1st Test, Australia vs Pakistan: Preview, Dream11 and more
Australia are set to take on Pakistan in the first Test of the two-match series, starting Thursday in Brisbane. This will be the first Test for Pakistan in the ongoing ICC World Test Championship. Australia had earlier drawn the Ashes 2019 series in England. There is plenty at stake for both teams. Here's the complete match preview.
Pakistan in for a stiff test against Australia
Pakistan under new skipper Azhar Ali has a lot of work to do against a resurgent Aussie side. The visitors have lost their last 12 Tests on Australian soil, with the last win dating back to November 1995. The young Pakistani outfit will aim to fare better and play positive cricket. They have a strong test on offer against an all-round Aussie team.
Can Pakistan's young and inexperienced pace line-up deliver?
Interestingly, 16-year-old speedster Naseem Shah, will make his debut, becoming the youngest male cricketer to play his maiden Test in Australia. Pakistan's group of young bowlers fared well recently against Australia A in a warm-up match. Pakistan's pace attack comprises of teenagers Mohammad Musa, Shah and Shaheen Afridi, besides the presence of Mohammad Abbas and Imran Khan. They have 26 Test caps between them.
Australia have several stars on offer
Australia's main strength will be the cracking pace-bowling unit on offer. The likes of Josh Hazlewood, Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc are expected to hold utmost significance. Spinner Nathan Lyon will look to thrive as well. In batting, their best bet is Steve Smith, who is world's number one Test batsman. Focus will be on opener David Warner, who is being backed to shine.
Dream11: Smith and Babar lead the show
Imam-ul-Haq and David Warner get the nods as openers of this Dream11 side. Warner will want to do well after a dismal Ashes 2019. Babar Azam (vice-captain) and Steve Smith (captain) are the pillars in batting. Marnus Labuschagne follows suit and is joined by wicket-keeper batsman Tim Paine. Ifthikar Ahmed is next. The four-man bowling attack has Cummins, Hazlewood, Afridi and Yasir Shah.
View point: What did the players say?
"Like any other team, I'm sure we'll use some bouncers, but, if we're using a bouncer, it's because we think it's a wicket-taking ball. I don't think we'll overdo it," said Australian star pacer Cummins. "It's going to be a good contest. Our batsmen and bowlers are performing well. Our youngsters are in good form and have bowled well in warm-up games," said Azam.
Conditions, pitch report and timing
According to reports, the weather in Brisbane is expected to be bright and sunny. The Brisbane wicket is known to offer a plenty of assistance to the pacers with its consistent bounce. The match is scheduled at 5:30 AM IST.
