you're brining, unfortunately you miss out on this one but don't change ... and stay ready'."

Pakistan confirmed a squad of 12 on the eve of the Test, with the final XI set to be revealed at the coin toss tomorrow morning.

Australia XI: David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Mitch Marsh, Alex Carey (wk), Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins (c), Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood


Pakistan XII: Imam-Ul-Haq, Abdullah Shafique, Shan Masood (c), Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Salman Ali Agha, Shaheen Afridi, Hasan Ali, Mir Hamza, Aamir Jamal, Sajid Khan (final team to be confirmed at the coin toss)

The tourists were already forced into making at least one change after paceman Khurram Shahzad was ruled out of the series with a rib injury.

Both specialist spinners originally picked for this tour, Noman Ali (appendicitis) and Abrar Ahmed (right leg injury), are also unavailable, which could open the door for off-spinner Sajid Khan to play in Melbourne.

Veteran gloveman Sarfaraz Ahmed has been dropped after a sub-par showing in Perth and a two-day practice match against a Victorian XI on Friday-Saturday, as fellow wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan scored an unbeaten fifty to earn a recall to the side.

"We think Rizwan is ready and we can give Sarfaraz a little bit of a break to recoup and come back," captain Shan Masood told reporters on the eve of the Test, adding that a heavy dose of red-ball cricket was the main reason Sarfaraz got the nod in Perth.

"It was more of a tactical decision in terms of the conditions and getting the best out of each player in those conditions."

Faheem Ashraf has also been omitted after going at worse than five-per-over in Perth.

Mir Hamza or Hasan Ali are the contenders if the tourists want to bolster or tweak their pace attack, however neither bowled with great control in Pakistan's hit-out against the Victorian side in recent days.

On a rainy Christmas Day, both sides will be mindful of more inclement weather predicted for Boxing Day, though the forecast is better for the remainder of the Test.

"We'd like to have one final look at the pitch, our last look was on the 21st (December)," Masood said of the decision around the final XI.

The MCG pitch has been lively in its two Marsh Sheffield Shield games so far this season. No team has passed 300 (though Victoria declared seven wickets down on exactly that number last month) with seam bowlers proving effective.

The Australians say there is less grass on this surface than the ones produced for the Shield games, with around 6-7mm expected to be left on the Test strip.

"It's probably a little bit harder and not as green as last year, knowing it's potentially going to be under covers today and for a little bit tomorrow maybe," Cummins said.

"We'll see how it plays, but it looks like a really good wicket."

 
I fail to understand why Wasim Jnr in not getting chances in test cricket despite being in setup for many years. Even in the recent WC he was tried only when Hasan Ali got injured.
Yes I am on the same page, especially with all the mediums and slow medium pacers we have, he is the fastest of them all..stupid selections that ruin our 1 percent chance of winning. Can't think of any worse bowling attack from us in recent times..
 
I fail to understand why Wasim Jnr in not getting chances in test cricket despite being in setup for many years. Even in the recent WC he was tried only when Hasan Ali got injured.

Last FC match he played? December 2022 vs NZ in Pakistan.
 
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