Last Updated on 3 months by Charbel Coorey
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The slate has been wiped clean, but can a new, amazing narrative be written?
Test Cricket finally arrives again for Australia, but who could have ever thought circumstances like these could present them? Against a Pakistan side with strong know-how in UAE conditions, Australia will have three debutants in their starting XI, in conditions where more experienced players have struggled with in the past.
Good luck.
Pakistan, like Australia, are longing for some Test action. Coming off a very poor Asia Cup 2018 campaign, the Pakistanis are also looking for a bit of a confidence boost, and enter this Test series as overwhelming favourites. Skipper Sarfraz Ahmed, who was reportedly under pressure after the recent tournament, has put the onus on his batsmen to deliver, possessing a team mixed with experience and unproven talent in the Test arena. This is not to assume that the bowlers will have it all their own way by simply turning up, though. Can they turn the heat on Australia?
What a year it has been for Australia. Tim Paine, who was considering quitting cricket last year, now has the task of not only building a new era so to speak, but also public trust among fans back home. Yours truly was part of the very disappointed public back in March, letting out steam in a rant for the ages. But, now, the slate has been wiped clean and an opportunity presents an inexperienced side to write their own little chapter in Australian Test Cricket folklore. Very hot, dry conditions face the Aussies in Dubai – can the batsmen hold their own against Pakistan’s attack?
Key to a Pakistan win
It might be easy to conclude that Pakistan are overwhelming favourites here, and will win comfortably. However, with their own lack of Test fixtures in 2018, and a batting line up comprising of unproven players, Pakistan will need to ensure they are not caught up in the favouritism hype. In addition, Yasir Shah has not played a Test for a year, and Bilal Asif will debut to partner Shah in the spin department, given the absence of Shadab Khan.
One of those unproven players is Babar Azam. A player possessing a clean technique, so easy on the eye, has not taken off in the Test arena. An average of 28 after 13 Tests does not do him any justice, so the time is now for him to deliver. Of course, much depends on the experienced duo of Azhar Ali and Asad Shafiq, who need to play a key role in grinding the Aussies down into the Dubai soil. Against an in-form spin duo of Nathan Lyon and Jon Holland, can Pakistan find the resolve and temperament to bat the Aussies out of the Test when given the chance?
Of course, this opportunity will arise when the bowlers do their job. Sarfraz Ahmed will be hoping his spinners hit the mark straight away, against a side that has won three of 24 Tests in Asia this decade, with those teams boasting far greater experience. Another conundrum is in their pace bowling department – Wahab Riaz was poor in the practice match, which means Mir Hamza could make his debut alongside Mohammad Abbas. What movement can the seamers provide, in support of the spinners? If both pace and spin turn up the heat, Australia could easily get very burnt.
Key to an Australia win
What a famous victory this would be if Australia can achieve it.
Leaving out Matt Renshaw, a player who can dig in and bat for hours, is a controversial one, but the batsmen simply must play that role. Without Steve Smith, one of the best players of spin in the world, Australia’s batsmen must have a focus of fight rather than trying to look pretty. In these circumstances, output is of greater importance than appearance, and with three of the top six making their Test debuts, every ounce of determination needs to be on display.
Aaron Finch’s technique will be put to the test, and so too Usman Khawaja’s poor record in Asia, where he averages less than 15 in eight Tests. In Khawaja lies a player who has been accused of scoring only pretty runs, so here is an opportunity to prove the doubters wrong. In a top six also comprising of Mitchell Marsh, Travis Head and Marnus Labuschagne, Shaun Marsh is undoubtedly a key to Australia’s chances. His 53 in
helping Australia save a Test in India last year, in his own tough tour, proves he has stomach for the fight.
Also, so much depends on Australia’s spinners. For years since Shane Warne’s retirement, Australia have struggled for quality output from their spinners in Asia. In 2017, though, that changed, with Nathan Lyon simply brilliant in India and Bangladesh. Here, he has stamped his claim by taking eight wickets in an innings in the practice game, and will again be vital, along with Jon Holland who is also in good touch. Can Mitchell Starc find reverse swing, and Peter Siddle the accuracy to build the pressure? Against a Pakistan line up not entirely filled with confidence, an opportunity awaits.
Possible XIs
Pakistan will play one debutant in Bilal Asif, who will partner Yasir Shah as the specialist spinners, with Shadab Khan
ruled out with injury. Mohammad Hafeez has been
hastily brought back into the squad, and could play. Another decision is whether Wahab Riaz or Mir Hamza will play, after Mohammad Amir was
dropped from the squad.
For more information on Amir, check out Bimal Mirwani’s article here: https://battingwithbimal.com/2018/09/28/mohammad-amir-dropped-australia-tests/
Pakistan possible XI: 1. Mohammad Hafeez, 2. Imam-ul-Haq, 3. Azhar Ali, 4. Babar Azam, 5. Asad Shafiq, 6. Sarfraz Ahmed (c & wk), 7. Haris Sohail, 8. Yasir Shah, 9. Bilal Asif, 10. Mir Hamza, 11. Mohammad Abbas
Tim Paine has confirmed Australia’s side for the first Test, with three debutants selected. Matt Renshaw is unlucky to miss out, but with all talk set to be over, this side has to deliver.
Australia XI: 1. Aaron Finch, 2. Usman Khawaja, 3. Shaun Marsh, 4. Mitchell Marsh, 5. Travis Head, 6. Marcus Labuschagne, 7. Tim Paine (c & wk), 8. Mitchell Starc, 9. Peter Siddle, 10. Nathan Lyon, 11. Jon Holland
Dream11
- Azhar Ali is my captain, thanks to his ability to bat long periods. For Babar Azam, this could be the series where he announces himself as a Test player.
- Shaun Marsh is key for Australia, so too Asad Shafiq for Pakistan.
- Bilal Asif and Travis Head are two well priced all-rounders. Asif in particular will do plenty of bowling.
- Yasir Shah and Nathan Lyon need to be in the side, and Mohammad Abbas and Mitchell Starc could be excellent exponents of reverse swing. Plus, Starc can bat well.
Stats and Facts
- Pakistan’s last Test in the UAE was exactly a year ago, losing the 2nd Test to Sri Lanka to lose the series 2-0.
- Australia’s last assignment in the UAE was a 2-0 defeat in 2014. That side contained Michael Clarke, David Warner and Steve Smith.
- Pakistan have played three Tests this year, and won two, one against Ireland and the other against England. Australia have played five, losing three and winning two.
- Peter Siddle and Mohammad Hafeez both have not played a Test in two years.
Prediction
Heart says Australia, head says Pakistan. It is difficult to expect such an inexperienced Australia side to win, but the hope lies in that they will put in a really good fight.
Pakistan to win and take a 1-0 series lead.
Thanks for reading!
