Australia has named its 13-man team for the final Sydney Test against Pakistan happening from January 3-7. The home team, leading 2-0, aims to close the series strong and bolster its chances for the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25.
In the Aussie squad, David Warner, one of their top batters ever and second-highest run-getter, will bid adieu to red-ball cricket on his home ground. Selector George Bailey confirmed this farewell for Warner.
The Sydney Test squad includes Pat Cummins, Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitch Marsh, Steve Smith, Mitch Starc, and David Warner.
Pakistan Squad includes Shan Masood (c), Aamer Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Sarfaraz Ahmed (wk), Saud Shakeel and Shaheen Shah Afridi
Pakistan, prepping for changes, may bring in Saim Ayub for Imam-ul-Haq and Mohammad Wasim Jr for a rested Shaheen Afridi in their 17-man squad.
The series has seen Australia clinch a massive 360-run win in Perth but faced challenges in Melbourne, where Pakistan almost disrupted their batting might.
Abdullah Shafique’s drop of Mitchell Marsh at 20 proved costly as he went on to score 96. Shan Masood’s 60 off 71 balls gave Pakistan hope, but Pat Cummins’ late brilliance turned the tide.
Pakistan eyes a historic win on Australian soil, last achieved in 1995.