Pakistan gears up to face Australia in the opening Test of a three-match series scheduled at Perth starting on December 14. Here is the AUS vs PAK predicted line-up for the Perth Test.
The team management plans to convene a meeting on Tuesday to lock in the playing XI.
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Off-spinner Sajid Khan called in as an injury cover for Abrar Ahmed, is set to join the team’s training session on Wednesday. Noman Ali is expected to step in for the injured Abrar in the squad for the first Test due to safety measures.
Skipper Shan Masood is slated to retain his spot at number three, while Babar Azam will likely bat just below the captain.
Pakistan aims to field four pacers, including all-rounder Faheem Ashraf, potentially leaving Salman Ali Agha on the bench. Shaheen Afridi and Hasan Ali are set to feature in the XI, with the decision on the fourth pacer between Mir Hamza, Khurram Shahzad, and Aamer Jamal yet to be finalized.
It’s worth noting that this tour marks Pakistan’s first Test series in Australia since their challenging 2019 tour under Azhar Ali’s leadership, where they suffered defeats in both games by innings.
Pakistan, historically, has never clinched a Test series victory in Australia.
The series schedule comprises three Tests, with matches at Perth Stadium, Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), and Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG).
The squads are set with Australia led by Pat Cummins for the first Test and Pakistan captained by Shan Masood. Both sides boast a mix of experienced players and promising talents, setting the stage for an exciting series.
PM’s XI squad
- Nathan McSweeney (c)
- Cameron Bancroft
- Cameron Green
- Marcus Harris
- Nathan McAndrew
- Todd Murphy
- Michael Neser
- Jimmy Peirson
- Matthew Renshaw
- Mark Steketee
- Beau Webster
This fixture will also involve support from ATC Premier players, offering them a chance to train and learn alongside top domestic talents.
Pakistan squad for the Australia Tests
- Shan Masood (captain)
- Aamir Jamal
- Abdullah Shafique
- Abrar Ahmed
- Babar Azam
- Faheem Ashraf
- Hasan Ali
- Imam-ul-Haq
- Khurram Shahzad
- Mir Hamza
- Mohammad Rizwan (wk)
- Mohammad Wasim Jnr
- Noman Ali
- Saim Ayub
- Salman Ali Agha
- Sarfaraz Ahmed (wk)
- Saud Shakeel
- Shaheen Shah Afridi
AUS vs PAK Tour Schedule
The tour schedule outlines a four-day match between PM’s XI and Pakistan from December 6-9 at Manuka Oval, Canberra. Subsequently, the Test series between Australia and Pakistan is set to unfold at Perth Stadium (December 14-18), Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) from December 26-30, and the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) from January 3-7.
