PAK vs AUS | 1st Test | Match Preview, Predictions, Fantasy XI

In what is a historic tour, two giants of world cricket, Pakistan and Australia will battle it out in the first Test of a three-match series, starting tomorrow at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi.

While both the teams gear up for the big clash, fans and players' eagerness know no limits as Australia is set to play cricket in Pakistan after 24 years. An all-format tour consisting of three Tests, three ODIs and a one-off T20I will commence with the red-ball on March 4.

Pakistan last played a Test series in November-December against Bangladesh, which they won 2-0. Although they will be up against the mighty Aussies, fighting to claim the Benaud-Qadir trophy in their backyard, still a lot of daunting tasks awaits them.

Babar Azam expectedly will lead the batting unit of the side that also include senior pros such as Azhar Ali, Fawad Alam and Mohammad Rizwan. On the bowling front, Shaheen Shah Afridi will play as the key pacer and a lot will ride on his shoulders. Hasan Ali is not available for the first Test due to an injury, while Haris Rauf has been ruled out after testing positive for COVID-19.

On the other hand, Australia will head to the series on the back of a 4-0 Ashes win. David Warner and Usman Khawaja will be their likely opening pair, while the middle-order comprises the dynamic Aussie duo of Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith, followed by in-form Travis Head.

Skipper Pat Cummins along with pacers Josh Hazelwood and Mitchell Starc will aim to damage Pakistan's batting lineup. Ashton Agar and Nathan Lyon are the probables to be included in the spin department and should come handy as the game progresses.

Match Details - Pakistan vs Australia, 1st Test

Date: 4th March 2022

Time: 10:30 AM IST

Venue: Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi 

Broadcast: Sony Six, Sony Six HD, SonyLIV app and website 

Pitch Report:

The pitch of Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium is a typical subcontinent wicket where spinners are likely to play a great role in the later half. As batting would keep getting tougher due to wear and tear of the pitch, the toss-winning captain should probably bat first.

Squads:

Pakistan 

Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Abdullah Shafique, Azhar Ali, Fawad Alam, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imam-ul-Haq, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Nauman Ali, Sajid Khan, Saud Shakeel, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shan Masood, Zahid Mahmood, Naseem Shah.

Australia 

Pat Cummins, Ashton Agar, Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Marcus Harris, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Mark Steketee, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Mitchell Swepson, David Warner.

Probable Playing XI:

Pakistan 

Imam-ul-Haq, Abdullah Shafique, Azhar Ali, Babar Azam ©, Fawad Alam, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Mohammad Wasim Jr, Nauman Ali, Sajid Khan, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi

Australia 

Usman Khawaja, David Warner, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Alex Carey (wk), Ashton Agar, Pat Cummins ©, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon

CE Fantasy XI:

Usman Khawaja, Azhar Ali, Babar Azam, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Mohammad Rizwan, Nauman Ali, Pat Cummins,  Nathan Lyon, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Josh Hazelwood

Captain: Babar Azam

Vice-captain: Usman Khawaja