Pakistan team management is likely to make two changes to their playing XI for the upcoming third and final Test of the series against Australia. This match will be played at the SCG in Sydney and begins on January 3rd, 2024.
This match will also mark the final outing for Australia opener David Warner in Test cricket. On the other hand, Pakistan, who trail 0-2 in the series, will be playing to save their pride.
After the dismal form of experienced opener Imam-ul-Haq whose slow batting has come under criticism in the Pakistan cricket circles, reports have indicated that 21-year-old left-hander Saim Ayub is likely to make his Test debut in Sydney.
The young southpaw has played eight T20Is this year and is widely regarded as a specialist in this format with just 14 First-Class games under his belt.
However, Ayub might just be the dose of energy that the dismal Pakistani batting needs as they have been nearly pathetic in this series. The youngster from Karachi made his First-Class debut last year but has impressed everyone with his range of strokes and positive attitude.
The Pakistan management is also waiting on the fitness update of spinner Abrar Ahmed, who missed the first two Tests due to a leg injury.
Reports stated that if Abrar is not fit in time for the Sydney Test, Pakistan will give a chance to off-spinner Sajid Khan who was called up as a reinforcement after the injury to Abrar. Ayub is set to replace Imam Ul Haq in the XI, while either Abrar or Sajid might replace a pacer or an all-rounder for the SCG Test.
Australia leads the three-match series 2-0, and Pakistan has lost 16 successive Tests in Australia.
(PTI inputs)
