AUS v PAK 2019: Langer says Australia likely to go unchanged for second Test 

The hosts won the first Test in Brisbane by an innings and five runs.

The Aussies dominated the first Test | Getty

If coach Justin Langer's words are to go by, Australia would most likely be unchanged for the second Test of the ongoing series against Pakistan in Adelaide starting November 29. 

The hosts clinched an innings and five-run victory in the first Test in Brisbane and can't find any reason to change the winning combination, even with pacer James Pattinson now available for selection after serving a one-Test ban for abusing in a domestic Sheffield Shield game. 

Read Also: George Bailey confirmed to join Australia's selection panel

"The boys all played well (in Brisbane), they had a day off having finished in four days," Langer told reporters on Wednesday (November 27).

"We haven’t had a look at the wicket yet, we’ll make sure they get through training today. But my gut feel is we’ll probably go with the same XI."

The bowling attack did its job after batsmen piled on the runs. But among them, middle-order batsman Travis Head might yet feel the pressure to retain his spot considering he scored just 24 runs in his only innings at Gabba.

Langer, however, stands firmly behind him. 

"It’s often a really hard time to come into bat," he said of Head's 29-ball knock while the Aussies were looking to declare on time. 

"But I was impressed (because) he was sharp, he was busy, he played well and got a pretty unlucky dismissal down the leg side."

"One of the reasons we selected him in the squad is we knew the second Test was in Adelaide," he added. 

"We all know he’s a great young bloke, he’s a very good young player and hopefully he does well this week. There’s no reason he shouldn’t. He’s in good nick."

(Inputs from Reuters)

 
 

By Kashish Chadha - 27 Nov, 2019

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