Last Updated on 4 years ago by Charbel Coorey
Cricket News: Australia Possible XI for first Test against Pakistan at Rawalpindi | Australia Possible Playing XI for first Test vs Pakistan
Australia have touched down in Pakistan ahead of their historic tour; their first of the country since 1998. The series has been met with great anticipation and excitement, with a high-profile series taking place in a nation that has been starved of cricket since 2009.
Also, it is Australia’s first Test tour since the 2019 Ashes. They enter the three-match series as the number one Test team after routing England 4-0 at the same time India fell 2-1 to South Africa. Pat Cummins will lead the team in his first assignment abroad, which is Australia’s first Test series since Justin Langer’s resignation.
With plenty of speculation around the conditions, Australia are mulling over their team combination for the first Test in Rawalpindi. Pakistan typically suits pace more so than other subcontinent nations, but whether Australia plays Cameron Green as a third seamer remains to be seen.
On first glance, the Rawalpindi track looks devoid of grass and is a bat first surface. Such a track is sure to suit spin later in the match, so Australia could look at two spin options for the first Test against Babar Azam’s Pakistan.
Australia possible XI for first Test vs Pakistan
1. David Warner
A given. David Warner struck 335* in his last assignment vs Pakistan in 2019, and he will be aiming to make an impact.
Whether he can improve on his overseas Test average of 33.17 should make for interesting viewing.
2. Usman Khawaja
Marcus Harris continues to churn out the runs in Sheffield Shield cricket, but Usman Khawaja should get the nod for the opening spot in the first Test.
Khawaja cemented his place in the team with brilliant twin centuries at the SCG in January. Plus, this will be a special occasion for Khawaja in his country of birth.
3. Marnus Labuschagne
Australia’s number three has made a brilliant start to his Test career. Now, a huge year awaits him with the Pakistan tour the first of a number of Tests in the subcontinent this year.
Of course, Marnus has been prepararing in true Marnus fashion.
4. Steve Smith
Surprisingly, Steve Smith failed to score a century in the recent Ashes series, where his career average also dipped below 60. He will be crucial to Australia’s chances in this series.
5. Travis Head
The player of the series in the Ashes. Travis Head had a magnificent series, despite missing the SCG Test due to COVID-19.
However, Pakistan will have kept a close eye on how Head plays the short ball, and they will be looking to target that aspect of his game.
6. Cameron Green
Australia’s up-and-coming all-rounder grew into the recent Ashes series, where he scored two half-centuries in the final two Tests and took 13 wickets in the series at 15.76.
There is great anticipation as to how Green will fare in his first overseas series. Also, there is a growing possibility that Green could play as the third seamer.
7. Alex Carey (wk)
The incumbent keeper. Carey did quite well with the gloves in the Ashes, with some handy contributions down the order with the bat.
8. Pat Cummins (c)
A given. The world’s best Test bowler.
However, this will be Cummins’ biggest test as captain so far with England offering very little resistance at home. How well will he juggle the responsibility of lead pacer and captain?
9. Mitchell Swepson
A dry Rawalpindi wicket that looks devoid of grass could prompt Australia to play with two frontline spinners. Leg-spinner Mitchell Swepson is considered next in line to replace Nathan Lyon down the line, so here is a good opportunity to play him if Australia choose a twin-spin attack.
10. Nathan Lyon
Australia’s most prolific off-spinner no longer has the burden of chasing his 400th Test wicket. Lyon will have a crucial role to play as the lead spinner as he will aim to lead Australia to wins late in the Tests.
11. Josh Hazlewood
If Australia do choose two frontline spinners, the biggest decision could come down to Mitchell Starc vs Josh Hazlewood. A dry surface is likely to bring reverse swing into play, which makes Starc a dangerous proposition. However, Australia could opt for greater control, and Hazlewood’s skillset can offer plenty.
