Ahead of the third and final Test in Sydney against Australia, Pakistan looks set to make a change. Opener Imam-ul-Haq might be left out, paving the way for newcomer Saim Ayub to make his debut.
Sources suggest the team’s management isn’t pleased with Imam’s slow batting in the series. The left-hander scored 94 runs in four innings at a strike-rate of 31.22. Team directives emphasize playing positively, as shared by insiders.
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To ease the load on vice-captain Shaheen Afridi, plans are in place to manage his workload. The tall fast bowler won’t practice bowling in the nets before the Test. Moreover, he’s likely to bowl fewer overs than usual during this crucial match. Shaheen has already bowled 99.2 overs, the most by any player in the series.
Australia secured victory in the second Test in Melbourne, defeating Pakistan by 79 runs. Chasing 317 runs, Pakistan was dismissed for 237 in their second innings. Pat Cummins, in a fiery performance, claimed five wickets in the innings and ten in the match, earning the Player of the Match accolade.
The hosts dominated the first Test in Perth, thrashing Pakistan by 360 runs. Pakistan’s record in Australia has been dismal, losing 16 consecutive Tests since their last victory in 1995.
