For all the frisson ahead of this historic tour, the first Test match between Pakistan and Australia, in Rawalpindi, had a very slumberous effect on both the players and visitors. While the batters enjoyed their time out in the middle, the bowlers laboured the whole day without much success.
Specifically designed to nullify the threats of Australia's four-pronged pace attack, the pitch not only achieved its end goal but also forced Pat Cummins to drop Josh Hazlewood for the second Test match, in Karachi. Mitchell Swepson's long wait to don the Baggy Green will be realised on Friday. He will certainly relish bowling alongside Nathan Lyon on a pitch that has historically favoured the spinners.
Other than that, Australia are unchanged, and their batting looks quite sorted. David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Steven Smith, and Marnus Labuschagne started the tour with half-centuries, while Travis Head and Alex Carey would have surely loved getting one on that placid pitch. Carey dropped a few catches behind the stumps; on a pitch where spin is expected to play a significant role, he may be tested.
Imam-ul-Haq and Abdullah Shafique provided them with a brilliant start on both occasions, adding an unbeaten 252 in the second innings. With Shan Masood warming the bench, it was important for Imam to play more big innings to cement his place, and he did put up a show with consecutive centuries.
On the bowling front, they will be boosted by the comeback of Hasan Ali. His ability to get generate reverse swings will be beneficial for the hosts. He is likely to replace Naseem Shah, and Iftikhar Ahmed will have to make way for Faheem Ashraf.
Probable XIs
Pakistan: Abdullah Shafique, Imam-ul-Haq, Azhar Ali, Babar Azam (c), Fawad Alam, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Faheem Ashraf, Nauman Ali, Sajid Khan, Hasan Ali, Shaheen Shah Afridi
Australia: David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Travis Head, Cam Green, Alex Carey (wk), Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins (capt), Mitchell Swepson, Nathan Lyon
Fantasy Tips
- Rizwan is a better choice than Carey when it comes to wicketkeeping.
- Starc and Hasan are must-haves for your team.
- Among spinners, pick Lyon, Nauman, and Sajid.
Fantasy XI:
Abdullah Shafique, Imam-ul-Haq, Azhar Ali, Babar Azam, Steven Smith, Mohammad Rizwan (c), Nathan Lyon, Nauman Ali (vc), Sajid Khan, Mitchell Starc, Hasan Ali