After almost a 10 days break, the two teams will meet again for a fresh fight at Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Wednesday. The middle period has been interesting and has almost levelled the battle ahead of the first Test match owning to a thumping 153-run victory achieved by Pakistan A. The success of the junior team would have infused a feeling competitiveness in the minds of the senior men who had earlier failed to find a way ahead of the Australian team. But Test match is a different ball game, not only the colourful kits change into a uniform white dress but also the tactics and playing style changes.
The loss against Pakistan A would have thumped the mindset of the Australian players badly. After a superior show in the One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and the lone T20 International, defeat was unlikely. But it was a rusty and listless fight by the Australians which gave away the match to Pakistan A. The Dubai surface which suits spin and reverse swing will not give a comfortable feeling to the Australian players.
Australia is likely to float in two spinners in the form of Steve O’ Keefe and Nathan Lyon would play a prime role in the spin department. The presence of Mitchell Johnson will also be crucial for Australia. Mitchell Marsh who was absent from the side due to injury is likely to make Test debut for the side. While, David Warner and Michael Clarke have a lot to do as both of them are coming out of injuries.
Pakistan at this moment will be the more confident of the both sides. they have named a 16-man team for the first Test which looks quite promising on paper. The team comes with re-instilled faith and more confidence but main worry which comes attached to the Pakistan team is the inconsistency with batting. Pakistan as a batting unit appeared poor in all the earlier games. Ahmed Shehzad and Asad Shafiq got runs in the four-day match at Sharjah which is one good sign for Pakistan.
Interestingly, Taufeeq Umar makes a comeback in the Pakistan Test squad and Younis Khan who was left out for the ODIs is also back with the team for the Tests. Pakistan off-spinner holds to record of most wickets in Dubai and it is an indication of the spin and grip present in the Dubai surface. Pakistan bring along a rookie spinner Yasir Shah, who will step on the boots of Saeed Ajmal. Shah has only played a single ODI for Pakistan and yet to play a Test for Pakistan. The good news for Pakistan will be the presence of Mohammad Hafeez in the squad who makes a comeback after a hand injury he suffered during a practice session.
The presence of senior names in the Pakistan squad garnished with some talented youngsters give Pakistan team a revamped and a promising look. While the Australian side which struggled against reverse swing in Sharjah will have a lot to prove.
Time: 10:00 local | 11:30 IST
Pakistan squad: Misbah-ul-Haq (capt), Ahmed Shehzad, Asad Shafiq, Azhar Ali, Ehsan Adil, Haris Sohail, Imran Khan, Mohammad Hafeez, Mohammad Talha, Rahat Ali, Sarfraz Ahmed (wk), Shan Masood, Taufeeq Umar, Yasir Shah, Younis Khan, Zulfiqar Babar.
Australia squad: David Warner, Chris Rogers, Alex Doolan, Michael Clarke (capt), Steven Smith, Shane Watson, Phillip Hughes, Brad Haddin, Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Marsh, Mitchell Johnson, Steve O’Keefe, Peter Siddle, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon.
(Varun Arorais a reporter with CricketCountry. He started as a medium-fast bowler, converted to an opening batsman but finally settled with his passion of writing about the game. His Twitter handle is @varunjgd)
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