AUS vs PAK, 2nd Test | Playing 11 Prediction, Cricket Tips, Preview & Live Streaming

David Warner celebrating his century against PAK at Perth (x.com)

Australia, under Pat Cummins, will face Pakistan in the second Test of their three-match series at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) between December 26 and December 30. The fixtures constitute a part of the ongoing 2023-25 ICC World Test Championship (WTC) cycle.

AUS vs PAK 2023 2nd Test: Team Previews

Australia

Australia ravaged Pakistan by 360 runs at the Perth Stadium last week to take a 1-0 lead in their three-match series. The hosts, under Pat Cummins, will be keen to extend their dominance over Pakistan at the MCG, which would also help them seal the series with a match to spare.

Having won the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) title earlier this year, Australia will also be aiming to maximise the points value of the 2023-25 cycle.

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Pakistan

Pakistan slipped to number two on the 2023-25 WTC points table after their crashing defeat in the first Test at Perth. Under new skipper Shan Masood, the ‘Men in Green’ will be aiming to avoid their fifth successive series whitewash in Australia, one which signalled back in 1999.

In a bid to reverse their fortunes, the Pakistan team management have already announced a number of replacements for their must-win game. A day prior to the Test match, the PCB unveiled their 12-member line-up, where they replaced wicketkeeper Sarfaraz Ahmed with Mohammad Rizwan.

AUS vs PAK 2023 2nd Test: Match Details & Live Streaming

AUS vs PAK 2023 2nd Test: MCG Pitch Report

The surface at the MCG is known for its steep bounce and fast pace. Fast bowlers will get much assistance with the new ball while batters are expected to come to the fore once the shine is worn off. The average first innings score at the historical venue has ranged around the 300-run mark. The captain winning the toss will likely opt to bat first, considering the MCG conditions have generally favoured teams taking first guard at the crease throughout its near 150-year history.

AUS vs PAK 2023 2nd Test: Teams

Australia XI: David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Mitch Marsh, Alex Carey (wk), Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins (c), Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood.

Australia have already announced their Playing XI for the Boxing Day Test against Pakistan. 

Pakistan Probable XI: Abdullah Shafique, Imam-ul-Haq, Shan Masood (c), Babar Azam, Agha Salman, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Hasan Ali, Mir Hamza, Sajid Khan, Shaheen Afridi, Aamer Jamal.

Pakistan have also announced a 12-member squad for the 2nd Test match against Australia.

AUS vs PAK 2023 2nd Test: Cricket Exchange Fantasy Tips

AUS vs PAK 2023 2nd Test: Winner Prediction

Hosts Australia will start out as heavy favourites to hand Pakistan their second successive defeat to seal their three-match series with a Test to spare.

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