Ahead of the historic first Test match between Pakistan and Australia, the first one between these two sides in Pakistan since 1998, both captains, Pat Cummins and Babar Azam, had their say on different aspects like team combination and preparations for the match.
While Cummins didn’t reveal the makeup of the Australian XI for the Rawalpindi Test which begins on March 4, he said that playing two spinners remained an option. One of those spinners is expected to be Nathan Lyon, while his partner is yet to be determined.
"I don't have an XI yet. We're pretty sure but we just want to have another look at the wicket. We have got a fair idea of what we want to do but don't want to make the call too early without fully knowing what the wicket is,” Cummins said.
He spoke greatly of the other two options in Mitchel Swepson and Ashton Agar and said: "I think that they're both great options. Swepo is a leg-spinner, it's a real luxury to have. He's been bowling fantastically (in domestic cricket), he's ready to go. Agar has been fantastic whenever he's played for Australia. I think he's really grown as a bowler in the last couple of years as well. So either of those two are absolutely ready for Test cricket if they get a chance."
Cummins said that he would not underestimate his opponents despite losing two players to injuries.
"In international cricket, you've got to have a squad to players. I'm sure that will be a big loss but it gives opportunities for other players to step up,” he said.
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Pakistan will have to file a depleted side for the first Test match after fast bowler Hasan Ali and all-rounder Faheem Ashraf were ruled out with injuries suffered during the Pakistan Super League (PSL), while seamer Haris Rauf will sit out, having tested positive for COVID-19.
However, Pakistani captain Babar Azam said that though it did hurt their team balance, his side is ready to give Australians a tough fight despite these absences.
"It did disturb our combination, especially injuries to Faheem and Hasan. Faheem contributes both with ball and bat and Hasan is one of the top bowlers, a proven match-winner. Australia is one of the best sides, we can't take it easy against them. We did well against Bangladesh. In this series too, we will do well and give them a tough time. Fans can expect quality cricket from us,” Babar told a virtual news conference on the eve of the match.
"Australia are here after 24 years, we're very excited. We prepared well and we are in good shape. We will try to make the most of our home conditions and get the best of our available players,” he added.
(Reuters inputs)
