Imagine enjoying the comfort of playing Test matches at home for years since a global lockdown. Then, imagine a first tour in a country you have heard of, fantasised about, but do not have any playing experience of the conditions. That is perhaps what the Australian cricketers must be going through – a blend of nervousness and excitement in equal measure – as they play their first overseas Test since the 2019 Ashes.
That, too, in a nation they have not toured since 1998. For a cohort of Gen Z cricketers in both nations, this is going to be an unseen, unheard-of experience.
For Australia, this Test will also mark the start of post-Langer era, with interim head coach Andrew McDonald at the helm.
Two decades ago, Australia had found a new hero in Stuart MacGill, whose spin bowling helped them to hold on to a 1-0 lead. The series is also remembered for Mark Taylor's unbeaten 334. This time the onus will be on Nathan Lyon to get the best out of the conditions. However, with the Rawalpindi surface historically known for aiding pace, all eyes will be on the pace troika of Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Pat Cummins.
Smith could not really live up to the standards one expects of him in the recent Ashes, crossing the 30-run mark just twice in five Test matches. His role becomes crucial, considering none barring him and David Warner have experience playing in this part of the world. Usman Khawaja will reunite with Warner at the top of the order. Marnus Labuschagne recently shared an interesting drill as a part of his preparation for tackling spin; it will be interesting to see how he fares against Sajid Khan and Yasir Ali.
Pakistan, on the other hand, will rue the absence of Hasan Ali and Faheem Ashraf. Mohammad Wasim Jr is likely to play in place of Hasan. An injury to Haris Rauf has further paved way for Naseem Shah, who is likely to share new-ball duties with Shaheen Shah Afridi. The last time Shaheen and Naseem bowled together against Australia, it did not go well for them: as Warner and Labuschagne wore them with four stands in excess of 150.
Probable XIs
Pakistan: Abdullah Shafique, Shan Masood, Azhar Ali, Babar Azam (c), Fawad Alam, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Nauman Ali, Sajid Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah
Australia: David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith (vc), Travis Head, Cameron Green, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood
Fantasy tips
- Pick Hazlewood, Afridi and Lyon.
- Among batters, Warner, Azhar, and Babar are must-haves.
- Make Afridi captain and Cummins vice-captain.
Fantasy XI:
David Warner, Steve Smith, Azhar Ali, Babar Azam, Pat Cummins (vc), Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Sajid Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi (c), Mohammad Rizwan