PAK vs AUS | 3rd Test: Australia name unchanged XI for Lahore Test

The third Test between Australia and Pakistan is scheduled to begin on Monday (March 21). The visitors have announced an unchanged playing eleven for the final Test of the series. They have backed the spin duo of Nathan Lyon and Mitchell Swepson, while Josh Hazelwood has missed out once again.

Skipper Pat Cummins announced the XI on Sunday afternoon. While addressing the press, he revealed that he was happy with the previous Test match, which ended in a draw. Australia fought hard but could have well won that match. 

“We were really happy with how all 11 players went last Test. Everyone has pulled up really well. We gave them an extra couple of days to make sure everyone has come up good. But there’s no injury worries, everyone is freshened up, so we’re confident in the XI,” said the Australia Test captain.

“Only having two quick bowlers, I think reverse swing is going to be a big factor and the way Starcy played last game was fantastic. It’s always tough leaving out someone like Joshy, even Scotty Boland. But the class and the difference Starcy brings as a left-armer, a bit more air speed, we think that’s the best chance to take 20 wickets,” he added.

Mitchell Starc was bowling brilliantly in the second Test match. In the first innings, he took three wickets to help Australia dismiss Pakistan for a cheap score. He got some great movement and was also on a hattrick. 

The skipper was impressed with his team’s approach in the previous Test and said they had dominated for a major part of the game.  

“I think what’s been clear … is the way we’ve gone about it is the right way. I’ve been really happy with how everyone has gone about their work (and) the tactics. I think it’s just a matter of taking those chances,” said Cummins. 

“Wickets are at a premium in this series so you can’t afford to drop too many chances. We created more than 10 chances (in the second innings in Karachi) we just unfortunately didn’t take them, so that’s going to be the challenge this week,” Cummins added. 

Australia were criticized for being sloppy in the field. They dropped a few catches, which proved to be costly. 

Currently, the three-match Test series remains drawn at 0-0. The fans were disappointed as the first two games ended in a draw. However, the second Test was still a good one considering the fight shown by the Pakistan side in their final innings.

Australia XI: David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Cameron Green, Alex Carey (wk), Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Swepson, Nathan Lyon.