Pakistan is gearing up for the ultimate showdown against Australia in the grand culmination of the Benaud-Qadir Trophy. The pivotal match is set to unfold at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) from January 3 to 7.
With Australia securing an unassailable lead after their victory in the Boxing Day Test at Melbourne, Shan Masood’s side is determined to avoid a whitewash.
Following a challenging series opener in Perth resulting in a 360-run defeat, Pakistan displayed resilience in Melbourne. However, Australia sealed the victory on the fourth day of the match, leaving Pakistan eager to bounce back in the last game of the series.
Shan Masood, leading the run-scoring chart for Pakistan, showcased his prowess with twin half-centuries in the Boxing Day Test. Aamir Jamal, making his debut in the series opener, emerged as the second-highest wicket-taker, claiming 12 wickets in two games, including a noteworthy five-wicket haul.
The upcoming Test will witness the debut of opening batter Saim Ayub, who replaces Imam-ul-Haq, supported by a strong performance in the domestic season. Resting left-arm pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi, spinner Sajid Khan takes his place in the side.
Pakistan will maintain the three changes made ahead of the MCG Test, with Mir Hamza, Hasan Ali, and Mohammad Rizwan retaining their spots. Mir Hamza, filling in for the injured Khurram Shahzad, delivered a career-best performance in Melbourne, taking six wickets, including a double-wicket maiden.
In the pre-match press conference, Captain Shan Masood emphasized the team’s learning from the mistakes in the first two matches. He expressed confidence in the team’s positive direction and stressed the importance of not repeating errors against quality sides.
Regarding Shaheen’s absence, Masood reassured the team’s confidence in the player, highlighting the need to manage his workload and maintain physical and mental well-being.
Addressing the impact of fitness and workload on performance, Masood acknowledged the challenges faced by all-format players, emphasizing the team’s efforts to strike a balance.
Masood also commended the performance of players like Khurram Shahzad, Aamir Jamal, and Mir Hamza in tough conditions, attributing their success to the strength of the domestic system.
He expressed the team’s commitment to providing similar opportunities to batters to widen the player pool in each department.
Pakistan’s playing XI for the SCG Test includes Shan Masood (c), Saim Ayub, Abdullah Shafique, Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Salman Ali Agha, Sajid Khan, Aamir Jamal, Hasan Ali, and Mir Hamza.