Australia and Pakistan will be clashing in the first Test of the three-match series in Perth’s Optus Stadium from December 14, 2023, onwards. Pakistan will be looking to break their jinx of not winning a single Test match down under since the 1995-96 tour.

Pakistan is yet to win a Test series against Australia in their backyard as well and this time, they are coming on shores under the captaincy of Shan Masood. Masood took over from Babar Azam, who stepped down as skipper from all formats after the ICC World Cup 2023 debacle.

Gautam Gambhir expects Babar Azam to shine as batter after relinquishing captaincy

Babar Azam is considered to be the best batter in Pakistan lineup and much will depend on how he tackles the Australian pace attack in Perth.

There are expectations of a bouncy surface, given that drop-in pitches will be used in Optus Stadium. Rumors have suggested that the pace and bounce on the pitch might be similar to what the old WACA ground pitches had.

Meanwhile, Babar Azam was seen engrossed in a serious net session in a video shared by ESPNCricinfo on X.

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Meanwhile, Australia captain Pat Cummins lauded Babar Azam and said that he has no visible weaknesses.

He said: “Babar doesn’t have too many weaknesses. He has pretty tight technique and can score all around the ground. He is going to be hard work. He is kind of in the upper echelon of the batters at the moment around the world, so it will be satisfying if you get him out.”

Mitchell Starc, the ace pacer said: “Babar Azam has got a great batting temperament and has got all the shots. He can build an inning and can also be ultra-aggressive. Babar has the ability to take the game away from you. He’s one of the best and we hope to keep Babar quiet on this tour.”